Tuesday, June 14, 2022

Filler


So, while Sarge is off on vacation and he asked Juvat, Beans and me to step in where we can, providing some filler here at the Chant, I'm doing my part.  I will avoid the standard political ranting that I'm known for, not because I am no longer political, nor that there's nothing to rant about, but I do have some other more joyous things to mention here today.

The title of filler could be because the content of this post is just filler, or I'm filling in for Sarge with some stuff that just takes up space, but I will try to make it a little more interesting for you.  However that term can also work in that I am feeling a little fulfilled with how my nephew below has chosen a path that makes me proud.

If you've followed my posts here on the Chant from the beginning, you may know that I come from a long line of military men and women. Well, woman that is, as my mother served in the Air Force as a nurse until she became pregnant with my older sister.  My grandfather was a SeaBee during WWII, I have an uncle who retired from the Marine corps (later commissioning me in the Navy), another Marine Corps uncle who flew in the back of F-4s, my mother's oldest brother was a Coast Guard Limited Duty Officer and gave me his officers sword, my adopted father was an Airedale, Aviation Ordinance Chief to be precise, which definitely led me towards Naval aviation, and my brother, who made his own path, serving in the Army and retiring out of the Oregon National Guard. 



A little over a year ago, his son- my nephew Kaleb, pictured above, reached out to me and asked about applying to the US Naval Academy.  While academics and leadership were not necessarily my brother's forte, it definitely has been for my nephew, a team captain for both his wrestling and football teams his senior year, and member of the Honor Society, while carrying a 3.9 GPA.  However, we found out a couple months back that despite having a nomination from his Congressman for the academy, he was not able to secure an appointment.  Before that, knowing how challenging it is to get that appointment, my wife and I had planned to come up for his graduation and speak to him in-depth about the Naval service.  I had already briefly discussed other paths towards a commission, to include an NROTC scholarship, the NROTC college program*, the Naval Academy Prep School, or the enlisted commission programs.  

That wasn't the only reason we wanted to see him graduate, as he is the youngest of the youngest of my family, and therefore the last grandkid of a very large Catholic family to graduate.  My mother is one of eight children, and all of them had anywhere from 3 to 6 kids, with my mother's kids being the youngest, and Kaleb is the youngest of her grandchildren.  So us being here for that is sort of the end of an era.

He attended one of the largest schools in the state, with nearly 2000 students enrolled, and there are many scholarships available, but his parents, neither of which attended college, must not have encouraged that avenue, so he did not apply for any.  He's a smart kid though, and doesn't see the benefit of taking on huge debt to attend college, so he will be enlisting in the Navy at the end of the summer.  I'm happy he has made that choice, but I'm sorry that there aren't other ways for him to attend college immediately.  I encouraged him to apply for an NROTC scholarship, as his grades and application, good enough for a Boat School nomination, would surely match up well with what the Navy is looking for in an NROTC student.  But he was so busy with academics, athletics, and work, that he missed the deadline. 

He has a good head on his shoulders though, and plans to relook at the NROTC option once he is finished with whatever schools the Navy gives him, which might be nuclear power.  I've seen many officers come through the nuke power path, because if they are smart enough to become a Nuke, they can probably handle the rigors of collegiate academics.  He may also consider becoming an Aviation Electronics Technician- somewhat akin to what Sarge did in the Air Force.

Nuke Electrician's Mate, Nuke Electronics Technician, Nuke Machinist Mate

Aviation Electronics Technician


Anyway, you can probably tell that I am rather pleased with his choice of career paths, and not taking on unnecessary debt that seems to saddle most of our youth these days.  For the summer he is working somewhat as a ranch hand at the local racetrack, taking care of the horses, being paid quite nicely which should put a few dollars in his pocket before he heads off to boot camp.  My wife and I are hoping he might get stationed in San Diego where we can see him and provide some respite from the fleet when needed. 

I'm not sure if his real goal is becoming a Naval Officer, or just getting some money for college later.  Maybe he doesn't know either, so guiding him towards Aviation or Nuclear Power is a conundrum for me.  On one hand, the nuke pipeline, while lucrative, is very challenging and if he didn't make it, he might get stuck with something he doesn't like.  Naval Aviation is tough work but very rewarding, and he will have a better than even chance of finding himself in San Diego.  It might also give him more time to get some college courses under his belt.  No matter what he chooses, it's good that he will be leaving Southern Oregon because it will open his eyes to different opportunities.  And as much as I love the area, there just aren't a lot of jobs up there.  

Any other advice I should give him?  Assuming he does well on the ASVAB later this month, he should be able to write his own ticket.  If there aren't jobs available in the field he wants, I'd expect he can just wait a month.  Fortunately, his dad and I cautioned him about some of the promises the recruiter might make- best case vs what's realistic, so he won't be pushed into something that's not right for him.

Well, that's enough filler for today. 



*NROTC College Program is for students who don't have a scholarship, but join the NROTC unit anyway.  If they keep their grades up, they can receive a 2 or 3 year scholarship for the remaining years.  If not, they can take a commission anyway, and just not have the same service commitment. 

27 comments:

  1. Tuna,
    Sounds like you're giving him good advice. Another aspect of ROTC and no scholarship, is you can check it out for free that first year. Then apply for the scholarship and commitment. I was in similar shoes as your nephew in my college years. Absolutely convinced I would be accepted to the Air Force Academy. So much so that I applied nowhere else. When I didn't get accepted, I was pretty much down in the dumps. Dad had gotten transferred halfway through my Senior HS year, so I was staying with my HS guidance counselor and his family my last semester. He talked me in to applying to Texas Tech. I submitted an application, I don't think I even sent a transcript. Got a letter back about a week later that started off "Congratulations for having met the high academic standards for admission to Texas Tech University". I knew I was home. Did the first year on my dime although I enrolled in AFROTC, Got a three year full ride at that point and there rest, as they say, is History.
    All I'd advise him at this point is my favorite quote from Galaxy Quest.
    Together now....
    Never Give Up, Never Surrender !
    Best of luck to him.

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    1. Thanks Juvat, I think that's what he did too, putting all his eggs in one basket, and now he's left with enlisting as his only opportunity. I just wish that first year of college wasn't insurmountable even in state. My brother is of meager means and surely does not have any college funds saved. I will suggest that he stays with the horse gig for a bit, saving up enough if he decides that the recruiter has nothing for him. I doubt that will be a case though.

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    2. I have heard rumors that the cost of college has gone up a bit in the past 45 years. He's probably smart to enlist, save some money and see about a scholarship from the inside. However, the last two lines of my previous post still stand.

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    3. Things must have changed - by the time my daughter went there they were pretty selective - she loved her years there and found that her advertising school at Tech was very superior to many other more famous universities as she went on to grad school - about half her class (several from UT which was supposed to be the best and had not accepted her) declared that grad school was too hard and left after repeatedly being chastised for poor work when she was praised - the only things they did well on were group projects she headed. Great University and she loved the town, singing in the First Methodist Choir as well as the College chorus, working at an ice cream shop for extra $$. She's never regretted her time there and is a proud Red Raider!

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    4. Oh, it wasn't a complaint. I too am glad I ended up there. The post I made earlier this week highlights one of the reasons. Had I not gone to Tech, and went to some other NAME university, I firmly believe I wouldn't have done as well and my military career might not have been as satisfying. Merely that at a disappointing point in my life, I got an indicator of which direction I should go. I took it and woila' Things worked out. Tuna's nephew should not be overly concerned about being told no. As the saying goes, "When one door closes, others open".

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    5. And he's pretty open minded so the opportunities will be there.

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  2. Tuna, having never served in the military I have no reasonable and useful advice to give in that regard - that said and in general, what I tell people that ask is take every opportunity that is offered to you. You never know where those may end up or the other things that might arise from them.

    (Also - just by the decision to not rack up debt for college, he has made one very wise choice already!)

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  3. EXCELLENT caution about not believing everything the recruiter promises (although I had a good, fair one). I'd also say, "Just stay on task in boot camp, accept the transitory crap and look for opportunities to excel, help your shipmates when you can (and when they're not dogging it), and soak in everything you can. Good things can happen every day. Best of luck in your adventure, and thanks for stepping up."

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    1. Good point, the regular Navy is not like it is in boot camp. I will pass on your boot camp advice and general guidance while he's in.

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  4. I'd say take the enlistment route. If you're top of things in that environment, you'll get noticed and have opportunities presented to you. And as always, there is a need to stress that if you don't find enjoyment in what you do on a daily basis, it really doesn't matter what you're doing.

    Best of luck to him and his future.

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    1. I agree, but I need to talk to him about his goals- to serve, to serve as an officer, or to serve for the GI Bill. Nothing wrong with any of them, but that would help me help him.

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  5. Aviation Electronics Technician will have better career prospects when he gets out. In my area, multiple companies are actively recruiting them. These are mostly customizing or renovating private jets, plus some companies doing scheduled maintenance or overhaul inspections.

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    1. I heard from a Nuke Officer today- he said the money is excellent, but they were chained to the reactor- even having to pay back leave with extra shifts. Maybe a little different for the enlisted folks though. I'll steer him to AT.

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  6. Everything you guys said was valid for the Old Military. First thing, he'll have to get the clot shot, good by health ( if you didn't get sick from it, you got a placebo). Then you have to bow to the god's of PC queerdom. Stay away from the New Improved Woke Military! I love this site, but everone seems to have missed the memo about our current reality. You obviously aren't paying attention to the current condition of the Progressive\socialist/commie take over of ALL our institutions. You must not be exposed to "Liberals". If enough of you jump my ass hard enough, I'll keep my views of reality to myself and apologize (but keep reading this great site). Look forward to your responses. Rant over. Tree Mike

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    1. That is true, However, as was mentioned above, "Never give up, Never Surrender" If we do, all is truly and forever lost.

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    2. Well, there's truth, there's perception, then there's the bullshit served up by the media.

      I've worked with a number of active duty Navy over the past year. It ain't as bad as the media paints it. It ain't good, but it ain't as bad as you imply.

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    3. It can seem like it's all-woke- all the time, but at some point it's sailors working hard on deployment, and the political BS gets left at the pier.

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  7. As a retired ATCS I vote for the AT route. Working on airplanes is more fun IMHO.
    Good advice from a caring Uncle. Fair winds...

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    1. Thanks. I am coming to that conclusion as well.

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  8. Excreting in punch bowls is bad, but so is withholding honest advice. The recipient is free to imbibe or ignore.

    Although Sarge has seen the not too bad state of today's Navy, not all is well in the USN. Especially in the senior ranks, and among our civilian overlords. The emphasis on diversity threatens meritocracy, and anyone who is not one of the preferred demographics is at risk for discrimination, and/or being blamed for real or imaginary offenses against the preferred castes. Voluntarily signing up for such a situation should be considered very carefully in light of today's and tomorrow's climate, despite generations of familial commitment to military service.

    Academia is infected with even more of the same poisonous traits, just about everywhere. Frankly, a BA/BS degree from ANY school is pretty much a prerequisite for a lot of good (but not real work) jobs with growth opportunity. Once you have "a degree" few care about where, or what major or GPA. A degree is a participation trophy for seat time, not a guarantee of competence or future performance.

    However, the real demand for hard working intelligent people is in the trades, and the pay is amazingly competitive. There are shortages of welders, plumbers, electricians, automotive technicians, and other skilled trades. These do not have the horrendous debt accumulated by going to a leftist dominated university.

    If he persists with choosing a military career, nothing wrong with enlisting instead of going for a commission right off the bat. On my last ship something like 9 out the 15 officers had prior enlisted service (myself included), and they were competitive regardless of commissioning source.

    When dealing with a recruiter, NOTHING is guaranteed unless it is IN WRITING PRIOR TO SIGNING ANYTHING. Recruiters are begging for people to sign up. Anyone qualified to enlist with a HS degree, passing a physical, without criminal or drug history is a gift from God, and has tremendous leverage. Recruiters are desperate towards the end of the month, and may be able to get waivers and approvals for programs that were not available a few days earlier. Don't be afraid to say "NO, not now, I want to wait until x,y,z is available. I can always apply for college for next semester instead."

    Today and the future are not the same as the past that all of us giving gratuitous advice are familiar with.
    Good luck with whatever he chooses. Life is filled with choices on matters large and small. Try to ALWAYS make good choices.
    John Blackshoe

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  9. Wishing him Godspeed and good luck in his journeys!

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  10. This woman has trod a similar path:
    https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_focus/community/moundsview/mounds-view-native-participates-in-first-ever-all-female-flyover/article_e5424948-3161-11e9-a56b-a367fb7ea550.html

    Jim

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    1. Thanks John. I'm going to get more in depth with what he wants. When we spoke, he was all in receive mode. I could see him as an engineer or something that's more tangible than the soft sciences or fluff degrees. The Navy needs recruits badly so I'd expect he'll be able to get what he wants.

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    2. Jim, I can't get to it- paywall.

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