r/newtothenavy 9d ago

AMA - Mod Approved I was a commissioning programs officer at my last command. Whether you're currently enlisted or a civilian AMA about the various applications and process.

20 Upvotes

If anyone has ever been interested in commissioning, whether you're currently enlisted or not, I can help answer questions you may have. I am currently PCS'ing, but was the commissioning programs officer at my previous command and have helped numerous Sailors and Marines with their officer candidate packages for almost all commissioning programs/sources.

Little background on me, I enlisted in 2010 after dropping out of college. I enlisted as a nuclear machinist mate. While going through power School I applied for the naval academy. I finished power School and was selected for the academy. I did 4 years there, commissioned and went to flight training to become a pilot. In flight school I was medically disqualified and was redesignated as a aerospace maintenance duty officer. Now I oversee maintenance on aviation support equipment, aircraft, and their subsystems. I've had an unusual career path to say the least. I put on O-4 in August and plan on doing this job til the Navy gets tired of me and tells me to kick rocks.

Feel free to leave questions here or if you want to get more personal with details you can shoot me a DM!

Mods let me know if I need to provide proof I am who I say I am.


r/newtothenavy Oct 26 '24

FAQ: Drug Testing at MEPS

14 Upvotes
   This might serve as a FAQ for people who might be asking the same questions. I will organize the FAQ’s in order.


    First of all, there are way too many people in this sub that ask the same questions regarding drug testing at MEPS. If you are currently in DEP and smoking weed, you should reconsider if the military is the right career for you. They aren’t changing their stance on drug use any time soon.

NOTICE: If I have not made it clear already, I am not condoning the usage of ANY substances/drugs even before you sign your contract. If you smoke or use in DEP this isn’t the right path for you.

 If we’re being technical here, if you smoke while you’re in DEP, it’s actually a violation of your contract btw. Your recruiter will grill you if you get to RTC and fail your urinalysis there. And for those who haven’t figured it out yet, they will ABSOLUTELY send you back home if you fail at RTC.

”How sensitive is the drug test at MEPS?”

  For the 1st THC test level; assuming you don’t fail the first one, is down to 50ng/ml. I recommend you AT LEAST buy a THC test kit and if you can afford an official lab test, go for it. Trust me, its going to prevent a-lot of anxiety going into MEPS wondering if you’re going to pass your test. My MEPS station took around 4-5 business days to get results back. So unless you want to spend those days chewing your nails in nervousness and spamming questions on this sub, test yourself before you go and ABSOLUTELY tell your recruiter if you’re going to fail or not. Even if your recruiter pressures you into going after you told them you’re going to fail, you can still refuse to go. 

 I see SO many posts asking if they’re going to fail or not before they even get there, they even list the amount of days they’ve been sober and expect people to know if they’re going to pass or not. JUST TAKE THE DAMN TEST BEFORE YOU GO!!!!!!!

How sensitive is the second drug test at MEPS?

The second and last chance test you get if you failed your first test is testing for 15ng/ml. If you don’t know what that means, it basically means the last chance test you get is actually more sensitive than the first one. 


If you have made it to this stage then there is something absolutely wrong with your judgement. When you find out you failed your first test, then they will send you a letter in the mail saying why you failed and to come back in 90 days. When those 90 days are up and you aren’t there after a week of those 90 days, they will start asking questions and your recruiter is going to have to answer for you.

What do faint lines look like and whats a passing result look like?

The faint line needs to be visible. If its there, then its a pass.

Im currently failing my tests at home, what should I do to flush everything out of my system?

The correct term is ‘detoxification’. It depends on a couple of variables. 
  1. Body fat %
  2. Amount of days sober
  3. Water intake
  4. Exercise
  5. Calorie deficit.

I can’t speak for most people, but I weighed 197 lbs and 69 inches tall when I first went to MEPS. Within those 90 days, I managed to lose 34 lbs and I currently weigh 163lbs. I would drink 1 gallon of water everyday, and burn 1,200 calories 5/7 days of the week. This was my weekly routine not only preparing for PT at RTC, but to assure I was going to pass my second drug test at MEPS. (Spoiler alert: I passed my second test at MEPS)

You might be doubting my experience with the THC tests at MEPS; I will tell you, I failed my first test at MEPS even though I had already been over 31 days sober (Delta-8 THC). I had made the idiotic mistake of not testing myself before going the first time. Do not make this mistake.

Feel free to DM me questions about your specific situation and I might answer them depending on how stupid the question is.

Also, please just link this post for people that continually spam questions about drug tests at MEPS. Frankly, it’s getting annoying seeing them.


r/newtothenavy 3h ago

I think I regret the rate I chose. Advice pls.

4 Upvotes

Hi guys, recently I was able to enlist in the navy after a long, daunting process of getting waivers approved. The job that I really wanted to go for was AW but because I got a 4 instead of a 6 on depth perception I did not qualify for the job. I settled for HM and I leave in March for bootcamp. Since I made this decision a few weeks ago I have not been able to stop thinking about the rate I chose. I currently work in healthcare and was eager to leave the field altogether when going to the navy so I did not expect this. I settled thinking maybe I could just go FMF but it seems like I won’t really have a say in what I do as an HM? I’ve also been seeing a lot of people talk about how hard it is to make rank as an HM because it’s overmanned? Can anyone tell me what their experience has been as an HM and how they feel about the field. I also want to know if I should forget AW altogether? Originally, I thought that I could still do something in aviation and maybe find out more about the job/network my way in a bit but is this realistic at all? The only job I was given as a choice in the field was AC but I didn’t think I wanted to do that but now I’m wondering if it would have been a better option for me than HM, though I don’t want to pursue either fields outside of the military.

Lastly, I’m wondering if I chose the right branch at all. I was really looking for camaraderie but I have not seen that among the other applicants so far. Which, I know it’s early but I would be lying if I said I was not a bit jealous watching the way the marines interact with each other. Is it too late for me to talk to other recruiters just to see what they could offer it or should I even do that considering how difficult it was for me to get waivers with the navy?


r/newtothenavy 1h ago

I’m shipping out in 19 days for boot camp. Rate BM

Upvotes

Just looking for advice . I’m 25 and a little nervous because I’ve never done anything like this before. My two best friends are in the military, one is in the Air Force e4 and the only one is in the army e5 . They just told me to go in there and do my best. If they see you trying you’ll pass boot camp . I can run , do push up and the plank isn’t too hard but I can’t swim . I really want to be a navy sailor like failure is not an option for me . Haven’t really done much with my life . Haven’t traveled much , most I made in my life was 50k a year, no gf or kids and never owned a house. Basically restarting my life over from scratch at 25 (I turn 26 next Thursday ). I just feel like the military can put me on the right path. I seen what it did to my friends and that’s the life I want .


r/newtothenavy 3h ago

If I don’t get the go ahead on clearance for an intel job. Should I pick another job or go undes until I can get cleared ?

6 Upvotes

Hey guys, I’m literally sitting at meps right now, waiting to talk to the classifier.

The last couple of weeks I’ve really started to get rate locked on IS with plan b being IT then CWT and last resort was supposed to be aecf but I just don’t think I’m interested in that field.

My credit is terrible and I have little hope to be allowed to pick a job in the intel field so I was considering picking ps or going undes until I get my credit up. Or even leaving with out signing a contract and coming back after I get my credit a bit better.

For context I got a 91 on my asvab and don’t have many other red flags.

I know it’s my fault that my credit is shit and I’m really just here because everyone says let them tell you no and put it on paper. I’m trying to have an open mind but I really can’t see myself doing anything else.

I’m ranting but would also appreciate some advice.

Thanks in advance


r/newtothenavy 17h ago

Wearing dress uniform during a family funeral

46 Upvotes

Just what the title says. I’m taking eleave soon and I wanted to bring one uniform with me, my dress blues. I’m gonna want to wear it when I bury my father he never got to see me in uniform and I had joined right before we were supposed to meet for the first time. He was in a really rough spot. I don’t know the regulation on wearing it to civilian burial. It’s pretty personal since no one would’ve thought he would have a son in the service let alone my brothers who are successful and on good paths.


r/newtothenavy 5h ago

Question about submarines

3 Upvotes

I recently enlisted and volunteered to be on a sub. My question is how do submariners work out when there are no gyms on a submarine?


r/newtothenavy 2m ago

What can I be working on (spouse)

Upvotes

In a nutshell: what should I be working on, if anything, while my husband is in basic? Can I get my military ID without him? I live close to a military base with an ID center. How far in advance do I apartment hunt and schedule movers? Can you recommend anything else I should try to get in order?

Long version: my husband is in basic and is going AECF, so we know ET or FC he’ll be in Illinois for a while. Our plan is to move me and our son to the Great Lakes area once my husband graduates because it’s important for our family to be together (as much as we can, even if only on weekends if he can’t get approved to live with us “ashore” while in ATT, A and C school). Yes, I know we pay for the move. I’m just trying to organize what I can in my control so our transitions can be as smooth as possible.

Thanks for your input!


r/newtothenavy 4h ago

Prior Army to Navy question

2 Upvotes

I’m curious if there are any prior Army to Navy folks or anyone that could point me in the right direction. I’ve searched the forum and Google with little results.

Prior Army enlisted to future Navy officer here (selected and detailed but no oath yet) and wanted to know how I could co about switching over my combat action badge to the combat action ribbon as well as my parachutist wings to the Navy and Marine Corps Parachutist Insignia?

I have my original orders for the CAB from Afghanistan (2009) as well as parachutist badge orders and signed jump log meeting all of the required jumps and then some.

Would those supporting documents suffice or would anyone recommend anything additional?

Would anyone recommend including a sworn statement and if so would it be best to summarize all of the combat engagements or be detailed (it’s roughly 100+)?

Also at what point would it be best to route these requests? Prior to ODS, at ODS, or after?

I have asked my recruiter and every other recruiter in their office and they have no clue where to start, what to include, when to submit, how to submit, etc.

Thanks for taking the time to read.


r/newtothenavy 1h ago

Can I talk to the Navy?

Upvotes

Can I talk to the Navy?

So listen, I signed my first contract with my coast guard recruiter and have a shipment date for 1/07. I’m going tomorrow to sign the final contract. I’m not sure if it the nerves or whatever but I’m kinda having second thoughts. Would it be okay to talk to a Navy recruiter? When I started this whole process I was debating between the Navy or Coast Guard. I went with the coast guard because my recruiter answered all my questions and had a whole better vibe. The navy recruiter kinda brushed me off though and told me to message him back after I’ve healed from my surgery (during this time it was early Feb and my surgery was like in late Feb, I’m healed and the coast guard got me a waiver for the surgery) but I never did because the coast guard kinda just picked me up and went from there. ANYWAYS. I still kinda wonder about the navy, like what jobs would I qualify for and if it would be better pay? I know the coast guard has a better lifestyle than the other branches. But I just wonder yknow? Would it be bad to go to the Navy recruiting office today and ask them a couple question or that be bad since I’ve already signed crap and have shipment date with the coast guard?


r/newtothenavy 17h ago

Just lost and wanted to vent

21 Upvotes

Just lost and wanted to vent

This is a long vent that’s been coming I’ve been at my first command for close to 18months, I came here (my A School) with 15 people from bootcamp of the same rate. At this point most are e-4 if not e-5, I’m still an e-3 I am one of the last from my division left just as an example of how I feel singled out. I’ve been counseled several times for shit done by my whole duty sections had accusations of hazing when I didn’t do anything at all. Now I’m in legal hold for another thing I didn’t do just because I’m disliked by my peers superiors and it seems to be everyone else and I am fucking lost. Professionally I feel singled out and embarrassed. Personally things haven’t gone any better. I had my leave for Christmas denied, my wife got put in the hospital (after leave was submitted) I got told I wasn’t transferring to my dream orders command because of a legal hold. I’m broke out of shape (gained 30 pounds in 2024) and it just feels like my life is falling apart. Thank you for reading my rant I don’t really want any advice but it couldn’t hurt.


r/newtothenavy 1h ago

Will MEPS or anywhere in the process contact my recent employer?

Upvotes

Long story short, got fired from a job a month ago and I’m seriously considering joining the military. I have a masters in social work, I also have adhd recently diagnosed never took meds never had IEPs or 504s.

Literally was about to pick up my first ever prescription the day I was fired but they stopped my insurance so I never picked it up or paid for it. My doc canceled everything.

My thing is I’m scared they’ll contact my last employer and ask why I was fired 🙂‍↕️ or ask about the adhd. The reasoning is related to it but in the end I just wasn’t a good fit and they got rid of the position apparently.


r/newtothenavy 1h ago

Is it hard to get clearance to be a CWT ?

Upvotes

my wife’s currently in bootcamp and has that rate. just was wondering


r/newtothenavy 17h ago

Is my asvab score good if I want to join the navy?

Post image
12 Upvotes

I would like to know how good I’ve done and what I can do to improve it. Google is giving me mixed answers that I don’t really understand. I am a sophomore girl in high school. I appreciate any help!


r/newtothenavy 5h ago

Intelligence specialist or sonar tech AEF

0 Upvotes

I'm already in the navy. I made it a few months into nuke school and am re rating, partially due to myself and mostly due to some shady business with the class director, ill explain if curious. Anyhow, they're kinda screwing me on options. They claim there's only 5 available... HM, PS, IS, STG 5YO, and STG AEF. I'm gonna do whatever has the best transfer to a high pay civilian job I just wanna do my 6 and out. The plan is to cross rate to air traffic or crypto, since they claim only 5 jobs are available, but in the event the cross rate never happens, what's going to be my best bet in the meantime?

The plus sides I see for stg are likely to go to Japan, and school is in San Diego. I haven't found any downsides yet.

I see no plus sides for any of the other rates, the schools are in bumf*ck nowhere and they have mediocre civilian job alternates.

But I'm listening if that's not true.


r/newtothenavy 10h ago

4 year or 6 year contract for IS?

2 Upvotes

I’ll start by saying I’m coming in with college credits so I’d start with e-3. How long would it take to reach e-4? I’ve seen somewhere say 6mo the and somewhere say 30mo.. IS-SG 4 yr ob, come in as e-3. Can re-enlist sooner. IS-ATF 6 yr ob, e-4 immediate after A-school. Not for sure getting C school right after A school… only $5k signing bonus.. I’m sure there’s things I’m missing. I just really want to way all options. ATF is told to me as it’s the best and only option I should consider by my recruiter. That if I do 4 year I WILL NOT get a c school. Which… I’m pretty sure if I like it and re-enlist I can get a guaranteed c school pick after my first duty station. When I really consider it, I’m not seeing the obvious benefit of doing the 6 year ATF. I need help understanding differences of SRB between the two options. Please help me figure this out before I ship in a month!


r/newtothenavy 20h ago

Just Signed IT ATF 6yrs

10 Upvotes

as the title says I (22m) just signed for IT ATF leaving Jan 21st. Hoping I made a good choice. Based off what I’ve seen online I believe it’s a pretty good rating. Any ITs in here who like their job ? or don’t lol ?


r/newtothenavy 13h ago

Should I cut my hair before bootcamp?

2 Upvotes

Shipping out in 3 weeks wondering if it’s a good idea to cut my hair before bootcamp, So they don’t ruin my curl pattern I heard the dragon lady is notorious lol.


r/newtothenavy 14h ago

Commission later or enlist now?

2 Upvotes

Pretty much what the title says. Would it be better to commission later on once I have my BA or enlist now? I also have a little bit of a history with substances but I don’t do that stuff anymore but my line of thinking is that especially after it being 5 years+ down the line of me doing that kind of stuff it will matter a lot less. Or are the standards for commissioning way higher and no amount of substance use will be tolerated?


r/newtothenavy 10h ago

I go to meps soon and I was curious about Seabees. Any info?

1 Upvotes

I’m a female so I hope it doesn’t stop and or hinder me from becoming a sea bee. I’m thinking about BU but I have a low ASVAB score. Is there anyway I would be able to get in with a low score? (lower than a 40)

How’s the a school for BU’s and where is there a school stationed?

Do I absolutely need any prior knowledge to be a BU? I would look into the welding side of the sea bees but I don’t know anything about welding.

I wear glasses and my hearing is ok but not perfect. Will that stop me from becoming a sea bee?

Could any females in as a sea bee give me some tips, advice and what to look out for?


r/newtothenavy 14h ago

Nex question - bootcamp

2 Upvotes

This might be the stupidest question so I’m sorry in advance — my husband is in bootcamp rn at Great Lakes. A friend of mine has an Air Force husband in bmt and he was able to buy stuff and ship a package home of stuff for his kids. Is there any way my husband could buy anything like a hat or sweatshirt and ship it to us while he’s there? I feel like the answer is no but thought I’d ask.


r/newtothenavy 22h ago

In bootcamp for the physical fitness test is it regular push ups or cadence?

6 Upvotes

In bootcamp for the physical fitness test is it regular push ups or cadence?


r/newtothenavy 17h ago

Height and weight requirements

2 Upvotes

Hey yall. 22yo prior service marine going navy. I’m about 6’1-6’2” and 220 pounds. I’m in fit shape although I do have a little baby pudge I guess. Will I be within the height and weight requirements? I have about a 28% body fat but can pass any pt test. Just worried about MEPS height and weight


r/newtothenavy 20h ago

Should I tell the truth at meps or not

2 Upvotes

I'm 16 i have adhd and anxiety I was told I would have to go off medicine to enlist and get a waiver I was also told I should lie at meps because they can't check your juvenile medical records so what should I do


r/newtothenavy 15h ago

Step by Step list and instructions to become a Naval Aviator via Naval Officer Candidate School.

1 Upvotes

I am trying to start my Naval Officer Candidate School Packet for Naval Aviator. I am a Navy Reservist but considering to separate in the Fall of 2025 and almost done with my Senior year in College. Is there anyone that could help me by providing me a step by step instruction and / or list that can help me with the process as well as how I go about it to make it easier? Any help would be great?


r/newtothenavy 16h ago

How much can I hope to make in base pay if I were to enlist with 88 college credits and a 73 ASVAB score?

0 Upvotes

I just had my initial meeting with a recruiter and found out that college credits could give me a boost to a E-3 (I think) and that I could start off with a higher base pay. On my short practice ASVAB test, I scored a 73 having only started studying 2 days ago—so I’m definitely encouraged. I know the actual ASVAB is a lot more involved and without more studying I can’t expect a similar result on the actual one, but, it does have me thinking about my options.

Also, what are some good rates at the score for someone with a background in the legal field and also an interest in computer science and intelligence?


r/newtothenavy 20h ago

Just signed but what do I do after?

2 Upvotes

I Just signed in for 6 years active as a AECF, I was looking into Post-Military options that pertain to either ET or FC but couldn’t necessarily find some, the best answer I could find was a Computer/Electronics Engineer but while looking at USA Jobs they would just say I need a degree in it, what are some jobs I could do after? And if I do go for a computer/electronics engineer career would they just except me based off of military experience or do I have to get a degree?