Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 8/4/2008

Question
I am scheduled to go to the MEPS tomorrow. In looking at a few blog sites for the military, I've been getting some conflicting views on the possibility of being "Activated". My course for joining is as follows:
1) Choose a job like Radar Tech, or something that translates to the real world.
2) Basic, Navy schooling for the job I've chosen,return home in 4-8 months (depending on which job I choose).
3) Apply to be a recruiter.
4) Work locally as a recruiter, get full benefits and active duty pay. Get a 2nd job to help with the bills.
5) If I do not get the recruiter job, apply for civilian jobs that utilize my Navy training.

Questions:
1)  What is the likelihood of getting called for active duty?
2)  What does "Active Duty Mean" in the Navy reserves? Will I be sent overseas? If so, what kind of job will I do? Without proper gun training, they wouldn't put me on the front line, would they
3)  Should I get everything in writing when it comes to my job, pay, etc...?
4)  Is there a possibility of being stationed in a different city? If I was a radar tech, where would I go if activated?
5)  Is the Navy reserve a true "Reserve". Example - someone who is a radar tech in the NAVY gets activated to go overseas. Do I take his spot in, lets say San Diego and I'm done when his tour has ended?
6)  My recruiter said that if I become a Recruiter, I will stay put....that they don't go overseas because they need to keep recruiting at home. Is that true?

Lots of questions.  I have a wife and 3 kids. I am joining because I want to serve my country (in a more technical role) and to get an education and benefits. I just need to make sure that what my recruiter is telling me is correct.

I know it's a long blog and you are busy. If you could, please reply by 8/5/08 as I am going to the MEPS at 3:00 CST.

Thanks,

DJ


Answer
Dear DJ --

I cannot answer all your questions but I will tell you what I do know.

1.  Get ALL the recruiter's promises in writing IN THE FINAL VERSION of your enlistment contract.  If the version they give you tomorrow at MEPS doesn't say what you agreed upon -- Walk out.  Once you sign it, the contract is binding, even if your recruiter misled you.

2.  Initial entry Sailors do not get to become recruiters.  Unless you are on an accelerated promotion path to petty officer, you will not be eligible to be a recruiter for at least two years.  Once you do become a recruiter, you will not deploy during your recruiting tour.

3. Once you are in as a reservist, if the Navy needs you, they can activate you.  Generally, you would be activated to do the job for which you trained.  So if you are a shipboard radar tech, you won't be sent to do a Marine's job.  However, some seabased systems have been taken off-ship and used land based, so you could be deployed overseas in your specialty.

4.  No one is a "true" reserve anymore.  If you are activated, you might go to a stateside job vacated by a Sailor that deployed.  However, you might also be deployed yourself.

5.  I believe, as a Radar Tech, you can be stationed anywhere the Navy has shipboard radars that need manpower.  All over the world, and the Great Lakes region, as well as some shipyards.

6.  The likelihood of getting called to active duty in the Navy is higher than it has historically been, but not as high as the Army or the Marines.

I hope I have answered enough of your questions to help you tomorrow.  I wish you and your family the best of luck.  I hope you get a job specialty you really enjoy.  Please write back, if you have additional questions as your career progresses.