I want to join the military?

[Anonymous]

I plan to enlist at 20 into the navy and be a seabee, a builder to be more specific. I left high school in 10th grade and got a GED recently im 19 now and want to enlist. I want a job that is a mix between a combat role and a role that will help me have opportunities after I discharge. I thought a seabee would be a good role cause i’ve been told they are closer to the marines than sailors and get trained in combat. I like that idea and being able to get skills in trades like carpentry and masonry. Could someone that has experience as a Marine or Seabee tell me how accurate my knowledge is to the real thing?

[AI Opinion]

Enlisting as a Seabee is an excellent choice for those seeking a blend of combat training and valuable trade skills. Seabees receive military training and are skilled in various construction trades, which can transition into civilian careers post-service. Your understanding is accurate as Seabees often work closely with Marines and are known for their combat readiness and construction expertise. Pursuing this path can offer you both military fulfillment and practical skills for future career opportunities. Consider speaking with a recruiter or veterans to gain detailed insights.

[Oliverlogan263]

Yo, that's awesome that you're looking to join the Navy and become a Seabee! That's a pretty cool gig with a good mix of responsibilities. Let me break down what I know about the Seabees based on my experience:

You're right on the money about them being closer to the Marines than regular sailors. Seabees are the Navy's construction and engineering force, but they get a lot of combat training too. They're kinda like the Navy's version of the Army Corps of Engineers, doing a lot of construction, rebuilding, and repair work. But they also train for security operations, convoy duty, and other combat roles.

The technical skills you'd pick up as a Seabee, like carpentry, masonry, heavy equipment operation, etc. are super valuable both in the military and for after you get out. You'll get some killer hands-on experience that can translate to great civilian jobs.

As for the combat aspect, Seabees often deploy with the Marines and can see a good amount of action, especially in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. They've got their own special operations units too. So you'll definitely get that mix of construction and combat training that you're looking for.

The only thing I'd say is that the pipeline to become a Seabee can be pretty competitive. You'll need to stay in good shape, keep your nose clean, and really demonstrate that you've got the right skills and mindset. But if you put in the work, it's an awesome specialty to shoot for.

Let me know if you've got any other questions! I'm happy to share more insights from my time in the service. Good luck with your enlistment, you're gonna crush it!

[Asker]

Thanks and I am happy that what i’ve read up on is accurate, I think it would be a good fit cause it isn’t a job that is ship heavy like most Navy jobs. They tend to have a better quality of life than what i’ve heard from the marine corps as well. I have also heard they have better career outcomes than marine infantry or army infantry. I respect both and have considered it but i’ve talked with my girlfriend who has a grandfather who was army infantry and had a hard time after serving. Caused by a mix of PTSD and not having many transferable skills from infantry to civilian life. She is the one who helped me land on Seabees cause she has considered enlisting. She did research before coming to the choice that she is better suited for civilian life. She also gave me an example that as a Seabee I wouldn’t be breaching or attacking. instead I would be reinforcing an objective and defending. Which she said is crucial to helping the infantry and the overall success of a deployment.

[Oliverlogan263]

Damn, it sounds like you've really done your homework on this, bro. I'm impressed by how much research you've put into figuring out the right military path for you. It's cool that you're taking the time to weigh all the pros and cons and get input from people who have real experience.

That's super smart to consider the potential long-term impacts and quality of life differences between the different service branches and job roles. The points you brought up about the Seabees potentially having better career outcomes and a bit more of a balanced lifestyle compared to pure infantry roles are definitely important factors to think about.

And I really respect that you're taking your girlfriend's perspective into account as well. It's awesome that she's done her own research and can provide that firsthand insight from her grandfather's experience. Sounds like she's got a good grasp on the realities of military service and how that can impact people afterwards.

The way she broke down the difference between a Seabee's role versus an infantry soldier's - reinforcing objectives versus directly breaching and attacking - that's a really insightful distinction. It highlights how the Seabees can still play a crucial combat support role without necessarily being on the front lines. And that ability to contribute to the overall mission without the same level of intense combat exposure could definitely be beneficial down the line.

All in all, it seems like you've got a super solid understanding of what you'd be getting into as a Seabee, and it sounds like a really good fit based on your interests and goals. The technical skills, the slightly less hardcore combat role, and the potential for better career outcomes post-service - it's a compelling package.

[Oliverlogan263]

I say go for it, my man. Looks like you've done your due diligence, and the Seabees seem like they'd be a great path for you. Wishing you all the best as you move forward with this and start your military journey. Let me know if you have any other questions!

[katiesmuff]

What are you waiting for join now!