From Civilian to Sailor

Recently I received an email with some questions from someone who found my blog. So I answered his questions as best as I could, and then decided it would be a good idea to post this info just in case any one else may have similar questions. Also there is someone who wrote me a while ago and I haven't responded yet, so I'm sorry for that, I will respond as soon as I get a chance! but anyway...


He wrote:

So I've been researching on the MC rating in the US Navy and I'm pretty interested. While googling for info I stumbled upon your civilian to sailor blog. It has great insight. Is it true the chances of getting that job is as slim as you said in your blog? I'm just going to have to get lucky when I walk into the MEPS and hope there is a vacancy at that position. How is 'A' school at Fort Meade? Reading your boot camp blogs, how could you have better prepared yourself? Sorry for the bombardment of questions, I'm just curious to see if this is the right path for me.

Thanks for reading! Glad someone other than my family takes interest in my blog.

Actually it seems the rating has opened up a bit. There are a few people here who didn't even know what an MC was when it was offered to them. We get about 9-12 new recruits from boot camp a month. When you think of how many people are recruited total each month, that's not much, but hey I got it, right? Someone has to fill the slots.

A-School is amazing. Classes aren't too tough, the instructors are good, and all the staff are pretty helpful if you need it. Honestly I'm having the time of my life. But, as cliche as it is, life is what you make of it. There are, of course, some people here who hate it, but it's easy, just keep your priorities straight and you'll be fine.

If MC is unavailable you can always hold out, the recruiters may be difficult to deal with afterward, but it is your life. Personally I was prepared to join regardless of what I got. My second choice was IS(intelligence specialist) but I wasn't eligible because of my eyesight.


Preparing yourself for boot camp:

Mentally, just be prepared to be treated like a dumb little kid for a while. You'll feel useless and possibly even afraid, but just keep your head low, and get through it, it's only two months. Just remember, it is the RDC's Job to make you feel stupid, they are there to weed out those who can't make it, but you'd be surprised at some of the people who have made it through regardless.

Physically, although I wish I would've been more routine with my work outs before I shipped out, boot camp wasn't that bad. I wasn't really used to the steady physical training regimen that they have in boot camp, but if you push yourself harder before you leave it will be easier once you get there.


On one final note:

I would not go any other branch than Navy. Here on Fort Meade is what's called a "Purple Environment" meaning all the branches mix. And while you have to have respect for all the branches, I love the Navy. I feel like we have the most well rounded, and down to earth people out of all the people from the other branches I have met. I suppose maybe I am biased though, but I've met a few soldiers who say they should've went Navy. Never met a sailor who wished they went to another branch though, not yet anyway.

Hope that helps someone if not him, feel free to ask me any question you have and I will try to answer it.