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Well today I offically got down pretty close to my weight and body fat percentage and called my recruiter. I've set up a time to do the ASVAB in a few weeks, and then paperwork, and on to MEPS from there. So I've still got a lot of time to get well under my weight/body fat percentage.
I'm joining the US Navy Reserves. Well as far as my political views toward Iraq/Afghanistan, Bush, etc- that can be saved for another post or thread or whatever. I am hoping to pass my experience on to those on this board who may be interested in the same thing. (And please... I've heard "why are you going to fight for Bush?" So many times it has lost all meaning).
The Navy has an APG (Advanced Pay Grade) program for those with specialized skills to join the Navy Reserves at a higher rate- like E-4 (those military minded people already know what I mean). Of course how much you make, and how many stripes you'll have coming in depends on your experience, education, etc. Having already been a Paramedic for four years I get to come in as an E-4 Hospital Corpsman.
Through research and talking with other Corpsmen at the local Reserve Center I'm going to be an 8404 FMF (Fleet Marine Force) Corpsman. As many may or may not know, the USMC is under the Navy, and relies on the Navy for medical support.
After I'm enlisted (I'll post my experiences with signing my contract, MEPS, and the Oath for later threads). I have to go through Navy boot-camp at Great Lakes, IL within 12 months of enlistment. For APG Reservist- we get to go to a 17 day camp.
I think this program works out great for individuals who want to serve, but are leary about taking several months off of work at a time for training. I was originally interested in the USMC- but 13 weeks at Paris Island, and however many weeks at the School of Infantry, and however many weeks at my MOS school would have been too much of a burden for my work schedule. The Army would have been pretty much the same way. I'm glad about using a skill that I'm pretty good at as a civilian.
If anyone has any comments, please let me know.
I'm joining the US Navy Reserves. Well as far as my political views toward Iraq/Afghanistan, Bush, etc- that can be saved for another post or thread or whatever. I am hoping to pass my experience on to those on this board who may be interested in the same thing. (And please... I've heard "why are you going to fight for Bush?" So many times it has lost all meaning).
The Navy has an APG (Advanced Pay Grade) program for those with specialized skills to join the Navy Reserves at a higher rate- like E-4 (those military minded people already know what I mean). Of course how much you make, and how many stripes you'll have coming in depends on your experience, education, etc. Having already been a Paramedic for four years I get to come in as an E-4 Hospital Corpsman.
Through research and talking with other Corpsmen at the local Reserve Center I'm going to be an 8404 FMF (Fleet Marine Force) Corpsman. As many may or may not know, the USMC is under the Navy, and relies on the Navy for medical support.
After I'm enlisted (I'll post my experiences with signing my contract, MEPS, and the Oath for later threads). I have to go through Navy boot-camp at Great Lakes, IL within 12 months of enlistment. For APG Reservist- we get to go to a 17 day camp.
I think this program works out great for individuals who want to serve, but are leary about taking several months off of work at a time for training. I was originally interested in the USMC- but 13 weeks at Paris Island, and however many weeks at the School of Infantry, and however many weeks at my MOS school would have been too much of a burden for my work schedule. The Army would have been pretty much the same way. I'm glad about using a skill that I'm pretty good at as a civilian.
If anyone has any comments, please let me know.
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