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Navy enlistment questions
It's quite loser's story but, hell, I'll not fall lower by telling it.
I've made a big mistake in my life, namely, I've got a Ph.D. in engineering from a second tier graduate program. Since graduation, I had a string of sh*t pay, no benefits, long hours, dead-end postdocs ("permanently" temporary research slave jobs for 50% of the fresh (and not so fresh) Ph.D.s who cannot find a real job). Well, me (and many, many others) had/have no other options. During postdocing (brain numbing, overall pointless, BS peddling to cheat a buck from Uncle Sam kind of a job), I have developed a strong aversion to the (academic) research trade. I cannot stand it (even in an exchange for a theoretical lofty paycheck). Had I liked it, I would have roughed through everything, but………research is for the single-minded zombies with talents of a used car salesman. And it's not me. I really like engineering, but with my degree and experience, entry level engineering jobs are reliably out of my reach. I am overqualified for entry-level jobs (too old also), and I am unqualified for experience-only jobs. 1 year of unsuccessful applying for all kinds of engineering jobs is enough to realize that there is nothing for me in the "real world". Do not get me wrong, I have good GPAs (3.9 both in undergrad and grad schools), I have 10 or so publications in the premiere science journals, I have a good research resume and good recommendations. But all that is not enough to land an engineering job these days. What to do? I do not have a formal degree in EE, but I do like electronics and I do know a lot about it. It's my true passion. I'd like to pursue a career in electronics (desirably engineering, but technician jobs are OK too – more difficult to offshore). It happens that I like sea, I like (to learn about, at least) navy, ships, ship's weaponry, naval history. I would like to try something different, new and manly like a military service. Clock is ticking. In 4 years (I'm 30 y.o. now), I'll not have a military option. So, I am considering enlisting to navy. Local recruiters are not making their quotas, I was forgiven my 10 extra pounds. I think I'll be able to pass physical. I have the right attitude to get through a boot camp too. Also, I am a permanent resident i.e. an officer school is not an option (I am not sure if I would be allowed to enter an officer school in such a ripe age, anyway). My questions: 1) Is 30 y.o. is too old to be a sailor? I know navy is OK with 30y.o. sailors, but….will I look like a freak among early 20th crowd? 2) Have you ever seen a Ph.D. enlisting as a sailor? Do you think it will be better for me not to mention my Ph.D. at all: a) to avoid future pecking along the line "let's see how smart you really are" b) not to be an unofficial poster child for a loser. How thoroughly background check is done? Will such an omission be counted against me if discovered? 3) What is the most challenging electronics field in navy? What is its rate? Is it open for non citizens (Hopefully, I'll be a citizen in 2 years or so)? Ideally, I would like something involving little bit of design (I hope to pass PE exam in the future, and I need a design experience to be registered as a professional engineer). 4) Assuming that I will like the service, will be good at it, will get my citizenship and will decide to become an officer: a) what is max age for applicants to an officer school? b) will I be required to fulfill my enlistment obligations prior to applying to a school? 5) Are those with earned college degrees qualified for the Navy college funds? 6) In army, enlisted college graduates fresh out of a boot camp get higher rank than HS graduates do. Does anything like that exist in navy? Thanks to anyone who'll bother to reply. |
#2
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"Atcrossroad" wrote in message om... 1) Is 30 y.o. is too old to be a sailor? I know navy is OK with 30y.o. sailors, but..will I look like a freak among early 20th crowd? 2) Have you ever seen a Ph.D. enlisting as a sailor? Don't even think of it. You will be the proverbial square peg in the round hole, you will be trapped, miserable, and still working for peanuts. 3) What is the most challenging electronics field in navy? What is its rate? Is it open for non citizens (Hopefully, I'll be a citizen in 2 years or so)? Ideally, I would like something involving little bit of design There is no design work that I have ever heard about in the Navy, perhaps in Buships somewhere. Mosty, your job is to keep things working. (I hope to pass PE exam in the future, and I need a design experience to be registered as a professional engineer). Do that! Look for a job in the public sector. They are out there. For example: You could be in charge of the traffic signal shop for a large county and move your way right up if you wanted to. I knew a guy just like you who worked for South Florida Flood control happily in charge of a bunch of electronics technicians who designed his own microwave control circuits for the big water gates. 4) Assuming that I will like the service, will be good at it, will get my citizenship and will decide to become an officer: a) what is max age for applicants to an officer school? b) will I be required to fulfill my enlistment obligations prior to applying to a school? A) Don't know B) Typically, no I also once joined the Navy with the idea of "working my way up to officer" It was increadibly niave for me (but I was young then) it would be stupid for you for a range of reasons. Good Luck Vaughn |
#3
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#4
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If you can't find an acceptable in engineering with a PHD, don't bother
trying to make "it" in the Navy. Try the Airforce. "Atcrossroad" wrote in message om... It's quite loser's story but, hell, I'll not fall lower by telling it. I've made a big mistake in my life, namely, I've got a Ph.D. in engineering from a second tier graduate program. Since graduation, I had a string of sh*t pay, no benefits, long hours, dead-end postdocs ("permanently" temporary research slave jobs for 50% of the fresh (and not so fresh) Ph.D.s who cannot find a real job). Well, me (and many, many others) had/have no other options. During postdocing (brain numbing, overall pointless, BS peddling to cheat a buck from Uncle Sam kind of a job), I have developed a strong aversion to the (academic) research trade. I cannot stand it (even in an exchange for a theoretical lofty paycheck). Had I liked it, I would have roughed through everything, but...research is for the single-minded zombies with talents of a used car salesman. And it's not me. I really like engineering, but with my degree and experience, entry level engineering jobs are reliably out of my reach. I am overqualified for entry-level jobs (too old also), and I am unqualified for experience-only jobs. 1 year of unsuccessful applying for all kinds of engineering jobs is enough to realize that there is nothing for me in the "real world". Do not get me wrong, I have good GPAs (3.9 both in undergrad and grad schools), I have 10 or so publications in the premiere science journals, I have a good research resume and good recommendations. But all that is not enough to land an engineering job these days. What to do? I do not have a formal degree in EE, but I do like electronics and I do know a lot about it. It's my true passion. I'd like to pursue a career in electronics (desirably engineering, but technician jobs are OK too - more difficult to offshore). It happens that I like sea, I like (to learn about, at least) navy, ships, ship's weaponry, naval history. I would like to try something different, new and manly like a military service. Clock is ticking. In 4 years (I'm 30 y.o. now), I'll not have a military option. So, I am considering enlisting to navy. Local recruiters are not making their quotas, I was forgiven my 10 extra pounds. I think I'll be able to pass physical. I have the right attitude to get through a boot camp too. Also, I am a permanent resident i.e. an officer school is not an option (I am not sure if I would be allowed to enter an officer school in such a ripe age, anyway). My questions: 1) Is 30 y.o. is too old to be a sailor? I know navy is OK with 30y.o. sailors, but..will I look like a freak among early 20th crowd? 2) Have you ever seen a Ph.D. enlisting as a sailor? Do you think it will be better for me not to mention my Ph.D. at all: a) to avoid future pecking along the line "let's see how smart you really are" b) not to be an unofficial poster child for a loser. How thoroughly background check is done? Will such an omission be counted against me if discovered? 3) What is the most challenging electronics field in navy? What is its rate? Is it open for non citizens (Hopefully, I'll be a citizen in 2 years or so)? Ideally, I would like something involving little bit of design (I hope to pass PE exam in the future, and I need a design experience to be registered as a professional engineer). 4) Assuming that I will like the service, will be good at it, will get my citizenship and will decide to become an officer: a) what is max age for applicants to an officer school? b) will I be required to fulfill my enlistment obligations prior to applying to a school? 5) Are those with earned college degrees qualified for the Navy college funds? 6) In army, enlisted college graduates fresh out of a boot camp get higher rank than HS graduates do. Does anything like that exist in navy? Thanks to anyone who'll bother to reply. |
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Atcrossroad wrote:
It's quite loser's story but, hell, I'll not fall lower by telling it. I've made a big mistake in my life, namely, I've got a Ph.D. in engineering from a second tier graduate program. What to do? I do not have a formal degree in EE, but I do like electronics and I do know a lot about it. It's my true passion. I'd like to pursue a career in electronics (desirably engineering, but technician jobs are OK too – more difficult to offshore). It happens that I like sea, I like (to learn about, at least) navy, ships, ship's weaponry, naval history. I would like to try something different, new and manly like a military service. Clock is ticking. In 4 years (I'm 30 y.o. now), I'll not have a military option. So, I am considering enlisting to navy. Local recruiters are not making their quotas, I was forgiven my 10 extra pounds. I think I'll be able to pass physical. I have the right attitude to get through a boot camp too. Also, I am a permanent resident i.e. an officer school is not an option (I am not sure if I would be allowed to enter an officer school in such a ripe age, anyway). My questions: 1) Is 30 y.o. is too old to be a sailor? I know navy is OK with 30y.o. sailors, but….will I look like a freak among early 20th crowd? In the reserves, we get a lot of 30-somethings coming into the ranks, as they wrestle with exactly the same issues your are. Including more than one with a PhD. 2) Have you ever seen a Ph.D. enlisting as a sailor? Yes, in the reserves. On active duty we had a Chief who had earned his PhD at some point in his career. Do you think it will be better for me not to mention my Ph.D. at all: a) to avoid future pecking along the line "let's see how smart you really are" b) not to be an unofficial poster child for a loser. How thoroughly background check is done? Will such an omission be counted against me if discovered? No need to hide it. Be proud but not arrogant. 3) What is the most challenging electronics field in navy? What is its rate? Nuke power. Is it open for non citizens (Hopefully, I'll be a citizen in 2 years or so)? Probably not. Ideally, I would like something involving little bit of design (I hope to pass PE exam in the future, and I need a design experience to be registered as a professional engineer). Design? Maybe the "McGyver" sort. But I am a firm believer than designers who have used the equipment are better than those who haven't. 4) Assuming that I will like the service, will be good at it, will get my citizenship and will decide to become an officer: a) what is max age for applicants to an officer school? b) will I be required to fulfill my enlistment obligations prior to applying to a school? Not sure on max age. You will not need to fulfill your enlisted requirement prior. 5) Are those with earned college degrees qualified for the Navy college funds? Yes. I used my GI Bill to fund my PhD. You could use it to fund getting your pilot's license or A&P license also. Attend school for Real Estate license. Go to Divinity School. etc. Certain restrictions apply. 6) In army, enlisted college graduates fresh out of a boot camp get higher rank than HS graduates do. Does anything like that exist in navy? Yes, talk to recruiter. The Navy Reserve is a great way to jump in. you'll find a real smorgasbord of folks civilian career-wise in there. In my unit we have college students (Officer), cops (Es)wall street stock brokers (Petty Officer) and small business owners (Chiefs) all working together. Fantastic way to network. you can segue into active duty. Come in at an advanced rate. Give it a look. Sounds like you're not married. I'd cut your past loose and jump in both feet and sign up for something risky and dangerous, to take you out of your comfort zone. Full steam ahead, adrenaline, all that stuff. You can sit in a chair and let your ass get fat later. Do the hard thing, cause its the most fun! |
#6
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With your qualifcations , An Officer in the SeaBee,s . Go for it . Great
Career . |
#7
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"Atcrossroad" wrote...
1) Is 30 y.o. is too old to be a sailor? I know navy is OK with 30y.o. sailors, but..will I look like a freak among early 20th crowd? Nope. You won't be the first or the last... 2) Have you ever seen a Ph.D. enlisting as a sailor? Do you think it will be better for me not to mention my Ph.D. at all: a) to avoid future pecking along the line "let's see how smart you really are" b) not to be an unofficial poster child for a loser. How thoroughly background check is done? Will such an omission be counted against me if discovered? I've known a few officers who had PhD's prior to signing up, and several enlisted guys with Masters' degrees, but no enlisted PhD's. Don't lie or omit any relevant facts -- it will haunt you forever. 3) What is the most challenging electronics field in navy? What is its rate? Is it open for non citizens (Hopefully, I'll be a citizen in 2 years or so)? Ideally, I would like something involving little bit of design (I hope to pass PE exam in the future, and I need a design experience to be registered as a professional engineer). If you want to get into design, I think the Air Force is the better choice. They have dedicated Science and Engineering corps in their officer ranks, but the Navy does not. The biggest problem would be citizenship -- most or all of them require security clearances that are not available to non-citizens. Even the enlisted jobs that deal with electronics require security clearances... 4) Assuming that I will like the service, will be good at it, will get my citizenship and will decide to become an officer: a) what is max age for applicants to an officer school? b) will I be required to fulfill my enlistment obligations prior to applying to a school? I would not recommend you enlist for a job that does not require a security clearance. You'll likely be less happy than you are now. Wait until you get your citizenship. 5) Are those with earned college degrees qualified for the Navy college funds? 6) In army, enlisted college graduates fresh out of a boot camp get higher rank than HS graduates do. Does anything like that exist in navy? Check with a local recruiter for actual options available to you now. Requirements change often... Also talk specifically with an Officer Programs recruiter. The regular recruiters will often not talk up the officer programs because of the quotas you already mentioned... |
#8
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#9
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"Doug \"Woody\" and Erin Beal" wrote in message ...
Look, your best bet is NOT to enlist. Get your citizenship first and either jump into the Navy or Air Force as an officer OR go to someplace like Eglin AFB, NAS Pax River, MD, or NAWS China Lake, CA and get a challenging technical job as a civilian engineer (civil servant). The pay will be decent, and the satisfaction is great because you'll be working with cutting edge weapons systems--hands on--an engineer's dream. The best advice so far, but.... With the exception that his story was just vague enough to raise flags. PhD in what? He stated electronics was just a hobby and he doesn't have the degree in it. So is he an ME? AE? Choo-Choo engineer? Sanitation Engineer? Second tier program? How so? We have lots of S&E's from all sorts of schools and that is rarely the most important criteria for getting a decent job if you are competent in your field. Obviously he can't be talking about only looking for the best jobs out there or I wouldn't think enlistment in the Mil would fit any of his desires... Pay? Job challenge? Environment? Opportunity? Sorry, the story is so vague and downright strange I would pass on it if I was in a hiring position. I apologize in advance to the author, but my initial impression of the post was that it was bait for an upcoming troll or a fabrication from a very young (naive) person creating a scenario for whatever reason. I've worked with far too many PhD's and advanced degree Engineers to believe he can't get a job in his 'field' (yet undefined). It's certainly plausible he can't find the job he _wants_, but that's something different. Enlisting in the Navy would be as far from a rational solution as digging a hole and sitting in it because you issed your bus. Bizarre. I know the China Lake folks are usually looking for engineers because they can't find enough people who want to live there. --Woody Yep, they just can't stand all the green fields and the huge lake and perfect weather. Fishing, sailing, skiiing et al. on the lake, that's the pamphlet I saw ... BB |
#10
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