Being A Future Sailor

So I'm a Future Sailor. Great, but what exactly does that mean?

Basically, that means that I am actually in the military (I even have myself a nice ID that gets me onto base), but on "inactive duty." Given my status, I have obligations to my recruiter and to the Navy that I'm expected to fulfill.

From now until the day I leave for Recruit Training, I must:
- Check in with my recruiter every Monday
- Attend a DEP meeting every first Tuesday of the month
- Wear my uniform (which is just a T-shirt I was given) every time I go to the recruiting office
- Enter and exit the recruiting office in a military manner, which includes saluting the flag and asking permission to come aboard/go ashore. This creates a problem as my last name is kind of long and awkward to say, and so when I say "Future Sailor ________ requesting permission to come aboard," I end up having quite a mouthful of words, and it can get frustrating trying to get them all out.
- Remember NOT to address the other Petty Officers and the Chief as "sir" or "ma'am." This is a big no-no, as I've come to find out.
- Know the Sailor's Creed, 11 General Orders Of A Sentry, ranks, chain of command, and be familiar with some basic military drill/etiquette


I had my 72 hour indoctrination this past Tuesday, which basically was me signing a bunch more forms saying that I won't do drugs, won't tolerate their use amongst other sailors, and if I do do drugs, I get kicked out. This is not even an issue with me, as I've never even touched weed (or anything else) in my whole life.

Oh and I snagged a bunch of Navy stickers too, so now my truck is properly decorated, as well as my locker at work.


My Future Sailor kit

Enlisting

Well, in about a week's time I went from civilian night shift worker to being in the Navy. Quite an experience I must say.

At first, I merely wanted to join the Navy Reserve, but after a bit of reflection coupled with some encouragement from my recruiter, I decided that active duty would make me happiest. And so almost within a week of walking into the office for the first time, I was being sworn in and receiving my Future Sailor kit.

MEPS was, well, an interesting experience. I arrived last Wednesday at Fort Lee to take the ASVAB. It was rather hot that day, which made the whole experience a bit more uncomfortable. All I had done was walk and my pants were sticking to my butt. Oh and I was cussing the computer during the math portions...because math and I do not get along well. Anyway. I got a 79.

Thursday began painfully early for me, having to get up 4:45 a.m. and having only an hour to get ready and eat before the bus back to Fort Lee left the hotel. Well, no sooner had I gotten my breakfast the bus pulled up and everybody made a mad dash for the door. I chugged my orange juice and nearly inhaled a sausage link and 2 pieces of bacon whilst en route to the bus. Very classy, I must say. In my defense, I had no idea when I'd be able to eat next. The medical portion of my processing actually began around 7 a.m. and lasted until about 11 a.m. I had to "duckwalk." They drew blood, leaving a pretty nasty bruise on my arm in the process. A strange man saw more of me than I would have liked. Oh and I had to drink 6 cups of water so I could pee for the urinalysis. I ended up having to pee like a race horse for the rest of the afternoon as well.

There was a lot of waiting. The worst part was waiting to pick my rate. The Navy liaisons seemed to take forever to get to me. I got very fidgety. Eventually it was my turn, and I was lucky enough to get one of the rates I wanted, which was Electronics Technician. After more waiting, I was finally sworn in around 4:30 that afternoon. It was at that point that I was officially enlisted into the U.S. Navy. I won't lie, I did get a bit emotional, as this was really all I wanted since I was about 12 years old. I plan to re-enlist for as long as the Navy will allow me to. Hooyah.