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.