Question to the Techs...

[Scruffy]

I was discussing with my family some of the source ratings and how I'd like to try to go into the EOD field... Anyway, to make a long story short, a family member who'd been in the military suggested that I'd be better off first enlisting in a regular rating and staying in it for a year or two, to get my feet wet in the military and to see if I'd like it or not. He also suggested that I enlist in a rating that had a real world counterpart (namely a Seabee rating), in case I did wash-out and decided that I didn't want to continue in the military. Now, I was wondering if I did enlist in a regular rating, do you think its possible I could get over to the EOD field within a couple of years ? Or is it depending on which job I would choose and current manning requirements (shortages)?

[Halo_06]

Scruffy,

I had the same question a long whiles back and with my Dad's blessing [He was a volunteer that worked his way up to an officer in the Engineers(Mustang?)], was already to make the Army [Combat Engineers] my future career until my Dad's officer buddies gave me the same advice you got.

Anyways, I don't know how it works over there, but over here in Singapore, if a troop wanted to get some 'experience' in the army before 'getting' his chosen vocation [EOD], it would help if he was in the same 'discipline vocation'.

In my case, wanting to join the EOD Unit would be easier if your regular rating was the Combat Engineers. That's because CE's besides having Bridging, Sapper Work, Field Fortifications, Mine Clearances, etc...also have Demolitions as a speciality.

Hope this helps a little.

[bmf]

I suppose it depends on your maturity level.

Why not shoot for EOD and if it doesn't work out then spend some time in the fleet? The reasoning your pal gave you works both ways. If you make it then you'll spend the next years of your life travellling, diving, jumping, and blowing things up.

I do agree however, that you should have a solid back up plan. Pick a rate that you would be "somewhat" happy with if things do not work out in EOD. Pick something you have some interest in. Go to the "A" school and learn the rate. Then go to Dive school and pour every bit of heart and dedication you have into the program. If it doesn't work out it is not the end of the world. You still have a respectable career waiting on you in the regualr Navy.

If it does work out you will one day be telling guys on SOCNET what a great "semi-secret" program we have. (at least untill your instructor tour is up!)

[Scruffy]

Thanks for the help guys! :)

[jw]

Concur with BMF. Pick a rate you are interested in as a back up plan. If you go to the fleet, you are at the mercy of your in rate detailer. It could be two to five years before you get released. Right now is a great time to come into the EOD program.