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28 November 2007
I'm shipping out to the Navy in three weeks! Long time reader, first time poster. I'm mostly excited but a little nervous too. I signed up back in May, so I've had plenty of time to prepare. I think I'm ready and I'm really excited to start a new chapter of my life.
Congrats! We will all be thinking of you. We could send you lots of mail covered in pictures of bunnies, although I imagine that could probably warrant extra push-ups come mail time ;-)
Essexjan, I was originally planning to become a Utilitiesman (plumbing/HVAC), but then I got a call from the Master Chief telling me that I qualified for nuclear training. That sounded better, so I switched over.
Iconomy, I mainly wanted to take on new challenges. For most of my life I've played it pretty safe, and I think I could be getting more out of life if I took a chance and put a little more into it. I think I'm as ready as I can be for boot camp. At the recruiting station, I've talked to a number of sailors who've come back on leave and they've told me that it mostly comes down to attitude and focus. I'm a little older than most of the other recruits (25), so I may have an advantage there.
If you are going to Great Lakes, Illinois, all I can say is poor bunny. This time of year you will be cold and wet.
BUT my son-in-law joined the Navy this summer and is now stationed in Norfolk. Who knows, one day you might run into him, my daughter, and the ever adorabiggle Grandbun(tm)!
But seriously - congratulations. The job training in the military is unparalleled, and it definitely does develop serious maturity, leadership and character. Hope you stay very safe and draw comfortable assignments.
Congratulations on your opportunity, however I don't think that concrete floats, so wear your lifejacket at all times. And here's hoping that you don't get fully deployed until there's a new Commander in Chief, you know?
Wendell, there are remnants of a concrete ship in Cape May, New Jersey, so yeah, it actually floats. Good luck, concrete, and we'll look forward to more posts!
Actually my father and uncle were Navy NCO's and they used to say if you want to learn how to kill people join the Marines. If you want to learn a trade or skill join the Navy.
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