Thinking of joining the Navy, any feedback?
I've been thinking about the Navy for several years, I would be an officer (I have a PhD in entomology), so I would go to 3 months officer training school in Rhode Island and then at least 3 years active service. I am 38 but the age cutoff for entomology is 41. I guess that there are few entomologists so they are willing to take us older (more mature, or perhaps in a later instar!).
This would give me a chance to do something really useful with my PhD. My husband is OK with this. I have the basic requirements etc but I would appreciate some feedback on what kind of life I would really expect. The only Navy guys I know are enlisted. Has anyone served? As a married officer in the Navy? Any comments positive or negative are very very welcome. At least I know with my EN training I can pass the PT tests!
Christy
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Christy,
The Navy, and a doc gig especially, is on a different planet from what I did, obviously. But PM me and I'll put you in touch with Mike Prevost, former EN member, co-author of our HR Training ebook, and a Navy doc/research type down on San Diego.
I served on Active Duty in the Army for 4 years. I did the ROTC thing (Reserve officer Training Corps) at the University of Connecticut. Was heavily involved for the 4 years I was at Uconn, got a scholarship and was literally in the car driving to Fort Knox, KY 2 days after I graduated from school. I Was commissioned as a 2LT and got out as a Captain. When I got out I became a defense contractor and ultimately become a Marine Civilian (federal employee). I work with lots of Active Duty folks, vets, and retired military folks on a daily basis for my job.
My .02 is that the military is a great experience if you are up for the challenge and adventure.
Some things to consider before signing up.
-The Navy will most likely move you around...You may have the ability to create a "wish List" of top 5 places but ultimately the Navy will always get the final say. Not necessarily a bad thing but you just need to be up for it. Being in the medical corps will most likely narrow the choices.
-Is your Navy "Doc" job on dry land or on a ship? If a ship you should expect to be deployed
- If dry land position the Navy still deploys quite a few folks overseas in support of the current war efforts; also not necessarily a bad thing, you just have to be up for it.
- Recommend you ask lots of questions to your recruiter (or whoever your working with in the Navy) before signing on the dotted line.
-Also consider that a 3 year active duty contract is probably an Eight year contract with the other 5 years being on Inactive Reserves i.e. your name is on a list and you can be called back up.
Rich is absolutely correct that a Doc gig is on a different planet from most other miltary jobs. I was an armor officer and spent much of my time in an Abrams Tank and HMMWV (Hummer) sloshing through the mud of Training areas or lovely Balkin (Kosovo) towns either freezing my tail off or dying from the heat...
Sounds like Rich has a great contact for you...talk his ear off
Lastly, the Docs in the military are an invaluable resource and it is great that you are considering this as an option.
Christy,
I am a Navy Surgeon and would be happy to talk to you about my experiences. I also know some PhD scientist types that would probably be good to talk to to as well. One of my friends, just tranferred to MD from Va but he had been deployed to Kuwait and spent time doing site visits in the middle East. When i was in Africa the Navy "bug" docs also came through our center looking for vectors. They were from the same command as my friend so he might have some contacts in the entomology dept. Feel free to PM me.
Christy,
Just curious as to what you might have decided.
I have been in the Air Force since 1985 --- Air Force Academy Class of '89 -- and am very happy with my choice of my career. I don't think you can go wrong, especially if your service commitment is only 3 yrs active.
Joe