Okay guys...I need some advice

[J_Mann]

I'm 23 years old been in law enforcment for 3 1/2 years. I have a poor work history and It's effecting me getting on at the departments I want. I'm leaning towards joining the Navy. I know it'll get me back into shape, and give me some well needed disipline, as well as looks good on a resume. Do any of you guys have military exerience? If so, is this recruiter blowing smoke up me? Or is he being honest? What was your experience like? I'm about 70% going right now.

-J_Mann

[Prangler]

This is just one guys opinion, you said you are already in LE, I think that is more of a help. Had you gone into Navy, Army, Marines, whatever before getting into LE I think it would have helped. I do think the military helps people learn a lot of discipline and structure of a command staff.

However, I just do see why you would leave the job to go into the Navy. You are in Ohio which is kind of similar to Michigan as far as there arnt many jobs out there. Just keep plugging away...something will break for ya they can just afford to be very picky right now. If Ohio is anything like MI you will have to keep your certification somehow and the Navy wont do that, so you will have to re cert after 4 or 5 years or service in Navy.

Like I said, just one guys opinion but I think you will be better sticking it out in LE than quitting for the service. I am sure you will get other opinions.

[J_Mann]

I guess I should have specified a bit more. I'll be doing the Navy Reserve as opposed to active duty. I can still hold my commission.

[Kieth M.]

In my other world we often call what you describe as a geographic cure....If I just move there, things will get better. It never worked for me, as I always took me (and my bad habits), with me to the new place. It wasn't until I confronted myself with my shortcomings and did something about them that life got better. Moving was the easy thing to do, the hardest battle I ever fought was against ME and MY BAD HABITS.

Have you considered the middle ground on this plan, joining the Coast Guard or Naval Reserve? Six months for basic training and a specialty school, then back to your regular life with one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer....unless they need you for the big deployment. One of our guys just got that, headed to Kuwait for the next year.

The Coast Guard has many LE members and there are likely many contacts you might make among them for future employment at another agency.

That being said, staying where you are, working on you, and doing an outstanding job for a few more years may show future/"better" employers the discipline and getting into shape you want just as much as a stint in the USN/CG.

[navycop04]

I guess I should have specified a bit more. I'll be doing the Navy Reserve as opposed to active duty. I can still hold my commission.

The Naval Reserves is the way to go. I have been on both sides of the wall, both active and reserves and by far being a reservist is a whole lot better than being on active duty.

My unit is 95% made up of local,County,State, and fedaral law enforcement personal and we all do our part to support the Navy's Mission. If I were join the reserves and you'll never reget it. there are alot of perks that comes with being a (weekend warrior) :cool:

if you have any more Question about joining PM I'll give you the stone cold facts

[J_Mann]

What's up bro? I'm Justin. Thanks for the info on the Navy. I'm really leaning towards going. My only setbacks are the obviously, girlfriend and family doesn't want me to go.

I need to know the inside stuff. Is the recruiter just blowing smoke up my *** when he says that they don't have ground troops over seas in the war? He said they're all on ships sitting off the coast? What's bootcamp like? What do you have to score on the ASVAP to be a master at arms?

Any info would be helpful man.

-Justin

[beachcop05]

If you're already a certified Police Officer then you're already doing pretty good, you're in a good position right now. Just stick it out until you can lateral somewhere. Don't forget, a lot of people would give everything to be in the position you're in right now.

[Bing_Oh]

Here's a bit of "inside information" from a former co-worker who was also a recruiter...they will tell you absolutely anything to get you to join up. Whatever the recruiter tells you, it's either a lie or a half-truth. If it's on paper, it might get you some additional leave time after you're in, but you won't get what they promise. You'll be put where they want/need you in whatever position they want/need you in, despite what you are promised. That's straight from a USMC recruiter...

If you're looking for the Reserves to just give you a line on a resume and make a change in how employers see your work history, you're forgetting a vital fact...we are at war. Our active-duty military is depolyed, as is alot of our reserve military. That means your "line on a resume" could very well turn into an overseas deployment into an active warzone. If you're willing to do that, fine. But, don't go in blind (or wearing the blindfold that the recruiter put over your eyes...I've heard the promises they're making lately about not being deployed).

Just food for thought.

[shadow1actual]

Here's a bit of "inside information" from a former co-worker who was also a recruiter...they will tell you absolutely anything to get you to join up. Whatever the recruiter tells you, it's either a lie or a half-truth. If it's on paper, it might get you some additional leave time after you're in, but you won't get what they promise. You'll be put where they want/need you in whatever position they want/need you in, despite what you are promised. That's straight from a USMC recruiter...


From my experience in the Marine Corps I can tell you that it is all what you make of it. You can make the most of your time and come out with a positive experience that will benefit you in life, or you will gaff off and end up right where you are now, or possibly worse.

This is not the time to join the service just to improve your resume. It sounds like you are not interested in serving the country, but more in serving yourself. I would try different options to improve your work ethics.

Recruiters will lie to you. Boot camp can be tough. At first it drags on and then when it's over it will seem like it flew by. The other info you requested can be provided by a recruiter, he/she can get those answers for you.

I was fortunate, my recruiter was great. He was straight up with me and never provided bum info. He is a good man that I still respect 11 years later. The field of recruiting is like any other, you will have good ones and bad ones, much like officers in law enforcement.

Just remember; if you go into the Navy, YOU SIGNED THE FRIGGIN' CONTRACT!

[J_Mann]

Bing_Oh,

I feel ya bro. I'm not totally oblivious to the fact that we're at war. That's why I want to talk to people in the Navy first. I want to see what they think and get their overall thoughts. I guess many people (such as myself) are joining for "alternative reasons." Meaning, not to defend our country (which I have no problem with) but to gain some more skills, be more disciplined, obviously it looks good on a LEO resume, and a little bit of pride. Much like the first day we put on our LEO uniform and showed up to work a half hour early, showered shaved, shined boots, pressed uniforms and ready to save the world. haha.

We'll see how things go. Are you guys doing any hiring?

[pkagel]

The GF can live w/o you for 8 weeks.

Of course the recruiter is blowing smoke, it's his job. If you want to stay off of the ground get a NavJob that is done only on ships like Torpedoman something of the sort. MAA's are filling in for other services MP's in good numbers from what I've heard so being a NavCop is out.

What's up bro? I'm Justin. Thanks for the info on the Navy. I'm really leaning towards going. My only setbacks are the obviously, girlfriend and family doesn't want me to go.

I need to know the inside stuff. Is the recruiter just blowing smoke up my *** when he says that they don't have ground troops over seas in the war? He said they're all on ships sitting off the coast? What's bootcamp like? What do you have to score on the ASVAP to be a master at arms?

Any info would be helpful man.

-Justin