Community Forums

mick · 03-28-2011, 06:56 AM

Having passed the enlistment physical, Jon was asked by the doctor, "Why do you want to join the Navy, son?"

"My father said it'd be a good idea, Sir."

"Oh? And what does your father do?"

"He's in the Marines, Sir."

frankdamp · 03-28-2011, 08:29 PM

As an ex-pat Brit, with no military experience whatsoever (I missed conscription in the UK by about 6 months), I was amazed when my son announced he was going to join the USN as an early enlistee straight out of high school. His argument was that he had no particular interest that would translate into a career path.

He signed on for a 5 year active/5 year reserve and was assigned to the USS Curts, a Perry-Class frigate which was berthed in Yukosaka. He actually served 6/4, and in the process found himself a Japanese wife, whom we love dearly.

He used his education cerdits to get a Microsoft Certifed Sevice Enginner ticket, and after a few years in our local area, is now working in Tokyo as the area IT manager (I think - he doesn't talk about his job very much) for the French company Dassault Systemes (the CATIA guys).

He says his Navy experience was the best thing that ever happened, he got a career and a wife out of it.

Wayne M · 03-28-2011, 09:17 PM

Mick,
I understood!

KC1BUD · 03-29-2011, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mick

Having passed the enlistment physical, Jon was asked by the doctor, "Why do you want to join the Navy, son?"

"My father said it'd be a good idea, Sir."

"Oh? And what does your father do?"

"He's in the Marines, Sir."

Funny!

I was almost a marine I spent a hitch in both the Army and the Navy

1ciderdog · 03-29-2011, 02:15 PM

I spent over four years in the Marine Corps in the early 1960's. After hearing my great stories and tales about life in the Corps they both joined the Navy. I was disapointed they did not chose USMC but they did make a good decision in joining a branch of the military. It was a good educational experience for both and I'd kind of like to see all the kids spend a couple of years in the service for the "educational experience".
Bob

KC1BUD · 04-12-2011, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frankdamp

As an ex-pat Brit, with no military experience whatsoever (I missed conscription in the UK by about 6 months), I was amazed when my son announced he was going to join the USN as an early enlistee straight out of high school. His argument was that he had no particular interest that would translate into a career path.

He signed on for a 5 year active/5 year reserve and was assigned to the USS Curts, a Perry-Class frigate which was berthed in Yukosaka. He actually served 6/4, and in the process found himself a Japanese wife, whom we love dearly.

He used his education cerdits to get a Microsoft Certifed Sevice Enginner ticket, and after a few years in our local area, is now working in Tokyo as the area IT manager (I think - he doesn't talk about his job very much) for the French company Dassault Systemes (the CATIA guys).

He says his Navy experience was the best thing that ever happened, he got a career and a wife out of it.

Be glad you weren't here during the draft during Vietnam. I went through basic training in the Army with a Brit that was here on a green card and happened to be of draft age.

Also served with a guy that was born in Michigan to South African parents, grew up in South Africa, then moved back to Michigan and he too was drafted. I don't remember his name but do remember his nick name. "Alphabet" He was called that because no one could actually pronounce his real name.

Mike Canter · 04-16-2011, 09:28 AM

I was British with a Green Card and actually drafted in 1965 into the US Armed Forces. I hid the draft letter and ran down and joined the Navy. Raised my hand and was sworn in and boy did they get upset when I told them I had been drafted. Stayed in the Navy for 26 years and loved it. I was then sworn in as a US Citizen by Judge Sarah T. Huges who swore Johnson in after President Kennedy was killed. That was a rough time period for getting drafted and going to Viet Nam. All my buddies that went into the Marines and Army went to Viet Nam. I flew several missions off the coast of Viet Nam out of the Philippines but that was all. Never got in country.

Talk about the Marines being rough. We all flew to San Diego for boot camp. At the airport we had two lines, one for going to the Navy boot camp and one for going to the Marine boot camp. We were all scared to death and 5 sailors got in the Marine line by mistake and spent two weeks in Marine boot camp before they had enough courage to tell them they were really sailors. They sent them to back to the Navy boot camp were they started over again.

John H... · 04-16-2011, 09:43 AM

Joined the Navy during the Vietnam "crisis" and only regret now that I didn't stay in. Always told my kids it would be a good career, but none of them have served.

Sandman · 05-06-2011, 03:25 PM

As a second generation USMC Brat and USN retiree I have watched this thread since it's beginning..

One thing that has not been mentioned yet.. the thread title is
" How some become Naval personal".. the Naval Services are USN & USMC.. IE: Navy personnel and Marine Corps personnel..

No Marine stories?

dagray · 05-11-2011, 02:37 PM

Someone has to join the USN how would us Marines get around.

Wayne M · 05-11-2011, 10:01 PM

The USMC is a department of the navy, the men's department.

AAL747 · 05-12-2011, 05:18 AM

Wayne you are killing me with old tired jokes.

Yes the Corps is the senior Naval service but you can't hide from the fact that you are a part of the Department of Navy and may I add the part that goes over the fence last!

Jeff
GO NAVY
Fly Navy

Wayne M · 05-12-2011, 07:35 AM

Jeff,
You just showed your age.

The Marine Corps is to the navy what the handle is to the bed chamber pot.

We are attached to it, we are not in it.

njs42 · 05-12-2011, 09:19 AM

Not in the least on your subject but I am so proud I just gotta tell someone. My son is in the Navy--finishes his last cruise before retirement--I will join a Tiger Cruise in Hawaii and be with him arriving at home port San Diego this June----USS Carl Vinson---the final resting place of that scoundral OBL-------I can hardly wait.

My best to all of you who have served.

Stone, SGT, 19700205, 12-13-42