I just ENLISTed in the USN, I have >?<...

[Top_Gun_101]

I got some question about being a naval aviator,

I'm planning to enlist for 4 years and get as many college credits as i can and after that i'll use my G.I. Bill to get my Bachelors degree in Aviation(2 yrs.) and hopefully pass OCS to be a naval aviator, I'm 18 right now, hopefully i'll be a Naval aviator at 24 yrs. old....

Is this a nice plan???
need your suggestion Sir

Thanks!!!

 

[blackjack_rj]

I got some question about being a naval aviator,

I'm planning to enlist for 4 years and get as many college credits as i can and after that i'll use my G.I. Bill to get my Bachelors degree in Aviation(2 yrs.) and hopefully pass OCS to be a naval aviator, I'm 18 right now, hopefully i'll be a Naval aviator at 24 yrs. old....

Is this a nice plan???
need your suggestion Sir

Thanks!!!

I know this question was addressed to someone else, but I would suggest that somewhere within that 4 years of being enlisted you apply for STA-21. The program has many different options you can chose from, although a few are rate specific. On this forum, there are sections designated for questions about Enlisted Commissioning Programs. I'm just saying you should also look into those, because it might be just as easy to just go straight into the Officer community from being enlisted than trying to get out, finish up, then go back (which can also be done). I applied for STA-21, and got selected for Pilot option. You don't have to go to OCS necessarily.

 

[phrogpilot73]

I am an AZ2. What question do you have?

AZ... I used to be the USMC equivalent - 6047, Aviation Maintenance Data Analysis Technician... Small world.

 

[blackjack_rj]

AZ... I used to be the USMC equivalent - 6047, Aviation Maintenance Data Analysis Technician... Small world.

Small world indeed. I see everything is looking great for you now. Motivation, lol. I needed a change to say the least.

 

[webmaster]

There are quite a few enlisted personnel on this site, many of them applying for commissioning programs, those that have been selected and are in the programs, and some of us Mustangs (prior enlisted) that went through a variety of older programs to become aviators. You shouldn't have any problems getting a wide range of answers to your questions.

I will concur with the above comments, you will get to your job, but invariably you will spend time cranking (or the "proper term" Food Service Attendant FSA), working for 1st LT, or in a varying scut jobs. Your attitude, and how you tackle those jobs will mark you early on whether the command and your peers view you as a "hot runner"... as in any job, if you avoid work, complain, or don't do the job well... then don't expect any glowing praises or support for any of your future goals. As others have posted, we all have gone through those jobs, and it is a good way to meet the rest of the crew. I spent 6 months cranking, was easier than the work I did as a busboy in a restaurant. Also have spent time on work details such as chipping paint, putting down non-skid, fire watch, bilge cleaning, SPRUCE with boss guns, replacing lagging, you name it... just keep a positive attitude, you will get to the job you trained for.

Here is another post I made regarding in making your advancement goals a reality. Not all inclusive, but just some of my thoughts on the matter:

Excerpt from a previous post I did....

Anways, the primary thing is to perform well in your job that you currently have, and get the support of the commands you are in. Do your best at A school, score well. Get to the Fleet, and tackle as many responsibilities, and knock out those quals/pqs as quickly as you can. Don't overburden yourself, but quite frankly, you won't find it hard to excel. Many of your peers you will find are either marking time, enjoying or maybe not! what they are doing, whereas you can tackle and help to build your package. The keystone to this is of course doing well in your rate, and at the command, you won't get that STA pacakge and selection if you don't do your job, and get a good evaluation.

The simple things matter:

- show up to work on time
- iron that uniform! look sharp, and you WILL be noticed, amazing the number of ppl that their uniform only "gets ironed by a rock"
- take on responsibility, get the job done, don't shirk (hide from the chiefs or avoid the "tough job")
- be positive, if you have a can do attitude, ppl will remeber it
- tackle your quals, don't get behind on them, knock out the pqs in short order, ie be the "hot runner" at the command

These are just an initial starting point, but will definitely get you noticed above your peers.

Best of luck to you, and congrats on joining the Navy.

 

[Top_Gun_101]

Thanks alot for the information guys!, I appreciate it.

 

[scoober78]

Students will not have insignia as they do not rate it.

....or rather the board doesn't support it.

Students won't have wings as they haven't earned them yet.

Congratulations on your enlistment. I was a Nuc ET1 (SS) when I got picked up for STA-21. Almost regardless of your rate, there will be times when you are not doing "your job". As a Nuc between A school and NPS, I spent 6 weeks or so buffing decks and cleaning. When I got to my boat, I was assigned to a "tiger team" assigned with sail preservation...chipping paint and rust, treating and repainting. When you get to your ship, you will take part in the great Navy tradition that is field day. You may spend time in a special detail doing preservation like I did. You will most likely spend time on the mess decks...which believe it or not, is a really good time...and as someone previously said, is a great way to get to know the crew. Don't forget though, that in addition to getting to know the crew, they are getting to know you.

You not only work with these guys, you live with them and everyone is paying attention to see what you are all about. Act like you could care less because this isn't "your job" and they will treat you like that...now and later. The best frame of mind to have in my opinion, is to take everything assigned to you, like it or hate it, and do the best you can. Show up ontime, have a good attitude and be friendly and considerate. Work hard, and in my experience it will be rewarded. Everything counts, not just what you signed up for. Best of luck.

 

[fc2spyguy]

For those who have cranked in a wardroom, what was your experience like dealing with officers? I've always been respectful and friendly to those serving me, I know it's not the best deal in the Navy and you'd rather be doing your job.

Fly, I cranked up in the wardroom for about 3 months. For the most part everything was fine. There were a couple of officers that were just complete asses, but I did my best to take it in stride. I viewed my job at the time as a waiter, and if I had any issues I just brought them up with the cook in charge of us. However, I do know of cups getting the dd because of cranks that were just royally f'd w/.

Like with anything, treat the people with respect and they'll do the same in return.

 

[Thisguy]

There were a couple of officers that were just complete asses, but I did my best to take it in stride.

In my two cruises, it seemed like if anyone was being an ass to the wardroom staff, it was the salty, LDO types. Saying shit like "What is this? If I have to ask what it is, something's wrong." Give the kid a break, he didn't make the food, he's just standing by it.

Another time, some dick LT (clearly LDO) in Wardroom III was bitching at the guys because there weren't any bowls in the serving line (but there were plenty 5 feet away at the salad bar).

Anyone else notice this? I would think the prior enlisted guys would treat them better having been there, but it seems like the mentality is "I got shit on when I was enlisted, so now it's my turn to do the shitting."

 

[FMRAM]

In my two cruises, it seemed like if anyone was being an ass to the wardroom staff, it was the salty, LDO types. Saying shit like "What is this? If I have to ask what it is, something's wrong." Give the kid a break, he didn't make the food, he's just standing by it.

Another time, some dick LT (clearly LDO) in Wardroom III was bitching at the guys because there weren't any bowls in the serving line (but there were plenty 5 feet away at the salad bar).

Anyone else notice this? I would think the prior enlisted guys would treat them better having been there, but it seems like the mentality is "I got shit on when I was enlisted, so now it's my turn to do the shitting."

Ummmm, you haven't noticed this same behavior from more than a few CPOs?

 

[Thisguy]

Ummmm, you haven't noticed this same behavior from more than a few CPOs?

Yes, I've noticed that behavior from CPOs, but the above discussion was the treatment of the guys crankin' in the Wardroom.

 

[pat]

I kinda liked cranking in the wardroom. I had several prior enlisted/LDO types, several of whom helped me put my STA package together. I can only remember one guy being a real dick about things, but noone liked him.
We made loads of extra sandwiches for when our Wardroom came back smashed from port visits, and in exchange, our SUPPO let us off early and out of morning muster. And when we brought the Canadian Navy onboard for a reception (underway), SUPPO threw us a 6-pack. Good times.

 

[The Chief]

Welcome to the Forum 101. Former enlisted here. Retired Master Chief.

Lots of good advice herein. While, given the scenario that you presented, becoming a Naval Aviator by age 24 is quite ambitious, achieving SNA in that time period is a reasonable goal. Aside from being a Fly Boy, those folk that call my ship a boat, there are many interesting and rewarding careers in the Navy. We had at least one Seaman to Admiral CNO, I know two CEO’s of large/midsize corporations that were former enlisted; another E-4 that worked for me grew up to become Vice President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. There are terrific opportunities, most all outcomes will depend on you. To supplement advice given in previous replies, I would add/re-enforce:

A. Do your best at all times. Cheerfully accept and execute all jobs that are given. Take pride in what you are doing, whether chipping paint or working as a mess-cook (old Navy term).

B. Volunteer often. You get noticed, in a positive way, maybe get some tough jobs, but someone has to do them.

C. Be positive. Stay away from the complainers. There are many up and down the line within the Navy. Any subject, they have something negative to say. They do more harm than any other negative characteristic you find within a group of people. They know it all - and dwell on that which is negative. Do not let them influence you.

D. Make a good first impression each time you meet someone, always. Firm handshake, smile, direct and continuous eye contact and always a smile and a cheerful attitude. Even if you are up to your eyeballs in bilge water, radiate a cheerful attitude. It costs nothing and the alternative improves not the situation in which you find yourself.

Wishing you the best of luck. If I can answer any general questions fell free to PM me. Also, did I mention to stay away from those folks that can only find negative things to say about any situation?

 

[SQUIDutah]

I would have given my left nut to be a FSA. I cranked in laundry on a Gator. 121 days of hell, but I now do a wonderful job pressing khaki's and (not to mention the money you find when cleaning out the laundry filter!)

 

[xmid]

Also, did I mention to stay away from those folks that can only find negative things to say about any situation?

Excellent, excellent advice. I only wish I would have learned it sooner, it would have saved me alot of problems. It applies to many aspects of life far beyond being an enlisted member in the Navy.