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Source for Academy Time not counting towards retirement

CaliStyle

New Member
Yeah, I think you are. While I've always enjoyed the quote "a $200k education shoved up your ass a nickel at a time", the fact remains that we get a great education at a great price. (So I get that high-end engineering degree, and in return I have to go to flight school!!???).

And OBTW, you are now linked into one of the best old-boys networks in existence when you are ready for a real job. Not a bad deal, all things considered. And as far as the 4 years not counting - whether before or after 20+ years of service: we knew that going in.

[As a side note not directed at anybody in particular - don't wank about other peoples' good deals. Nobody is taking anything away from me to credit a NAPSter with an extra year of service so I can't really see myself bitching about them getting it.]

Having graduated from the boat school, I'm not sure the network actually does anything for you to secure a real job. In my opinion, the person with the most job relevant experiences and degrees will get the position. USNA is a good school but that's about it. There are plenty of good non-service academy schools with strong networks. The academy hype isn't all it's cracked up to be. But then again, I could be wrong being that I'm just a jg.
 

xj220

Will fly for food.
pilot
Contributor
I've often wrestled with this decision myself. Going to the Academy is starting to pay off now that I'm out and doing something. At API and even more in Primary I know a lot of people since they went to the Academy. Even if I didn't meet someone before, I've seen them and the network builds. That and I like the abuse.
 

phrogpilot73

Well-Known Member
Having graduated from the boat school, I'm not sure the network actually does anything for you to secure a real job. In my opinion, the person with the most job relevant experiences and degrees will get the position. USNA is a good school but that's about it. There are plenty of good non-service academy schools with strong networks. The academy hype isn't all it's cracked up to be. But then again, I could be wrong being that I'm just a jg.
In my interview for my current position at a civilian company, I was told "You're a Naval Academy graduate, and a Marine Officer. I know you can do the job." Then was asked what route I was going to take to commute there. There is also something called the Service Academy Business Resource Directory. It's basically a list of a bunch of companies (and POCs) that are looking to hire Academy graduates. Finally, a good portion of my classmates have gotten out. Some of the places they work now include (but are not limited to): Caterpillar, GMAC, Johnson & Johnson, Walmart, US CBP, USAA, Lockheed Martin, First Command, and Royal Dutch Shell. There's a bunch of others. I've already talked to a couple of them and they said that they can get my resume looked at.

The thing that makes the Academy different from other schools with a good network is that: 1. Most other schools network's aren't national, only regional. 2. Military service isn't required of other schools. Truth be told, most companies love the former military guys and recent combat experience helps. 3. Our network expands to include not just USNA, but USMA, USAFA, and USCGA. The network is real, believe it. Just wait until you decide it's time to get out.
 

BACONATOR

Well-Known Member
pilot
Contributor
Boat Schoolers definitely get screwed in this respect. Man next march is gonna be nice when I get that $500 a month bump when I am O-1/3. :D
 

phrogpilot73

Well-Known Member
Boat Schoolers definitely get screwed in this respect. Man next march is gonna be nice when I get that $500 a month bump when I am O-1/3. :D
Did I mention I was prior enlisted? I got paid O-1 over 3 within 6 months of commissioning (and maxing the pay scale). However, I think O-2 over 6 as soon as I got promoted to O-2 would have been nice, especially since I was subject to the UCMJ/under a military contract for the entirety of my college career. Instead, I had to wait a year.
 

Flash

SEVAL/ECMO
None
Super Moderator
Contributor
Having graduated from the boat school, I'm not sure the network actually does anything for you to secure a real job. In my opinion, the person with the most job relevant experiences and degrees will get the position. USNA is a good school but that's about it. There are plenty of good non-service academy schools with strong networks. The academy hype isn't all it's cracked up to be. But then again, I could be wrong being that I'm just a jg.

Since entering the civilian world I have learned that can't be further from the truth many times. In a lot of cases it is more who you know that what you know, just ask HH-60 about that! A lot people will likely be as well qualified as you are when you enter the civilian workforce and that extra edge, whether it be that piece of paper from Annapolis or the fact you were a Naval Aviator, will help you out more than you know.
 

KBayDog

Well-Known Member
Some of the places they work now include (but are not limited to):...Walmart...

Aw, shucks.

Since I am not a USNA grad (and, therefore, do not "get" college football), it looks like I can never look forward to securing a rewarding position at Wal-Mart. ;)

3. Our network expands to include not just USNA, but USMA, USAFA, and USCGA.

What about THE Academy (USMMA)?
 

TheBubba

I Can Has Leadership!
None
Which begs the question... does she work for Wal-Mart or does she work at Wal-Mart? And what does she do?
 

gaijin6423

Ask me about ninjas!
She's a PharmD. and runs the pharmacy at one of the stores. Eastern NC has the biggest shortage of pharmacists in the nation, so they pay (on average) $20k more in starting salary for them. Coupled with the comparatively low cost of living, the fact that she works 3 (12 hour) days a week, one weekend a month, gets paid for her 45 min commute to and from work, and it's nice. Very nice...
 

Huggy Bear

Registered User
pilot
She's a PharmD. and runs the pharmacy at one of the stores. Eastern NC has the biggest shortage of pharmacists in the nation, so they pay (on average) $20k more in starting salary for them. Coupled with the comparatively low cost of living, the fact that she works 3 (12 hour) days a week, one weekend a month, gets paid for her 45 min commute to and from work, and it's nice. Very nice...


Yeah, but have you seen most of the wal mart customers! :eek: I'm a Target man myself. More MILFs.
 
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