Quote:
Originally Posted by atreidi
I still don't know what job Im going to have. I was given Aptitude Area General. I'll see what job I can get once basic is done. What kind of jobs are best for someone that wants to be a full time student?
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The 'best' job for me is going to be different from the 'best' job for you.
I am a firm believer in the Aptitude Testing. Each job has a minimum set of numbers.
I am an ET [Electronics Technician] as such I was responsible for knowing everything about all forms of electronics, with added focus on specific systems.
My primary NEC was mainframe computer system analyst, but due to what my computer system does I had to know the physics of inertia and gravity wells. So I programed computers, troubleshot them, repaired and micro-solder, and so much more.
Then with each re-enlistment I got a new NEC, so more and more focuses.
I have worked along side of MT [Missile Techs] who had amazing knowledge of micro-hydraulics, cooling systems and orbital systems.
I know many MMs [Machinist Mates] who operate stills, weld, separate atmosphere into each component gas and re-combine our atmosphere into a healthy breathable mixture.
I know many ROs [Reactor Operators] who obviously are nearly PHDs in their knowledge of nuclear power plants.
All rates in the Navy, are very highly defined, and we each come to look at problems from very unique perspectives.
I respect each of them: Cooks, Boatswain Mates, ETs, MMs, MTs, ICs, ....
In a room of guys all wearing civilian clothing, you can easily spot the MMs from the ETs or whatever ratings. Because there really are personality differences.
It all started with those Aptitude tests, to seperate us into groups who are the most 'apt' to be able to handle that set of skills.
The things that I had to be conversant on, were entirely different from the other rates. And many of them made me sound stupid whenever I found myself sitting among them.
It would be counter-productive to second-guess the Aptitude testing.
Those tests will in fact determine which group you fit into best.
During my career, I have known men who were told by an uncle or some other relative. To go into 'Electronics' because that is a 'good' future. So they tested and even though Electronics was not their best fit, they went for it anyway. Well, guess what, as an NCO in charge of those guys, I can say that it was not a good fit. They would have been much better suited in another rate.
Better able to excel, and better fitted to be happy with what they do.
You see, in the military a lot of the time you end up doing things that are horrible. Long hours, or seasick, or whatever, it becomes very easy to hate the service.
If you come to hate your job, then you become dis-enfranchised. Trying to work with you will become difficult.
I have had subordinates who hated their job, and others who loved their job. Can you guess which ones excelled? Can you guess which ones were a pleasure to lead?
When your service is done and behind you, I suggest that you will want it to be pleasant memories, with skills that you want to continue using.
Use the Aptitude testing to make the 'best' fit for you.
Do not choose a rate based upon what some friend says, or which one you think will allow you to finish the most college courses.
May God bless you.
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I applaud you for your advice too, but I think you misinterpret the reasons I am joining the military. I am joining because this is what I want as a long term career and to help this country's causes. I like many things about the military and despite my lack of actual experience in it I know this is what I want to do.
