Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 3/25/2009

Question
Greetings Sir,
My questions are in regards to the Navy, but I could not find one of you special experts that has been in the Navy. I chose you, having read that you have answered a lot of Navy questions.
I am currently in the Marines, but once my four years are done this coming October (the 30th) I am thinking to switch over to the Navy.
I have several questions, and I hope you are able to help me out a little in this quest of mine.
Does the Navy do four year contracts like the Marines do, or is it that once you sign the contract you have to stay in for a longer period than four years?
I was told that the Navy is over their limit of about 60,000 sailors - since I am wanting to get in after FY10 hits, do you think my chances of getting in the Navy are good?
If I am accepted, will I have to lose my rank (I am currently an E-4), or does it depend on something to keep the rank you got out of the prior service with?
I speak, read, and write in Italian; will the Navy look at jobs for me that I may possibly be able to use this resource(having bases in Italy)?
The Marines did not look at my strong  assets, but put me in a job where they most needed me - is it the same thing for all the services, or do the others see if you are, for example good with computers and math or good with english and personal relations?
Thank you very much for your time in answering my lengthy question. I appreciate it.
Madeline


Answer
Madeline,

I have a lot of experience working with the Navy for a few tours, so I think I can help you.

Good choice, since the Navy basically owns the Marines.  Therefore your chances are very good.

1.  Normally all the Services are 4-year enlistments.  But, as part of the 2003 Military Authorization Act, Congress mandated that all of the military services implement the National Call-to-Service Program, which says that each Service must also have a 2-year enlistment option.

2.  Yes, the Navy reaches it's yearly quota early every year.  As you probably already know, FY10 begins in Sep 2009.  If I were you I'd begin my application process in August 2009 so you can be one of the first in line to be approved for FY10.  You should have a good chance.

3.  If you are an E-4 with 6 or less years of total active federal service you can retain your rank, if you stay in they same career field (if it's available in the Navy).  If you want to join the Navy because you hate your job in the Marines and want to do something different, then the Navy will make you an E-3 because they'll have to spend money retraining you.

4.  The Navy doesn't have a big demand for those fluent in Italian right now.  Currently the big demand is for E-2 through E-5 personnel in French, Arabic, Persian-Farsi, Chinese (Mandarin), Korean, Vietnamese, Serbian, Croatian, and Russian.  However, ensure your proficiency in Italian is noted in your records because those that speak ANY foreign are generally easier to teach another language.  Once in the Navy, contact your Educational Services Officer (ESO) and make an arrangement to take the Defense Foreign Language Proficiency Test as soon as you're ready.  The Defense Foreign Language Program is open to anyone in the Navy who wishes to establish their proficiency in this area.  There are different degrees of foreign proficiency, from basic to advanced, but you want it entered in your service record.  For example if you wish to learn Arabic it's currently eligible for the Navy's Foreign Language Proficiency Pay (FLPP) so you get extra money for knowing it.

5.  When you join the Navy YOU should tell THEM what your strong skills are.  If you don't, they'll look at your old ASVAB scores from when you first joined the Marines and stick you where they need somebody.  It can make your life miserable if you're stuck in a job as a cop when you really want to work in computers/electronics.  Also, you can request to re-take the ASVAB test before you join the Navy if you think it would help.  If you remember back when you first joined you learned (and were probably told) to keep your mouth shut.  Now that you're a little older and understand how things work, don't be afraid to speak up and say , "I don't want to be a cook."  You'll be surprised how it can work.  A happy worker is a productive worker.

Good luck, Petty Officer 3rd Class Madeline
Colonel H