From UT-Dallas to Navy

Discussion in 'Military-related education topics' started by sideman, Mar 7, 2010.

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  1. sideman

    sideman Well Known Member

    My son graduated cum laude from UT-Dallas last May. Exciting right? He already had a government job lined up and started work as soon as he got out of school. Even more exciting! He started his job which was working on base as a civilian. Evidently this was not enough. In August he joined the navy and has the usual hitch of four years. He's a military policeman. He has no desire to gain rank. He hid this from us until Thanksgiving and then told us. My wife is still beside herself. His reason for joining is that he wants to serve his country (sounds like a recruiting tactic to me). Don't get me wrong. I respect those selfless enough to serve. I've finally got my mind wrapped around it even if it is kinda bass ackwards. It's his life and he's the only one that can live it.

    My question is: can this help him with future government jobs? Or is this just an incredible waste of time? Has anyone else gone this route?

    Sideman
     
  2. 03310151

    03310151 Active Member

    Lets see:
    1. Parents who see the only "acceptable" use for our country is civilian employment for their brilliant son.
    2. Son has to "hide" the fact that he is serving his country from said parents.
    3. Your concern is if he can get a real job when he's done playing sailor.
    4. I feel for you.

    Serving your country sure is a waste of time for educated people like your son. Hard to imagine how he started to like his country and decided to do something for us. Don't worry, after four years I'm sure he can return to making money, living to his potential, and providing "acceptable" things for you to talk about with your friends.

    He'll get veterans preference once he completes his enlistment that may help him towards gaining federal employment again. However, with him being just a lowly enlisted guy this will absolutely hinder him, since we all know that only the poor stupid kids with no future tend to be enlisted people in the military.
     
  3. bazonkers

    bazonkers New Member

    Sideman, maybe your post didn't come off the right way, but I have to agree with 03310151. The fact he wanted to serve his country in our armed services should be considered very honorable. If no one served, we'd be in a world of hurt. Tell your son I said thank you for enlisting and serving his country.

    Defending ones country from all enemies is never "an incredible waste of time" as you put it. Have you considered that maybe this is what he wanted all along and that going to college, getting an office job, etc. wasn't really the life he wanted but did it because you and your wife wanted it for him? I'm not saying this is the case but I know I went to college out of high school because that is what my dad expected me to do. This might be his way of striking out on his own to figure out life for himself.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 8, 2010
  4. AUTiger00

    AUTiger00 New Member

    To the OP, your original post did give a hint of animosity towards enlisted military personnel so I can understand why Cory's response hinted with sarcasm and maybe a bit of anger. There is no shame in serving the country.

    In response to your question, if the skills your son gains as a military police officer garner him transferable skills to a job post-service, than yes it can absolutely help him. Does he intend to continue on in law enforcement after his commitment? A high school classmate of mine attended West Point then served as a military police officer, after his commitment he went on to Georgetown Law and now practices in the DC area. I think the one question that might arise with employers after your son's service is why he chose to enlist after college as opposed to going to OTS, but beyond that I can't see this hurting his career prospects.
     
  5. bazonkers

    bazonkers New Member

    In addition, the military will teach him professionalism, honor and responsibility in those four years. I'm not saying he doesn't have those already but getting more experience in those areas is never a bad thing, regardless of what your job is. In the Navy, he might be in stressful situations where he is responsible for the lives of his shipmates. Every job after the Navy might look easy and low-stress in comparison.
     
  6. sideman

    sideman Well Known Member

    I appreciate all your responses. There was certainly no offense intended. I've had several of my relatives in the military and the last impression that I want to make is that they've wasted their time. I just want the best for my son as anyone with children would. The usual route is military to college via g.i. bill. If military is his career choice I say more power to him. However he's already talking about what he'll do when his four years are up. So that's why I was asking about his options after the military.
     
  7. jaer57

    jaer57 New Member

    You never know; he may end up making a career of the Navy! It wouldn't be the first time 4 years turns into 20+. Thank him for me as well!
     
  8. sideman

    sideman Well Known Member

    That's fine with me too. I'll pass your well wishes along.
     
  9. cdhale

    cdhale Member

    Another consideration would be the educational benefits after his term of service is over. Sure, he has a degree, but he might decide to change fields or pursue graduate degrees. The military service will provide for some pretty good funding for that continued schooling.

    If he was a Texas resident when he enlisted, then even after he exhausts his VA benefits, he qualifies for the Hazelwood act and can get an ADDITIONAL 150 semester hours tuition and fee free from a Texas state university or college.

    Lots of potential benefits.
     
  10. sideman

    sideman Well Known Member

    Thank you. That's good to know.
     
  11. Lerner

    Lerner Well-Known Member

    I served 5 years in Air Force as enlisted.

    Today some 25 years later I can see how it shaped me in to a person I'm today. In my life every service/job was predecessor for the next job.

    I remember the US Navy come to our city shores on one of their huge carriers. They the Navy MP's patrolled our cities and made sure the sailors and crew in our bars and restaurants behaved in honorary fashion.

    There is high respect to US armed forces and you will be proud of your suns service.
    God bless the USA and kids like yours.
    One of my sons is completing law degree wile the other the 14 year old already mentioned US Air Force or Navy Air Force number of times, I will be proud if he decides after college to join US armed forces.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 8, 2010
  12. cdhale

    cdhale Member

    I should also add that my Army experience was very beneficial in other ways, as well. Besides the normally referenced discipline, dedication, respect, etc. that we normally mention, I have had some other useful results.

    I was a sniper and I seldom have a job interview where it doesn't come up. My military experience helps me stand out in a crowded job pool. Certainly, there are many other factors that come into play when jobs are offered, but it never hurts to be someone that is remembered.

    In fact, the first job I got after the army was directly related to my sniper experience, though the new job had NOTHING to do with being sniper. At my interview (just a month after I was discharged), the interviewer asked me questions about being a sniper the whole time. Nothing about the actual job I was applying for was discussed. I walked out with the job.
     
  13. TonyM

    TonyM Member

    Another issue is adventure and fun. Young people sometimes need a big adventure before settling down to a routine life.
     
  14. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    I can see why you're saying that. I see some Marines left 4 years active duty, then work at the restaurant and pizza places. The only time you waste your time in the service when you spend times to party and drunk, and don't really care about your future. In his situation, he needs to find out what he wants to be. Spend those years to get ready for the transition to Civilian life. If he wants to be in the local Lawencforcement, then he needs to find the procedure to transfer. If he has 4 yeas college degree and 4 years experience in the world force/military; he is qualified to be CIA or FBI Special Agent.

    In fact, Law school might be a best opition for him... if that is the case, then start to study LSAT.
     
  15. sentinel

    sentinel New Member

    Worst case scenario your son decides to attend law school and serve as a JAG lawyer.
     
  16. lawrenceq

    lawrenceq Member

    I did the Navy thing and it worked out great for me. I'm sure your son will do fine during and after his enlistment.

    Did he major in Criminal Justice?
     
  17. sideman

    sideman Well Known Member

    Hi lawrenceq:

    Thanks for the encouraging words. He dual majored in business and psychology.
     

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