Should I join the Navy?

[trisha.whitmire]

I am a graduate student about to complete my Master's degree in Criminal Justice. I am having trouble finding a job because of the economy. I have considered joining the Navy before because of the job opportunities that will be available to me once I am done and I also think it would be a great opportunity to go places I would never be able to go.

Has anybody been in the Navy and would you recommend it?
Was there anything you didn't like?
How should I choose what job I want to do since there are so many options?

I would really appreciate any information you could give me. Thanks in advance
I agree. I wouldn't want to go in unless I went in as an officer.

[slimballa_16]

If you go go as an officer, but on some real shit dont waste your time shorty cause u might not like being out to sea 6 months at a time esspeically f u got family

[Victor M]

Hello, the very first thing I would do is make sure You've tried your hardest to get a job since you have a masters degree. If you want to do more than the Navy may be the way to go.

1. First of all yes become officer, You will most likely go to OCS(Officer Candidate School). I think it's like 13 weeks but you might not get as much respect as if you enlisted frist but still I mean your an officer you can't beat the pay

2. Well I don't know to much of what Job's officers have cause I just got out of bootcamp but it's alot of administrative stuff. even just going enlisted into an IT rate you can make 6 digits when you get out. but if you would go that way then get the CT job.

3. Ok here's the thing, the bootcamp is a peace of cake for the most part. but you will miss your family and everything. Their are times that you just want to get out. I want to start my own business and their are so many opportunities that the navy will give me in the future. Yes If I were you I would join. You will hate your decision sometimes but it's a good decision.

[the_fire_dog]

I wouldn't but go in as an officer if you do.

[Erudite#1]

Yes I think you should go and show them how to run the Navy. The Navy is the place to be to see all the wonderful places in the world. The people all over the world will love to meet and talk with you. Good place to build experience for the future. You will love the Navy and all it has to offer.

[Mary L]

I would recommend you joining the navy however both enlisted and officer have pros and cons. It may seem that the officer route may be a good path for you, however you have to qualify for the officer commission. I would respected a prior enlisted officer more than some one who just received their commission what ever you do is up to you.

Remember joining the Navy, you will have a guaranteed pay check and benefits.

[Yak Rider]

No, do not join. You should apply for a commission and come in as an officer. Do not go to a regular navy recruiter. The navy uses special recruiters for their officers. Call a recruiter and ask for the number for the local officer recruiter.

[Teachercop]

Only if you like the Village People. JK....

Seriously, why the Navy? It sounds like you want something in the CJ field. I have the same degree....I was an MP/SF in the Air Force and a part time street cop. The local police prepared me for a CJ position more than the military ever did. Do it to serve your country, that's fine but don't do it to advance your career-it probably won't do as much as you think it might. Once you sign, they OWN you. You no longer get to make too many decisions for yourself at that point.

If you're young and single, have reached a wall in the job market as you say with no leads at all....go for it. Look at NCIS civilian LE positions.

[Matthew L]

I'm not sure of the Navy but in the Army, some of the best officers where prier enlisted. I would say its really up to you, because if you became a E-5 and a NCO then you could leave and join back up as an officer with no problem. While having the prier experience.

But if your high speed and are ready for an officers rigorous job, go for officer right off the back. really its up to you.

Also you should try to become a JAG officer and work for the Paralegal office. Very rewarding sense your degree is based off the same job.