Post: #76

Spent time in the sandbox first round. Armor. The BMPs, BTR's, 60's and 72's didn't stand a chance against 60 tons of american steel moving at 60mph stopping to reload and refuel all through the night.

Post: #77

I'm currently serving in the Royal Navy. I joined in March 2014 and just made the age cut off (I'm 36 now). Its been a massive change in my life as everything has to revolve around the job now but overall its been a great life experience.

In saying that, at the moment I'm planning on doing my 4 years then leaving. I like doing my own thing too much and a lot of your freedom is taken away in this job.

PROS:
* After basic training I was as fit as I've ever been cardio-wise.

* Through the process of training & joining my ship I've literally made hundreds of new friends from all over the UK from all walks of life and because of this my social confidence has been increasing and my social anxiety has been significantly decreasing.

* I'm saving a lot of money. Helps when your at sea for weeks at a time and can't get spending it! There is also half decent bonuses to be earned on top of my monthly wage.

* So far I've had numerous small runs ashore all over the UK so its been good to see new places and I have my first overseas deployment coming up (I am currently on 6 weeks pre-deployment leave). It really is a great feeling coming alongside a new port then walking down that gangway for a night out in a new place with your shipmates!

* The camaraderie.

* New skills learned.

* Love telling girls I'm in the Royal Navy; all the nice girls love a sailor! Though I be sure to let them find out this information by themselves. I usually lead them into it by asking them what they do themselves and most of the time they reciprocate the question. "Isn't that dangerous?" they will often say. So even though its not really I don't give them anymore info, just wink and say "Dangers my middle name pleased to meet you!" laugh, take their hand and bow then change the subject.

*Another weird thing; I used to dread people raising their voice/shouting at me when I was my old beta self. I'd do ANYTHING to avoid confrontation and I'd cringe and crumble if anyone challenged me. Well, as you might imagine things can get a bit shouty at times in this job and i've found i've become pretty desensitised to it now...to the extent that I shout back at people now lol and I don't give a f*ck.

*My job prospects in future should be better with the RN on my resume.

CONS:
* The training in in Basic Training was mostly cardio based. I lost a lot of gainz over the 10 weeks. Now I'm out of Basic Training it falls on me to keep myself fit and its a pain in the arse when your at sea for 3 weeks at a time. There is some gym equipment in the hanger but anything above sea state 2 and the ship is bobbing around (especially small ships like the one i'm on) you can forget it.

* Although its great seeing new places, the reality is there is curfews and serious punishments if these are not abided by so you really need to make sure you are back to ship on time. Plus for every day off you have in a new place there is a good chance you will be duty (working) the next day to give other people a chance to get off and explore so you better be fit to work and not smell of drink or you could be in trouble. Also, I enjoy solo time in a new place and seeing some of the sights but a lot of the time you are expected to join the crew and go into the first pub you see and get legless. A few times I've caved to beer pressure; other times I've snuck away and did my own thing.

*Lack of privacy; although I get on really well with most of my crew there really is no opportunity to be alone a lot of the time save for a pair of curtains I can draw once I'm in my rack. You are around the rest of the crew constantly and this can be a challenge around the more stronger personalities.

* I miss my family badly at times. Especially my 3 year old nephew who dotes on me and cries when I have to go back to ship. My mum & dad are getting older as well and I worry about them but I know they are proud of me, as is my sister. This job has certainly given me a new appreciation for family and I'll never take them for granted again. This 6 month deployment coming up will be a challenge but I'll be a stronger man for it.

* It can suck being 36, new in a job and getting shouted at by younger guys. Its on me to learn all aspects of my job and fast if I want this to stop. I probably shouldn't shout back lol.

* Wrens. Some of them are ok at their job but most are far too emotional to be working in this environment.

Post: #78

7595, 7527, 7523

Post: #79

US Navy from 92-98, then reserves from 98-01. Then I pretty much ended up working around the Navy in some capacity or other ever since. Currently a Civilian working for the Marine Corps, which is pretty cool.

Someone asked about age. I went in at 18 right out of high school (literally 2 days after graduation). By the time I got to be 23 and 24, my entire attitude toward officers shifted. I had to hold my tongue around boot ensigns or I'd blurt out "Shut up, boot! I'm older than you, I've been in the Navy longer than you, and I know more than you." 92 had a big recession going on, so the military had a lot of older guys joining because they had no options. We had a guy in my A school class who was 33.

Still, I'm glad I did it. The technical experience and discipline I picked up have helped me out a lot in life. VA home loans and the GI bill and free meals on Veteran's Day are nice bonuses.

Post: #80

Yes. USMC

Post: #81

2 years Army Reserve as an Infanteer in a Rifle Company ("11B") and then went across to Reconnaissance Platoon ("LRRP" equivalent for Americans) for another 2 years.

Had so much fun decided to go full time and became an Deck Officer in the RAN for six years & now I'm an accountant ha ha ha. In hindsight I should have gone full time as an Army Officer, but what is done is done.

Post: #82

NBF - Nuke Boats Forever

Post: #83

Ethiopian Airforce 2008-2009 checking in. Nowhere near the crazy experiences and impeccable training you guys in Western militaries have. Missing my baby however.

Post: #84

Former USN Snipe 04-10. Join the Navy, see the w̶o̶r̶l̶d̶ engine room.

Post: #85

Did 3 years as a paratrooper in the Australian regular army.

Constantly seeing people around me getting injured and having to leave the army aged 40, with no civil qualifications and having to work at fucking Burger King made me realise, I should get the fuck out when I'm young and get some qualifications that will earn me money for the rest of my life no matter what my physical condition is.


Every day was the worst day of my life. Until the next day. But I fucking loved it.

Post: #86

For a short time. U.S. Army. (Regular) Contemplating joining my local Army National Guard.
Thank you, for your service to your respective countries.

Post: #87

USMC

Post: #88

I was in the Army for 4 years as an 11b. Batt boy the entire time