Navy: A Career For Life, right?

So, first off, let me begin by saying I've literally wasted myself away in front of a PC for the last 5 years of my life. ie, 15-20, whereas I am now 20.

But, with the realisation that I could possibly have a life in the Navy... It's like a switch has gone off in me.

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I had a father-chat with my father whilst on a hike a few weeks ago, and I told him I was thinking of joining the Navy. He told me how he wanted to when he was younger, but never did, and has regretted it since.
Turns out, also, my grandfather was going to join too, but my grandmother burned the invitation when it came through the post without him knowing.

So, I downloaded + Printed the Fitness Programme off the Royal Navy website, and started it last monday.

I'm seriously out of fitness, considering I had about 15-30 minutes of exercise a day, and that being getting food and such. I'm very much suprised to find i'm not obese. Overweight and unfit, but not Obese-obese.
I woke up at 5.30am on a fresh monday morning, but it was far too dark to go jogging, so I hung about till sunrise at 7.30.
Went for my 20 minute run, came back with an incredibly painful, tight chest for about an hour. I lay it off.

Now I'm hooked to the gym.
I'm going every day for at least an hour to use the cardio machine - because there aren't any running tracks anywhere near here - alongside my swimming and strength training.
I've always ate "sort of" right. I drink water, healthy breakfast, don't overeat, but I did dip into the pizzas and such.
Now I'm sticking to carbs and protein, having "Little meals" every few hours.

I'm going for my FAQ Presentation on Monday in Birmingham.

I am absolutely determined to get into the Navy, it's the best job I've ever heard of, that is, "Seaman Specialist". Yeah, its hard work, but I'd rather that than working with IT, Logistics, and so forth.

But yeah. That's me. I'm disciplined, focused, determined, ambitious and patient, and most definetly ready for this total life-flip.

Well, nearly. Once I'm fit, that is!

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So, tell me folks, what can you tell me about the life of a Seaman Specialist, and what I'm signing myself up for?

In addition, what's the difficulty curve like with promotions?

 

You have a long road ahead of you mate. Just keep cracking on at the fitness and get yourself to a careers office.
As for been a Spec, check out the Navy website for job information, any more questions drop me a PM and Ill answer as best I can.

 

Job for life ? Maybe but times change. Get married kids. Don't always work out.
Was a great life for me when single. Anyway best of luck.

 

Yeah, I think I've juiced the Navy website of info on the Seaman Specialist - read the Info Book they sent me, cover to cover.
Was hoping to garner some first-hand experience though.

Marriage and kids I can imagine being problematic for such a life, but I'm quite happy to sail along for a couple of decade and gather some rank and savings.

The difference between civilian work and navy work is, to me, that it feels like it has a purpose.

Example: You're a retailer shophand. You sit behind a counter all day and get to say "hi" and "goodbye" before and after "That'll be X pounds, please."

This, compared to helping with the Royal Navy's ships, working for queen and country, protecting and helping. A little overdecorated in comparison to reality, perhaps, but this is what it comes down to, yes?

 

There are a few stories in here
http://www.navy-net.co.uk/Forums/viewtopic/t=29292.html

 

go for it son
had some of the best times of my life in the navy

 

Mate take it from me, biggest mistake leaving. I thought the grass was greener on the other side and now I'm in the process of rejoining. Get your fitness sorted and to hell with it and get your self to the AFCO and start the process. Don't worry about the waiting times as it will give you plenty of time to get your self fit.

 

Woah, that was alot of good reading - and good insight!

My main problems right now are;

a. I can't lift my own weight - I can't even do one push up!
b. I'm well out of fitness for swimming. I went swimming, according to the program, and I was floundering around at the poolside, doing 10-20 seconds of treading water before I was getting sharp pains in my calves. Actual swimming was even more humiliating.

But, I had a little break, stretched my legs, and then pushed at it again - rinse and repeat, for about an hour. During my breaks, I watched other swimmers, because I've never even attempted a breaststroke, then added a little of attempted-breaststroking to my painful moments of "swimming".

I think I actually hurt my right arm doing that, couldn't bend it past 90o angle, or straighten it, for days. The pain is just subsiding now (From thursday).

Also, swimming tomorrow. Hooray.

 

Actually, I hear the waiting times are from 18 months to 4 years - any ideas on what I should prepare for? =[

 

Expect the worst, Anything better is a bonus :thumbleft:

 

For Seaman Spec about a 30 Month wait at the moment.

Sm

 

Fitness
Naval knowledge
Education

 

Right listen up mate,

You've got a really good attitude. Take it from someone who knows. I know its been said before but life is not a dress rehearsal you only get once chance at it and your a long time dead. it's no good looking back on life in you 80s (if you live that long and lets face it none knows whats around the corner)

Real life happens when you are making plans but don't leave it too long!

Keep working hard on your fitness, if you want the Navy you can have it you've just got convince AFCO. It is getting harder to get in but the Navy want good men (and women) with a positive 'can do attitude'

I left because of a woman biggest mistake in my life (I didn't want to leave) were divorced now!

Life is one long learning curb. There is no such as a carrer for life anymore, the Govt has put paid to that but you have to do the best for your self :lol:

Good luck my friend.

 

You might benefit from joining a stuctured fitness class so you reduce the risk injury http://www.britmilfit.com these guys are good and all ex military.

 

Welcome to RR mate. fantastic attitude there judging by your initial post and I can sympathise with the fitness thing. I used to be fit then I went through a bad patch and lost it through inactivity. Now that its coming back through following the fitness booklet........its a great feeling. Best of luck with the application, keep focused on your overall goal and I hope you get everything from the Navy that you wish to.

I have at least 14months left to wait but Im really looking forward to it and know its worth the wait. Anyhow, thats my bit and I'l shush now

Merlins thread is rather interesting indeed

 

Raleigh will soon whip you into shape anyway. I was 14 stone when I first arrived. When I joined my ship 6 months later, I was 10.5 stone.

 

You can say that again, sister. :wink:

 

Many a life lesson has been learnt sat on the pavement edge, feet in the gutter on a Thursday nght...

 

True, some of my finest ideas have come to me whilst resting my furrowed brow agains a smooth, cool, soothing kerbstone. Usually "never again".

 

Thanks for the support all. Looks like I'll be enslaved into Civvie work for 30 months then...

It's odd. I'll gladly throw myself onto the front line with just a USP .45, but I hate the idea of working in a shop!

But yeah. I aim to be in the forces for a long time, aiming for my own flag+ship. That is, if it's possible for a seaman specialist? Not sure if its only possible / far more likely, as an officer, though?