Navy reserves? or any reserve?

[alfajay]

A buddy of mine was thinking about joining. Work is SLOW and he's trying to convince me it would be a good idea. Anyone have anything to say good or bad? He saw a ad for it online and thought it was a good idea. Other than that he dones't know anything bout it. Any pro's or cons? I know there are alot of military members just trying to find some un biased info.

[westcoaststrokin]

Well as far as the reserves go I have no input. I know that they go to boot camp just like us. Or at least they did 15 years ago when I went through. They also offer some good programs for training etc. The downsides would be that they are sending alot of reservist to the desert. I would actually recommend going full time Navy. Yeah the first two years suck but the last two aren't as bad. I am not a recruiter but the Navy has treated me well for the last 15 years. If you have any questions about the Navy feel free to PM me and I will try to answer them.

[Evil Eye]

Can you say deployment? The reserves aren't as significant a commitment as enlisting, but they still get deployed, especially now. I personally knew that I could die for my country and went willingly as that was my duty. Be sure you get ALL the facts before taking the plunge and know what you are getting into. Good luck with your decision!

[westcoaststrokin]

Well said Shawn. I do believe they are deploying almost as much as we are.

[vitalidle]

The only thing I will add is if you are joining because work is slow and want to make a few extra bucks then the reserves probobly isn't the best place for that endeavor. Its a huge commitment and I certainly commend you for considering joining the military, but you really need to be sure its the right choice for you. Don't let a recruiter pressure you into anything as they will do just that. Make sure you get all your questions answered and after you have had time to talk to your friends and family about your decision then by all means do it if its what you really want! Good luck with your decision

[joleary223]

Originally Posted by vitalidle

The only thing I will add is if you are joining because work is slow and want to make a few extra bucks then the reserves probobly isn't the best place for that endeavor. Its a huge commitment and I certainly commend you for considering joining the military, but you really need to be sure its the right choice for you. Don't let a recruiter pressure you into anything as they will do just that. Make sure you get all your questions answered and after you have had time to talk to your friends and family about your decision then by all means do it if its what you really want! Good luck with your decision

+1 it's a BIG decision. I work in the Florida Capitol bld. and the dept of military affairs guys were telling me that the national guard is offering a 30,000 dollar sign on bonus to be paid 15,000 at the end of bootcamp and 15,000 at the end of your A school. I'm sure there is some catch but other than "the most dangerous catch" I don't know of any other legal way to make 30,000 in a couple of months. Check it out but don't be a sucker. Good luck.

[Evil Eye]

Originally Posted by joleary223

+1 it's a BIG decision. I work in the Florida Capitol bld. and the dept of military affairs guys were telling me that the national guard is offering a 30,000 dollar sign on bonus to be paid 15,000 at the end of bootcamp and 15,000 at the end of your A school. I'm sure there is some catch but other than "the most dangerous catch" I don't know of any other legal way to make 30,000 in a couple of months. Check it out but don't be a sucker. Good luck.

Holy crap! 30k? Just for enlisting? My reenlistment bonus wasn't half that! Not that the wife would have let me re-up, but still...

[westcoaststrokin]

Originally Posted by Evil Eye

Holy crap! 30k? Just for enlisting? My reenlistment bonus wasn't half that! Not that the wife would have let me re-up, but still...

I know that there are NUC's that are getting 100k to reenlist. Only about 80K higher than I ever got.

[vitalidle]

Originally Posted by westcoaststrokin

I know that there are NUC's that are getting 100k to reenlist. Only about 80K higher than I ever got.

Yeah that sure has changed since I have been in and rightly so I might add!!

[alfajay]

Thanks for the input, the whole idea was just thrown my way. I don't know any details or have thought about more than the past couple hours. I have a friend from college thats in the Navy (full-time thing) and loves it. He's been all over the west coast, but I am tired of looking for work. Trying to find a different line of work, as is another guy I work with. My friend has been in fro about 2yrs and the only place he said he will go it most likely Japan, no threat of Middle East. Does that make much sense? I have no plans of jumping into anything yet, just a possibility, and I know teh recruiters can BS like no other from back when I was 18.