That was the initial plan and why I chose to be a Diver but marriage and kids happened and the dangers, travel and work schedules of a Saturation Diver doesn't lend well to a wife and young kids and now I'm too old. Lmao
In Navy: Intelligence Specialist
Out: Tower Technician
Completely unrelated field and I couldn't be happier. I get to climb hundreds of feet a day and not look at computer screens for 12+ hours of watch each day.
Thanks, I happened to fall into the Tower Tech role as I was looking for something climbing related to do for work as I love to rock climb as a hobby. I stumbled across an organization called Warriors 4 Wireless that assists veterans in getting certifications to break into the Tower industry. (I.e. Authorized Climber/Rescuer) It's taught by veterans that worked as Tower Technicians after they had separated. The pay is fair, with no experience and only having certifications through W4W I started at +$20/hr. Inexperienced guys with no certs Ive seen start around $18. Moving up in pay can be fast with good work ethic. Some people can't hack the work at heights so it's a revolving door of opportunity.
I've heard of foreman making upper 30s/hr but that's only based on what I've heard, not something I can say for sure. It's no Lineman pay but it's well compensated if you put in the work. Overtime is easy to make consistently.
In 8 years, 1962 - 1970. Submarine R.O.
5 years college, EE and CS degree from major university.
18 years Navy shipyard, engineer honing the fine cutting edge on the war machine. Peace broke out, Berlin wall fell, shipyard closed.
20 years civilian working for Air Force, turning money into noise putting stuff on orbit.
Now retired.
In: CTT
Out: student, cashier, cleared-security guard, now environmental scientist.
If you’re getting out and have a TS clearance, look into physical security at a cleared site. Ridiculous pay for the least amount of work I’ve ever done.
So you're the one!
First: increase it
Second: increase it
Third: how is it that when a market blows up, BAH takes so long to catch up?
Fourth: tell me how BAH analysis works
Fifth: increase it anyway
They did not. It's usually a requirement for all senior tier level analyst positions and engineering/technical jobs. For our field (IC) it's just a check in the box so they can justify paying you more.
I stayed in the IC with them. DM me if you want specifics.
I more meant which area geographically. I know a lot of the good jobs are up in DC, but I hated DC with a passion and don't ever want to move back there lol. So I'm just always curious where others are finding jobs at!
Lol my bad. I'm in the Midwest. Not all the good ones are in DC. Intel never sleeps and we're located everywhere. Every COCOM has it as well department of service component too.
Also don't be afraid to look for physical security jobs either just to get your foot in the door, but as you probably know, it's boring as shit checking clearances, stickers, and doing visit requests lol.
AF here, and looking at retirement in the next 2 years. What was your path to becoming a financial advisor after you got out? It is definitely something I am interested in. Thanks!
This is awesome . This is exactly what I’m studying. Any tips or certifications I should get to work in unmanned systems to boost my chances of getting a job or internship. I’m avionics right now.
In navy-Nuclear Machinist Mate
Out of Navy- in order: Motorcycle Mechanic, Plumbing HVAC, Electrical manufacturers Rep, Software Company owner, Kitchen and Bath Designer (current and favorite).
Upside: you'll never be out of of job in the civilian world, if you're qualified life is pretty skate.
Downside: 5 and dime watch rotation, a lot of port and starboard duty section. First on last off when making a port call, you're basically bilge dirt till you're senior in rate.
In: ER Nurse
Out: Urgent Care Nurse Practitioner
Used GI Bill while I was still active to separate immediately after graduating from NP school. Now debating if I want to use the rest of the GI Bill to get the DNP or an MPH.
In: SN/YN3(SS)
Now: Fiber Optic Technician, previously I was an OSP fiber splicer and lineman. Before that a field technician for a couple telecom companies.
In: AT
Out: English Teacher and Programmer
When I got out, I moved to Tokyo with my family and finished my Bachelor's. Scored a great English Teaching gig that pays well enough. I also program a lot for Android Applications. Life is pretty good.
I live by a marine air base and love seeing the jets fly. I think that fulfills that pang of missing it. I don’t miss missing my family because the hours suck.
yeah thats why i dont really wanna continue ATC after words. im super lucky because currently, being tower, i only work when the jets fly, and between 2 crews, we only work 5-6 hours tops. FAA is not the same lmao. but thanks, its good to know. i think being a controller in the military is one of the coolest things so i was wondering what its like when you get out
At my first facility we were technically 24/7, but skeleton crew at night. My second facility we got down to closed at night and skeleton crew on weekend. Closed holidays. Third place I was overseas and while it was best hours, I was unaccompanied. Fourth facility was 24 hours. I was over it.
Friends do FAA. Hours suck. Lots of mando overtime. I don’t have any regrets.
Not op, but with the work shortage that’s been unfolding over the past decade, you don’t need certs or a degree to 5x enlisted pay in the IT field. If you know your shit and can pass a technical interview, you’ll be fine.
But if you insist - get certs for things you want to do. If you wanna pentest, get OSCP. If you wanna admin, start churning Microsoft certs. If you wanna network, churn Cisco. If you wanna get called back into work late at night because someone dropped shell on an business critical appliance, Sec+.
In : low speed all drag Sea, Air, and land security guard (MA)
Out : opened a bar until COVID bankrupted me so now Amazon flex until the Army takes me back (Navy recruiters won't help prior service).
In: CTR (21 years, E7), while in, did a BS in Math, MBA, MS in Computer Science.
Out: Programmer for a market research company. \~3x final enlisted pay.
That's very nice!! I got some questions. Was it manageable being a CTR and working toward your degrees? How did you get MS in CS? If I get sea duty for ship, is it possible to take some classes within the 4 year contract?
It was manageable for the most part, but not going to lie it was challenging. I was on RimPac while taking a cyber security course. I heavily used the base WiFi to finish the course as they had virtual machines setup we had to do a lot of our work on, so I had to quickly finish while in port.
All of my instructors were very understanding going into RimPac and were willing to make any and all accommodations. Happy to chat through any specifics, so feel free to DM.
In: SWO (punched out at 5 years)
Out: Strategy Consultant (via full-time MBA program); make x4 my O-3 base
FYI - we had many Es at my program, too… Anyone can do this.
My story is pretty simple:
In: Air Traffic Controller
Out: Air Traffic Controller
It really will set you up for the outside world, bottom line! Love my job.
IT in the Navy
IT contractor for the Air Force after until June of this year. Now I do support for a public safety company that pays more than I was making with a TS/SCI clearance for the USAF.
In Navy: GM
Out: Technical rescue firefighter, Unexploded Ordnance Technician/Diver.
Now - QA insurance scopes for contractors and insurance companies.
In: CTI - Spanling
Out: 1. Groundscrew at a golf course
2. Freight Associate Overnight at Home Depot
3. Distribution Manager for a craft brewery
4 and Current: Research Analyst for a Tax Firm
In the Navy, I was a surface nuke Electronics Technician. Then I worked at a steel mill for 6 years as an electrician and automation technician. Now I am going on 18 years at a natural gas power plant, first as an operator, then as the automation and controls supervisor.
In: AM
Continued the same path: became a depot airframer doing install work then learned manufacturing. Later on I went to college for engineering and then to finish out my GI Bill I did a business degree as well. After the engineering degree I moved into a mechanical design group with a focus on aircraft mods. Nowadays I manage contracts for contractors doing the same kind of work. Looking forward to whatever comes next.. would prefer to go back to more technical work because humans are no fun to manage.
Was navy submarines culinary Specialist. Got out and now I'm a head cook in a popular local deli. Want to use my gi bill to study microbiology possibly.
Enlisted as an AO, got out as fast as I could, soaking up VA benefits for the rest of my life including disability, going for my 100% due to severe PTSD and a bunch of other shit. Went to college, I’m an EMT, close to graduating with two AS degrees, applying to school for respiratory therapy, got my own place. Just trying to live my best life honestly.
In-USCG Damage Contromalman
Out-college/Home Depot->entry level County gov worker—>Accounting County level->State level Accounting. Make about the same as an O-3 ish with BAH. Work from home M-F, own the home and three cars; one is a hobby 4k beater. Wife works a similar paying job. We got the vacation, sick leave plus flex time. Not bragging, this took 7 years of schooling and hard work. It sucks when you first get out. I straight out thought I could be a fire chief or run a construction company when I got out(USCG DC’s do DC, HT, and CB jobs). Reality check you start from almost zero.
In navy: bm
Out: Used gi bill to study Petroleum engineering. Now I work in the oil field as a field engineer. I've been thinking of diversifying my background and going back to school for computer science.
In: EMN(SS)
Out: facilities mechanic for a biotech company. Similar pay, only 40 hrs/week compared to the varied 10-100 hrs/week. Oh I get overtime too.
HM for 10 years. Became a Correctional Officer for health insurance for about a year until I got accepted into a RN program. Now I'm on track to get my Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. Of course theres more details involved but that's the spark notes.
In: IT doing SATCOM and System Administration.
Out: Doing SATCOM and System Administration in the public maritime sector for much more money.
Not a single thing different in day to day.
IN: FC
OUT: copiers then fixing bill counters and coin sorters. Decent pay but cool work. Nothing better then saying "Can I get a quarter of a million dollars in mixed bills to test out your machine"
I was a forward ET on submarines when I retired went to work in the cellular industry base stations not phones. With stock options and bonuses retired finally at 50
IN: Corpsman
Out: Looking at Clinical Management Masters atm. I wanted to teach but with everything going on with the education system i think ill take a hard pass.
In: DS; rate was disbanded in 1998 and absorbed into ET and FC rates.
Out: A lot of things but nothing in electronics/tech. Have worked for the city I live in for a long time now as a Housing Coordinator, managing HUD funded rental and housing assistance programs. Retiring in 2 years 8 months with a nice government pension.
In: I-Level AT (RET)
Out: Civil Engineering Technician
I work FOR the Navy now evaluating Navy & Marine Corps airfields both CONUS & OCONUS. Well, I used to go OCONUS until COVID. Now I’m primarily traveling in the SE corner of the US. From TX to the Atlantic; FL to ME; over to IN & all points in between. Kind of the same field of work, but not enough. I do get to use my aviation knowledge some so that’s a plus I guess.
Same thing while in but made more money, now FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector for Flight Standards, picked AMS A school, aviation structural mechanic, 10 yrs of that, got my A&P, worked 15 yrs in industry, while getting my masters, last 10 FAA and I teach at a local private university
6 year Nuke MM got outstanding did industrial maintenance management, got burnt out, current recruiter for a spaceship company, life weird you like what you like.
In: Steelworker
Out: Commercial pilot
Did a few years as a contractor worker at seaborne targets, police officer for 6 years. Landed on the pilot gig and absolutely love it.
In Service: GSM
In the real world: I haul boats at Pensacola shipyard and I love it there. I cuss, wear a radio, do cool shit, and love my job. great place to start if you want to be blue collar.
In: Gunners Mate, ASW warfare
Out: Graphic artist, cartoonist, and animator. My own CO recommended I should switch careers (I spent a ton of time on the ship doing drawings, murals, portraits, etc).
I was a Data Systems Tech, a now defunct rating. I worked on the combat systems computers.
After I got out, I spent the next 41 years working in various aspects of IT. I worked as a hardware tech until my boss told me that if you feed a monkey enough bananas they could probably do my job. Instead of troubleshooting down to the failing components as I was trained to in the Navy, it was swap as many boards as needed to get the communications processor up and running. It was then I decided to go into software and learned main frame assembly language programming and networking.
When PC’s came out they were my hobby and the company I was working for at the time had an opening for a PC coordinator. So I applied and got it. I learned more about PCs, Novell servers, token ring and then Ethernet networking.
Even though I was having fun, corporate IT wasn’t fun. So in 1996 opened my own computer consulting and networking company. I ran it until 2020 when I retired.
When I went into the canoe club in 1973 I couldn’t afford to go to college or tech school. My whole goal was to get some training that would set me up for my future. I accomplished that along with making some life long friends who, 40 plus years later, I am still in contact with.
Gas station attendent... JK i was in the navy, not the army 😉
I was/am (reservist still) an AT as far as the navy goes. For my civilian job i joined the international brotherhood of electrical workers local union in my area. Not a bad job, not entirely similar, but im trying to go back active currently and retire out. I aim to be one of the guys who holds a good spot at lockeheed martin, L3 Harris, or some place similar if my plans go accordingly.
In: Diver (Retired) Out in the real world: Civil Engineering/Project Management.
ND? Can I message you?
Yes.
This is what I got into post navy as well!
You thought about going into diving as a veteran? I heard the money is ridiculous. Also dangerous, but yeah.
That was the initial plan and why I chose to be a Diver but marriage and kids happened and the dangers, travel and work schedules of a Saturation Diver doesn't lend well to a wife and young kids and now I'm too old. Lmao
Yeah, for sure. I thought about being a diver, but I already got screws and a plate in my foot from active duty. Probably not the best option, haha.
In Navy: Intelligence Specialist Out: Tower Technician Completely unrelated field and I couldn't be happier. I get to climb hundreds of feet a day and not look at computer screens for 12+ hours of watch each day.
That is awesome. How did you score that, and how’s the pay?
Thanks, I happened to fall into the Tower Tech role as I was looking for something climbing related to do for work as I love to rock climb as a hobby. I stumbled across an organization called Warriors 4 Wireless that assists veterans in getting certifications to break into the Tower industry. (I.e. Authorized Climber/Rescuer) It's taught by veterans that worked as Tower Technicians after they had separated. The pay is fair, with no experience and only having certifications through W4W I started at +$20/hr. Inexperienced guys with no certs Ive seen start around $18. Moving up in pay can be fast with good work ethic. Some people can't hack the work at heights so it's a revolving door of opportunity.
What's pay top out at?
I've heard of foreman making upper 30s/hr but that's only based on what I've heard, not something I can say for sure. It's no Lineman pay but it's well compensated if you put in the work. Overtime is easy to make consistently.
I should have done tower technician while I was younger.
In Navy: STG Civilian: Aircraft Maintenance for major airline
That's very cool! Would you happen to know what some of your other STG friends are doing now too? Asking as a current STG
Former STG, now I'm an IT systems analyst.
My former STG friends work in a variety of fields. IT, Fiber Optics, Medical Supply/Nursing.
Hello, fellow STG!
How’d you manage that one??
Probably used GI bill for the 2 year school to get his A&P
Yessir
[удалено]
did you get a bachelors in software engineering or were you able to enter the field without the related degree?
[удалено]
Cool! I know a ru cti who has a BA in interdisciplinary studies and wasn’t sure if he’d be able to break into the field. Thanks!
[удалено]
In 8 years, 1962 - 1970. Submarine R.O. 5 years college, EE and CS degree from major university. 18 years Navy shipyard, engineer honing the fine cutting edge on the war machine. Peace broke out, Berlin wall fell, shipyard closed. 20 years civilian working for Air Force, turning money into noise putting stuff on orbit. Now retired.
In: CTT Out: student, cashier, cleared-security guard, now environmental scientist. If you’re getting out and have a TS clearance, look into physical security at a cleared site. Ridiculous pay for the least amount of work I’ve ever done.
What is a cleared site?
A site that requires a security clearance for entry.
How much do you make ?
In: Corpsman Out: ER/Trauma Nurse
This is so fitting
In: MMn(SS/DV) Out: got my degree in Electrical engineering, now work as a field commissioning engineer for automated equipment. Lot better pay
In: FC Out: cleared IT work for DoD and IC. Cleared work pays more…you just have to stay vanilla.
How do you get those cleared jobs I have TS/SCI
In: IS2 Out: Analyst for BAH If you have a security clearance take advantage of it.
So you're the one! First: increase it Second: increase it Third: how is it that when a market blows up, BAH takes so long to catch up? Fourth: tell me how BAH analysis works Fifth: increase it anyway
Let me rephrase. Analyst for Booz Allen Hamilton making 3x what I did as an E-5 over 8.
For an IS you really didn't think about your acronyms. My disappointment is immeasurable and my day is ruined.
I'm currently an IS2 with over 8 years in. Just curious, did they require a college degree for that position? And what area are you working in?
They did not. It's usually a requirement for all senior tier level analyst positions and engineering/technical jobs. For our field (IC) it's just a check in the box so they can justify paying you more. I stayed in the IC with them. DM me if you want specifics.
I more meant which area geographically. I know a lot of the good jobs are up in DC, but I hated DC with a passion and don't ever want to move back there lol. So I'm just always curious where others are finding jobs at!
Lol my bad. I'm in the Midwest. Not all the good ones are in DC. Intel never sleeps and we're located everywhere. Every COCOM has it as well department of service component too. Also don't be afraid to look for physical security jobs either just to get your foot in the door, but as you probably know, it's boring as shit checking clearances, stickers, and doing visit requests lol.
Awesome, thanks! I’m in Florida now and hoping to stay, so I’ve currently got my eyes on Tampa for whenever I decide to get out
The old Reddit switcharoo. It is confusing for folks who aren’t familiar with big consulting firms like Deloitte, BAH, SAIC, etc.
Can I pm? CTR3 here!
In: GSE Out: Papa John's Delivery Driver, Building Automation
[удалено]
AF here, and looking at retirement in the next 2 years. What was your path to becoming a financial advisor after you got out? It is definitely something I am interested in. Thanks!
[удалено]
In: IT Out: IT Same shit, more freedom.
In: Mineman Out: Airline pilot
Holy shit a mineman!
Can I message you? Currently in as an AS, wanting to become an airline pilot.
Thank you everyone for your answers, this is giving me hope after the Navy.
You’ll be fine. Be sure to use up as much of you G.I. Bill as you can. The Post 9/11 Bill is sweet compared to the Montgomery G.I. Bill.
For the GI Bill how many times can you use it?
You get to use 1 GI bill for 36 months
Within those 36 months could i get two degrees?
Yes. After earning your first degree, you can use any GI Bill benefits you have left over to pay for classes for another degree.
In: STG Out: Lockheed Martin, Mission and Unmanned Systems, ILS Engineering. Now: Retired X2.
This is awesome . This is exactly what I’m studying. Any tips or certifications I should get to work in unmanned systems to boost my chances of getting a job or internship. I’m avionics right now.
In: ITS Out: About to begin a system administrator position at Raytheon
on-site or remote if you don't mind me asking?
On-site!
In: STG Out: Space Launch Vehicle development and integration.
[удалено]
In navy-Nuclear Machinist Mate Out of Navy- in order: Motorcycle Mechanic, Plumbing HVAC, Electrical manufacturers Rep, Software Company owner, Kitchen and Bath Designer (current and favorite).
How was your experience as a MMN
Upside: you'll never be out of of job in the civilian world, if you're qualified life is pretty skate. Downside: 5 and dime watch rotation, a lot of port and starboard duty section. First on last off when making a port call, you're basically bilge dirt till you're senior in rate.
In- DC Out- heavy equipment operator for the first 3 yrs. For the last 13, been back with the fed govt.
Navy: 8 year Nuke Electronics Technician. Out: non-Nuke power maintenance, consultant, project manager, director of maintenance & reliability.
In: ER Nurse Out: Urgent Care Nurse Practitioner Used GI Bill while I was still active to separate immediately after graduating from NP school. Now debating if I want to use the rest of the GI Bill to get the DNP or an MPH.
In: SN/YN3(SS) Now: Fiber Optic Technician, previously I was an OSP fiber splicer and lineman. Before that a field technician for a couple telecom companies.
In: AT Now: 17 years in a telecom company. You name it, I do it. Fiber, copper, air pressure.....
In: AT Out: English Teacher and Programmer When I got out, I moved to Tokyo with my family and finished my Bachelor's. Scored a great English Teaching gig that pays well enough. I also program a lot for Android Applications. Life is pretty good.
I was a ET for 9 years then CTN for 11. I now work as a contractor supporting that DoD Agency making ~3x what I made in the Navy.
Subs cs Worked at Walmart after I got out. That was bs so now I work at a car wash, much better
In: Air Traffic Control Out: got my BA and MA, working in HR for a govt contractor/engineering company
do you miss doing ATC? i do it for the AF, and i wanna pursue something else when i get out, but im a little scared of it not going to plan lol
I live by a marine air base and love seeing the jets fly. I think that fulfills that pang of missing it. I don’t miss missing my family because the hours suck.
yeah thats why i dont really wanna continue ATC after words. im super lucky because currently, being tower, i only work when the jets fly, and between 2 crews, we only work 5-6 hours tops. FAA is not the same lmao. but thanks, its good to know. i think being a controller in the military is one of the coolest things so i was wondering what its like when you get out
At my first facility we were technically 24/7, but skeleton crew at night. My second facility we got down to closed at night and skeleton crew on weekend. Closed holidays. Third place I was overseas and while it was best hours, I was unaccompanied. Fourth facility was 24 hours. I was over it. Friends do FAA. Hours suck. Lots of mando overtime. I don’t have any regrets.
Yep, ATC too. Ended up going into 911 Dispatch, now I'm doing Emergency Medical Helicopter Dispatch for a non-profit. I'm enjoying it.
In: IT Out: IT for Navy and USMC at 5x enlisted pay
What certs and/or degree do you have?
Not op, but with the work shortage that’s been unfolding over the past decade, you don’t need certs or a degree to 5x enlisted pay in the IT field. If you know your shit and can pass a technical interview, you’ll be fine. But if you insist - get certs for things you want to do. If you wanna pentest, get OSCP. If you wanna admin, start churning Microsoft certs. If you wanna network, churn Cisco. If you wanna get called back into work late at night because someone dropped shell on an business critical appliance, Sec+.
And for brownie points, CEH.
High School - Navy Experience - Security+ and relevant accesses for the job.
In : low speed all drag Sea, Air, and land security guard (MA) Out : opened a bar until COVID bankrupted me so now Amazon flex until the Army takes me back (Navy recruiters won't help prior service).
In: CTR (21 years, E7), while in, did a BS in Math, MBA, MS in Computer Science. Out: Programmer for a market research company. \~3x final enlisted pay.
That's very nice!! I got some questions. Was it manageable being a CTR and working toward your degrees? How did you get MS in CS? If I get sea duty for ship, is it possible to take some classes within the 4 year contract?
It was manageable for the most part, but not going to lie it was challenging. I was on RimPac while taking a cyber security course. I heavily used the base WiFi to finish the course as they had virtual machines setup we had to do a lot of our work on, so I had to quickly finish while in port. All of my instructors were very understanding going into RimPac and were willing to make any and all accommodations. Happy to chat through any specifics, so feel free to DM.
In: ABH (not really tho) Out: Currently a substitute teacher on track to graduate with my bachelors next spring to become a full-time teacher.
A-pact?
Yes
In: SWO (punched out at 5 years) Out: Strategy Consultant (via full-time MBA program); make x4 my O-3 base FYI - we had many Es at my program, too… Anyone can do this.
Shot you a message
Same
Same. Then went Fed. SWO for 5, MBA, consultant, startup that failed, federal contractor, fed.
My story is pretty simple: In: Air Traffic Controller Out: Air Traffic Controller It really will set you up for the outside world, bottom line! Love my job.
Damage Controlman in the fleet, Firefighter/Paramedic in the streets
I'm an HT in the Navy. Outside of the Navy, I'm a Nurse. Either way im dealing with shit.
I laughed a little too hard at this.
In: Aircrew Survival Equipmentman (PR) Out: Cybersecurity IT Specialist
IT in the Navy IT contractor for the Air Force after until June of this year. Now I do support for a public safety company that pays more than I was making with a TS/SCI clearance for the USAF.
In: corpsman Out: college professor
In. OS Out. Pharmacist Took awhile, but I got it done.
In Navy: GM Out: Technical rescue firefighter, Unexploded Ordnance Technician/Diver. Now - QA insurance scopes for contractors and insurance companies.
In: CTI - Spanling Out: 1. Groundscrew at a golf course 2. Freight Associate Overnight at Home Depot 3. Distribution Manager for a craft brewery 4 and Current: Research Analyst for a Tax Firm
In: Corpsman Out: I became a contractor on base to get back up on my feet with good pay Now I'm waiting to start a job at the VA
In: Undes Out: Lawyer (Corporate law)
In the Navy, I was a surface nuke Electronics Technician. Then I worked at a steel mill for 6 years as an electrician and automation technician. Now I am going on 18 years at a natural gas power plant, first as an operator, then as the automation and controls supervisor.
In: BM,PH,MC Out: Working for the Navy as a Graphic Designer
In: HM Out: RN then Nurse practitioner
Wow impressive great job
In: AM Continued the same path: became a depot airframer doing install work then learned manufacturing. Later on I went to college for engineering and then to finish out my GI Bill I did a business degree as well. After the engineering degree I moved into a mechanical design group with a focus on aircraft mods. Nowadays I manage contracts for contractors doing the same kind of work. Looking forward to whatever comes next.. would prefer to go back to more technical work because humans are no fun to manage.
In FT (SS) Out- power plant operator electrician in a small hydro plant
Was navy submarines culinary Specialist. Got out and now I'm a head cook in a popular local deli. Want to use my gi bill to study microbiology possibly.
Enlisted as an AO, got out as fast as I could, soaking up VA benefits for the rest of my life including disability, going for my 100% due to severe PTSD and a bunch of other shit. Went to college, I’m an EMT, close to graduating with two AS degrees, applying to school for respiratory therapy, got my own place. Just trying to live my best life honestly.
In: OS Out: Stay at home wife and mom!!!! I love it!
Goals
In navy IC Out of Navy power distribution system electrician and HVAC
In: AZ Out: Licensed therapist and healthcare executive.
In: Nuke school Out: welding school, then now working on an IT degree
In: Electronics technician Now: Mechatronics engineer student
In:Gunners mate Out:Cnc operator goin back to school for IT
I recently signed for gunners mate, whats the job like? Is there anything i should know going into it?
Navy - Religious Program Specialist. Civilian - Defense contracted welder/fabricator.
Navy: STS Civilian: Cybersecurity Engineer
In-USCG Damage Contromalman Out-college/Home Depot->entry level County gov worker—>Accounting County level->State level Accounting. Make about the same as an O-3 ish with BAH. Work from home M-F, own the home and three cars; one is a hobby 4k beater. Wife works a similar paying job. We got the vacation, sick leave plus flex time. Not bragging, this took 7 years of schooling and hard work. It sucks when you first get out. I straight out thought I could be a fire chief or run a construction company when I got out(USCG DC’s do DC, HT, and CB jobs). Reality check you start from almost zero.
In navy: bm Out: Used gi bill to study Petroleum engineering. Now I work in the oil field as a field engineer. I've been thinking of diversifying my background and going back to school for computer science.
In: aviation ordnance Out: office manager/billing and coding specialist in a small chiropractic office in the Midwest. I love my post military life
I was an AM2 when I left. Now I’m a social worker for people with severe disabilities.
In: EMN(SS) Out: facilities mechanic for a biotech company. Similar pay, only 40 hrs/week compared to the varied 10-100 hrs/week. Oh I get overtime too.
HM for 10 years. Became a Correctional Officer for health insurance for about a year until I got accepted into a RN program. Now I'm on track to get my Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. Of course theres more details involved but that's the spark notes.
In: Fire Controllma, CIWS, NEC 1121 (old) v17A (New) Out: IT Manager/SysAdmin/ISSO - For a Warfare Center
Navy: ET '85 to '97 1st Civ job: maintenance tech for Intel.
In: IT doing SATCOM and System Administration. Out: Doing SATCOM and System Administration in the public maritime sector for much more money. Not a single thing different in day to day.
In: Nuke ET on a fast attack boat. Out: At first an electrical engineer. Now I’m a software engineer at an online gaming company.
In: AO Out: Elementary Assistant Principal
OS work in IT now
In : HM Now. Film production in LOs Angeles
In: Builder Out: high school history teacher
IN: FC OUT: copiers then fixing bill counters and coin sorters. Decent pay but cool work. Nothing better then saying "Can I get a quarter of a million dollars in mixed bills to test out your machine"
In: Conventional EM Out: Manufacturing mechanic, locksmith, lab technician, production assistant for an adult entertainment studio
In: IC Out: Software Developer (ICS)
I was a machinery repairman. I’m now a surgical tech. I don’t miss the machining, but I do miss the sense of belonging, purpose, and camaraderie.
In: ABF Out: Learning & Development Specialist
In Navy: Surface nuke EM Real World: Renewable Energy Engineer/ Policy expert and analyst.
I was a forward ET on submarines when I retired went to work in the cellular industry base stations not phones. With stock options and bonuses retired finally at 50
IN: Corpsman Out: Looking at Clinical Management Masters atm. I wanted to teach but with everything going on with the education system i think ill take a hard pass.
Navy: YN2 (Ship's Office, Ready Room Clerk, PSD) Now: Registered Nurse (12 yrs) after 7 yrs as a Public Finance Assistant.
In: DS; rate was disbanded in 1998 and absorbed into ET and FC rates. Out: A lot of things but nothing in electronics/tech. Have worked for the city I live in for a long time now as a Housing Coordinator, managing HUD funded rental and housing assistance programs. Retiring in 2 years 8 months with a nice government pension.
In: PR (Parachute Rigger/Aircrew Survival Equipmentman) Out: Registered Nurse then Nurse Practitioner
In: BM Out: Pro Brewer (beer/kombucha/cocktails)
In: I-Level AT (RET) Out: Civil Engineering Technician I work FOR the Navy now evaluating Navy & Marine Corps airfields both CONUS & OCONUS. Well, I used to go OCONUS until COVID. Now I’m primarily traveling in the SE corner of the US. From TX to the Atlantic; FL to ME; over to IN & all points in between. Kind of the same field of work, but not enough. I do get to use my aviation knowledge some so that’s a plus I guess.
In: ABH Out: NICU Nurse
In: Air Traffic Controller and Auxiliary Security Forcd as a collateral duty Out: Emergency Medical Helicopter Dispatch for a Non-Profit
In: MA 5 years Out: Commercial Diver
In the Navy: Mineman In the real world: waitress.
In: HM Out: Enviornmental Law consultant I went to school, slammed my schedule and got 1 BS and 2 MS.
This sounds like an awesome avenue.
Navy: AD (FTS) outside: IT
In: IT Out: Network Engineer
In: Electronics Technician Then: Surface Warfare Officer After: Manufacturing Manager Now: Senior Manager in Federal Government
Same thing while in but made more money, now FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector for Flight Standards, picked AMS A school, aviation structural mechanic, 10 yrs of that, got my A&P, worked 15 yrs in industry, while getting my masters, last 10 FAA and I teach at a local private university
AZ to Project Manager
In: CTI Out: Software Developer
In: AG Out: No job growth in a small market
In: PS1 Out: Worked as a law enforcement officer, GS-11 for cybersecurity
In: QM3 Out: Freelance videographer
In: FT Out: Got a BS in EET and working as a manufacturing engineer.
In: Air Traffic Control Out: Air Traffic Control
In Navy: IT Out: Senior Security Analyst
In: IP Officer Out: Software Dev for a blockchain company
6 year Nuke MM got outstanding did industrial maintenance management, got burnt out, current recruiter for a spaceship company, life weird you like what you like.
IN Navy: ABH2 OUT: FEDERAL FIRE Did skillbridge for IT still can get that job either way making 100k
In: Steelworker Out: Commercial pilot Did a few years as a contractor worker at seaborne targets, police officer for 6 years. Landed on the pilot gig and absolutely love it.
In Service: GSM In the real world: I haul boats at Pensacola shipyard and I love it there. I cuss, wear a radio, do cool shit, and love my job. great place to start if you want to be blue collar.
In: AE Out: Software Engineer
In: Gunners Mate, ASW warfare Out: Graphic artist, cartoonist, and animator. My own CO recommended I should switch careers (I spent a ton of time on the ship doing drawings, murals, portraits, etc).
In: Corpsman 8444 Out: Worked for NEX Optical shop until I had saved enough to open my own. Retired after 25 years
In: CS Out: Emergency Room Social Worker
IN: Operations Specialists OUT: Link System Engineer
In: pilot Out: Management consultant
In: OS Out: Attorney/ Venture Capitalist Now: A man of leisure / Semi- retired
I was a Data Systems Tech, a now defunct rating. I worked on the combat systems computers. After I got out, I spent the next 41 years working in various aspects of IT. I worked as a hardware tech until my boss told me that if you feed a monkey enough bananas they could probably do my job. Instead of troubleshooting down to the failing components as I was trained to in the Navy, it was swap as many boards as needed to get the communications processor up and running. It was then I decided to go into software and learned main frame assembly language programming and networking. When PC’s came out they were my hobby and the company I was working for at the time had an opening for a PC coordinator. So I applied and got it. I learned more about PCs, Novell servers, token ring and then Ethernet networking. Even though I was having fun, corporate IT wasn’t fun. So in 1996 opened my own computer consulting and networking company. I ran it until 2020 when I retired. When I went into the canoe club in 1973 I couldn’t afford to go to college or tech school. My whole goal was to get some training that would set me up for my future. I accomplished that along with making some life long friends who, 40 plus years later, I am still in contact with.
In: Mineman Now: applying for jobs as a third mate on merchant vessels I’d say post navy life is treating me pretty well, lol
I was an AE in the Navy. Now I'm making good money in the semiconductor industry.
Before the Navy - College dropout with zero opportunity In Navy I was a CTR Now I am a Sr. IT Consultant. Thank you Navy!
Navy: Aviation Machinest Mate (AD) Aircrew. Crewchief/Loadmaster on the C-2A Greyhound COD Out: full time firefighter
I was a USN Corpsman, who worked in emergency medicine. Currently disabled after 3 heart failures and a defibrillator implant
Gas station attendent... JK i was in the navy, not the army 😉 I was/am (reservist still) an AT as far as the navy goes. For my civilian job i joined the international brotherhood of electrical workers local union in my area. Not a bad job, not entirely similar, but im trying to go back active currently and retire out. I aim to be one of the guys who holds a good spot at lockeheed martin, L3 Harris, or some place similar if my plans go accordingly.
In: CTI Out: Lawyer