Talked to the recruiter yesterday about signing up. I’m going to do the Navy because I want to do the SEAL program. I’ve been training my ass off for some time now and I’ve done as much research as anyone can do and its definitely what I want more than anything. But I have to pick another job in case I don’t make it. Basically, I qualify for any job in the Navy. I was recommended the advanced electronics or nuclear programs by the recruiter. So do you guys have any recommendations?
Look into Navy EOD.
I think we need a little more information on you first. Things like age, fitness level, education level, interest (hobbies and professional), any prior military or ROTC experience, etc.
That might help us understand who you are so that we can leverage what we know about the Navy and careers or else we’ll just be chucking suggestions out there in the hope that one sounds remotely interesting to you.
If you follow the national trend, you will have a minimum of three careers in your life. Even doctors and lawyers are tending to leave their fields and go in new directions these days.
Point being that you shouldn’t worry if your first career isn’t a “life-time” career, or has no application outside the service. You can always retrain, go to college, etc.
M_P
Get everything in writing.
I’m 28 years old (yea, i know I’m cutting it close on the age cutoff, its now or never)
I’m in pretty good shape, I can pass the SEAL PST requirements without much trouble. I do need to work on my running though.
I have an Associates Degree in Recording Arts. Its pretty much a bullshit degree.
Interests…Guns, shooting, working out, reading, working on and listening to music, electronics, current events and whats going on in the world, swimming, snowboarding, surfing, basically any outdoors activities.
No prior military or ROTC experience. Only thing remotely close for me is being an Eagle Scout.
well this would be my second career. I’ve gone to college for and currently work in the music business as a recording/mixing engineer. Basically I’m the guy who runs the big mixing boards and makes people who can’t sing sound like they can. But the music business is chock full of shady people and very unstable. I would like a more stable career option to provide for my family.
Are you sure the Navy’s what you’re looking for at this stage in your life? I would definitely discuss at length being gone a lot for extended periods of time with your wife & kids. I’m not trying to discourage you, we need all the Sailors & SEALS we can get, but it is a difficult transition to make with an existing non-military family. Good luck with your decision.
My brother-in-law was a nuclear engineer on a submarine. He leveraged this into a job as superintendent of a nuclear power plant after he left the navy. I would hate life on a sub and life in the control room of a nuclear reactor. He thrived in both settings. Go for what attracts you and you could serve well at.
Its definitely what I want for my life. My fiancee and kids are what has kept me from making the decision thus far. But I think the financial stability and future that the military will provide will outweigh the negatives. The career I am in right now is more unfriendly to family life than the military. Yes its going to be a difficult transition, and my fiancee and I have discussed it in length. But after we both sat down with the recruiter she feels a lot better about the decision.
I’m also very clear on what would be required of me as a SEAL and am prepared to make that sacrifice.
Pretty good shape is not going to cut it. Seal fitness is top tier, you need to be able to run 7 minute miles, you need to be to swim well, your cardio had better be top notch as well. I thought I was in good shape when I went into the Navy when I was 18, they will find any weakness that you have, be it physical or mental. The reason for having to pick alternate jobs is because of the washout rate. You have to qualify for seal testing in basic so that if you don’t make it you don’t loose any time. I wish you the best of of luck. I also agree with what the others have said and yes get everything in writing. A promise doesn’t mean anything. As recruiter’s have been known to stretch the truth at times.
Yea, to be honest i would really prefer to not be stuck on a sub my entire career.
Yep, I’m well aware of the fitness standard necessary. IMO I could always be in better shape, I don’t feel as though I’ll ever be 100% ready to take on the challenge because no matter how fit I am, they’re going to push me past my limit. But its what I want more than anything. I want to be pushed beyond my limits. I want to be put through the ringer because thats what it requires and I will become a better person for it.
I train for hours a day, following the NSW Physical Fitness guide and also incorporate Stew Smith’s programs for some variety. I have read every book on SEALs i can get my hands on, watched every video I could, and talked to everyone I could find with any experience in the NSW life. I believe I am mentally prepared and well on my way to being physically prepared as well. I’m absolutely looking forward to the challenge of getting my ass pounded into the sand and really testing my limits.
I dont know about Navy, but USMC gives instant e2 for Eagle Scout or 18 credit hours of college, which you have.
Whatever job you get, just remember we’re all janitors 1st and foremost. Tip of the spear? No! Bristles on the broom!
I’m not trying to discourage you, I was in the Navy for 4 years and am proud of my service, but I don’t think the music recording business is as detrimental to a relationship as possibly being gone for a year at a time. I wish you all the best.
Don’t listen to recruiters, they’re all used car salesmen and liars, and make sure you get everything in writing or it doesn’t mean shit.
The recruiter said with my Associates degree I would go in either E2 or E3 depending on my college credits.
Another thought in relation to this. You can be an E-3 coming out of boot in the Navy. Tell your recruiter in order for you to enlist that you’ll need to be an E-3 coming out of Great Lakes. He can make this happen and will typically tell you if you can get 2 people to sign up he can bump you up a paygrade. Recruiters have quotas, or did, and you’re helping his career by enlisting so he should be helping yours as well, negotiations are key 
No offense, but you must not have much experience with the music business. Its an awful way to make a living. Clients don’t pay, or pay months later, always having to hustle for your next gig, nothing is guaranteed, and I’m away from my family quite a bit either traveling or working 16 hour days, zero benefits or insurance, zero stability. Have to leave for work on a moments notice.
I think at least if I’m away from my family so much I could at least provide them with financial stability and future security that the military would provide. And the benefits are an added plus.
Oh I know! I’ve spoken to a few recruiters and got different answers from all of them. I’ve also been reading a lot of NavySEALs.com which is a wealth of accurate knowledge.
thanks, great tip!