Join the Navy and see the world. The pressure is on....

[sailaway21]

It seems you know more about the sectarian issues of Iraq than the nascent American nation. (g)

[ianhlnd]

Knotalout:

I could join up in Spain

Buddy, if you have a choice, don't go Spanish. I was married to a spanish gal, spent 6 years in that country and worked with the Spanish Navy (Palomares, broken arrow) DON'T DO IT! First of all you won't earn, or learn anything! Tradition be damned. The Spanish military is based on the philosophy that the family supports the member. Not the government. Now, if your relatives were well placed, you can probably get some good assignments.

Have you ever been on a Spanish Navy ship? I have, many times, don't want to go there again. But of course, that was the '60's, by now they've bought a bunch of old Russian ships with 70's technology, and russian accomodations (meager)

[ianhlnd]

And let me add, both my kids faced the same thing you are, one went US Army Ranger(boy), the other US Air Force Combat Photographer(girl) But, the difference is, they spent 3 months a year in spain growing up and they knew how the system worked. Now don't get me wrong, I love Spain, especially the women, but . .. . What do you want to get out of it? A proud grandfather or something that you can turn into an adventure?

[knotaloud]

Originally Posted by ianhlnd

Knotalout:
Buddy, if you have a choice, don't go Spanish. I was married to a spanish gal, spent 6 years in that country and worked with the Spanish Navy (Palomares, broken arrow) DON'T DO IT! First of all you won't earn, or learn anything! Tradition be damned. The Spanish military is based on the philosophy that the family supports the member. Not the government. Now, if your relatives were well placed, you can probably get some good assignments.

Have you ever been on a Spanish Navy ship? I have, many times, don't want to go there again. But of course, that was the '60's, by now they've bought a bunch of old Russian ships with 70's technology, and russian accomodations (meager)

I know what you're saying, I've seen a few of the ships and they are a little depressing. One ship I was on was empty, but could carry like 1000 men; I remember thinking, where the hell do 1000 men sleep on this thing!? Very tight quarters. I was also on a Sub, (at the dock), it was fully equipped and ready to go, but I felt like I was touring a museum. Everything was written in Russian and some of the gauges were even fogged up. You couldn't pay me enough to take that thing under water. No, if I were to join the Spanish Navy, it would only be out of respect. I was born there, my mother was born there and her family lineage goes back like a 10,000 years. A lot of history to contend with and a lot of very stubborn people.

[Valiente]

You should hear what Alex says about Spain. Something about marriages and winds....

[ccam]

Knotaloud,
I was going to suggest appeasing the folks and serving in Spain, however after reviewing the previous posts, can that idea.
Go to college and serve in USN/CG as an officer. I did my 4 enlisted 'USN', then went to college using VEAP to partially fund. Damn, you sure have a lot of bosses when you are an E-1.

[cockeyedbob]

Originally Posted by knotaloud

My questions are…..Have you served? Which branch? Are you glad you did? If you didn't serve, why not?

Yes, 22yrs 4mos 18 days.
USAF
Yes
Last 12 yrs working in same SoCal hosp ... the 4yr paid european vacation was a bit hard to take but I got 'er done ...
My sincere thanks to the American taxpayer and their monthly contribution to my happiness fund ... been 16 yrs and y'all ain't missed a payment.

knot ... was attached to USN for a year in San Diego for specialized training ... not a pleasant experience ...

[rewell6]

I have not done any military service.

The way to do it is college first, then military. Maybe even the ROTC thing. From what I understand you can start off as an officer. Higher rank, better pay to begin with. Better options in the military as well.

[xort]

knotaloud
You posted..."I've also thought about the ROTC, but to be honest, I'm a fairly left leaning, Seattle democrat, and I just can't envision walking around campus with the buzz cut and uniform. I would have no problem, joining the Navy full time, but to incorporate both school and the military, especially in Seattle, just doesn't sit right for me."

You can't be very left leaning if you are even considering helping the imperialist running dogs and their evil conquest & enslavement of the world! VBG

If you do believe in the military, then you could be front & center with the left to justify your position. Being a military supporter while in the navy is easy but taking on your professors would be a real challenge. Not for the weak, for sure! I know I'd crack & go Va Tech on them.

I had 4 fun years in the USAF. Spent 2 years working on the railroad in Thailand.

[TSteele65]

As noted earlier in the thread, the choice of Officer v. Enlisted comes down to "what do you want to get out of it"?

Officers are managers, enlisted guys are hands-on. Senior enlisted guys (E-6 and above) are Gods.