Navy or Air Force?

[Pachrian]

In response 2012mom?: When I asked my son recently if he thought he might be happier at a mainstream university as opposed to a SA, he said "What makes you think I won't be happy? This is what I want to do!" He has been to several JROTC camps, not that they are anything like the Plebe summer, Rat Line or Rook Year, but he always says that it's not fun but he loves it. Happy to him is working out hard, challenging himself academically and doing something he never thought he could or would. I guess he's just made for it.

Same here. I asked my Plebe during winter break if he thinks he'd be happier at a traditional college and got a resounding H*LL NO!

One of the big factors for him seem to be the people he's with at USNA. That's not to say that there aren't any slackers in his company, but they seem to be coming around with the help of the other plebes. Kinda cool

 

[MomoftheMagik]

It is interesting to hear your thoughts, Memphis. My sailor was always telling me he did NOT want to go out on a carrier. He loves to travel, so I thought going out with the fleet would be something he'd like, but the things he heard in bc made him dread it. He will soon be stationed in Memphis as a vocalist for the rock band "Freedom", so I guess he's safe for now.

When people asked my second son why he didn't apply for the USAFA, he said, "It's Navy or nothing for me." I know he will be very disappointed if he doesn't get in, but he says he'll try again until he's accepted. I practically had to force him to make an alternate plan, and he still just says, "That's nice." when he receives word from other schools.

Hopefully he'll get in this year, but if not, he'll just have to pick himself up, dust himself off and learn more about determination as he starts the process over again.

 

[1964BGO]

MOM you bring up a good point that some candidates might consider: If you don't make the cut this year, are you willing to take a shot at it again next year? Persistence does pay; I got into USNA on my second try. I tend to consider the second and third tries as evidence of commitment and persistence - valuable traits in this arena.

Best wishes to your son - and the other candidates still in the holding pattern.

 

[MomoftheMagik]

Thanks 1964. I will definitely have my son read your post. It is encouraging to know that applying a second time is viewed in a positive light by a former midshipman and a Naval officer.

Still waiting...and hoping.

 

[2012Cadet]

Woops, my bad you're right. Unrestricted line is for USNA.

As for USMA vs. USNA for combat/flying...its a tough one. They both provide excellent options...it's really a question of which service you want to join. I do think USNA provides great flexibility, since it provides two routes for flying (USMC and Navy). And then you have the combat branches of both navy and USMC. I think the question would come down to...what are your long term career goals? Do you want to live a Navy/Marine life? Or an Army life?

Yes, USMC has sappers. However, a USMC sapper is a bit different than an Army sapper. A USMC sapper is a combat engineer attatched to an infantry unit. While an Army sapper is one who earned the tab going through the 28-30 day (I think?) course. Another difference is that an army sapper may not be an engineer by MOS. For example an infantryman can earn the sapper tab. While a USMC sapper is a combat engineer. Basically, what I'm trying to get at is that sapper is defined differently in each branch.

As a USMC combat engineer, what you do depends largely on what unit you are assigned too. If you are attatched to an infantry unit, plan on dealing with IED's, mines, blowing up doors, etc...However, you may also be assigned to other types of units, where you could be constructing an airfield in the middle of a recently captured hotspot.

So if your an infantryman who earns a sapper tab in the army, will you do more of the exploding? As for USMC, am guessing you assigned a unit and don't get to choose?

If these above are true, I think I would be more inclined to be an Army sapper if that's what I wanted.

Another question: For Army, would an infantryman who earned a sapper tab still be considered an infantryman, or would they be switched to combat engineer?

My long term career goals: combat/spec ops/pilot dealing with spec ops (as for which branch life, that's whats giving me trouble...if I knew which branch I truly wanted, it would be easy)

 

[2012Cadet]

As for spec ops...obviously it is tough, and who would want it to be otherwise considering the job they have to do? If it is really what you want, go for it, but it has to be REALLY what you want, or you will not make it. Even then, there is no guarantee it will work out. My son had to be dropped from SEAL training due to an old hip/leg injury. He was told he could try again in two years, but he's not sure he will ever be healed enough to make it. In spite of the fact that he was the fastest swimmer in his division, could max out the sit ups and usually max out the push ups, the constant running gave him trouble. There are no shortcuts or exceptions in SEAL training. You also have to be mentally and emotionally strong because, to put it mildly, the trainers are not exactly push-overs.

Finally, you need to understand that, if you decide to go spec ops but wash out, you will still be in the military and will have to take on whatever job they have available for you. I know former SEAL candidates in all kinds of different Navy careers, some are happy, some not so much. It is just something you have to be prepared to face. Obvioulsy not one of those young men went into training thinking he would wash out. As for my son, he got really lucky. An officer heard him sing and sponsored him to audition for vocalist. He graduates from the School of Music next week...but in two years, he'll probably go for Spec Ops again, though this time it may be Diver or Rescue Swimmer.

That's a lot to process. I wish you well with whatever decision you make. Congratulations on the success you have achieved so far!!

GoNavy

As far as washing out of SEALs, how hard would it be, if this happened, to go for Naval aviation/interservice transfer to USMC/Army/Air Force? The reason I ask is cause no other jobs in the Navy appeal to me except intel which is restricted line.

 

[MomoftheMagik]

2012, I don't know how hard it would be, as there is so much to consider, but I do know you would probably have to wait a couple of years. My son was the same way. He was interested in nothing but spec ops. However, I can honestly say that everything he did has helped him to grow as a sailor and as a young man. He likes his job now and is waiting for his chance to return to what he loves, this time with the added benefit of more experience and maturity. BTW, being at a school where three branches of the military are trained has confirmed for him that he made the right decision to go Navy.

Oh, my son suggested you check out the Blue to Green program, just for another idea to consider.

 

[Mindy G]

My son is a plebe and when he strongly believes that had he chosen the ROTC route that his grades would not be as good. At the Academy people are their to study he has never worked so hard or had as high a GPA. When he compares his exerience to those of his HS friends he realizes tough not fun he is making his investment now. Most days he does not regreat his decision.

 

[Magikeys]

That's good to hear. My mom tells me all the time that if I sacrifice now it will pay off in a few years. You bring up a point that my parents mention often. At the academy, students are their to work hard and learn. They are all pretty much on the same page. At a civilian school you have your learners and your partiers and everything in between. I always hope I would be diligent no matter what, but I do like hanging out with my friends.

 

[2012Cadet]

2012, I don't know how hard it would be, as there is so much to consider, but I do know you would probably have to wait a couple of years. My son was the same way. He was interested in nothing but spec ops. However, I can honestly say that everything he did has helped him to grow as a sailor and as a young man. He likes his job now and is waiting for his chance to return to what he loves, this time with the added benefit of more experience and maturity. BTW, being at a school where three branches of the military are trained has confirmed for him that he made the right decision to go Navy.

Oh, my son suggested you check out the Blue to Green program, just for another idea to consider.

Thanks for the heads up...will check out Blue to Green...