Enlisting in the U.S. Navy for the Uninformed

About the Book

The purpose of this book is to provide valuable information to prospective or new Navy Enlisted Sailors.  Quality decisions result from facts and realistic viewpoints.  This book provides vision only experience can muster, and answers to questions you would never think to ask.  Too many times I have looked back and said, “if I had only known that back then.”  Hindsight is always 20/20.  My intention is to turn my hindsight into your foresight! 

            Nothing in this book will ever strive to sell you or dissuade you.  It is offered simply as a means to facilitate quality decision-making.  An Enlisted tour in the Navy will be a life-impacting endeavor.  You will invariably change as a person, as will your view of the world.  Enlisted Sailors need a mentor to provide a path towards success and happiness.  A civilian pondering Enlistment needs a mentor to provide a looking glass into their prospective future.

            I intend to provide an informative, occasionally humorous, and always insightful view of the U.S. Navy.  This view is based on my personal experiences and the experiences of those I have known.  I will also provide facts and resources to information every Sailor should know.  All factual information was true and correct when this book was written.  However, I suggest you always seek out the most current and correct information.  As clearly stated in Section 9.5.b. of any Enlistment Contract, “Laws and regulations that govern military personnel may change without notice to me. Such changes may affect my status, pay, allowances, benefits, and responsibilities as a member of the Armed Forces REGARDLESS of the provisions of this enlistment/re-enlistment document.”  That basically means, whatever you think you know today could change tomorrow, or in the next sixty seconds!

            Most importantly, I thank you for taking time to read my words.  If you are already Enlisted, choose to Enlist, or pursue a civilian future, I wish you great successes and contentment.  As they say in the Navy, “Fair Winds and Following Seas.”

About the Author

            First and foremost, I am a 21 year retired U.S. Navy Enlisted Veteran.  During my Navy tenure I performed the functions of Aviation Electronics Technician, Command Career Counselor, Departmental Career Counselor, Divisional Career Counselor, and Training Coordinator to name a few.  I served in Aviation Squadrons, aboard Ships, and overseas.  I received awards and Medals including but not limited to, a Navy Commendation Medal and two Navy Achievement Medals.

            My current civilian career position (while authoring this book) supports the Navy’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP).  TAP provides related training and support to military members transitioning to civilian life.  I hold a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology and a Master of Arts in Human Resources Management.  I am married with six children and cherish time spent with them.  I am eternally optimistic about the opportunities our country affords, and approach life as a wonder to be enjoyed and conquered.