DPChallenge: A Digital Photography Contest You are not logged in. (log in or register) 
 

DPChallenge Forums >> General Discussion >> US Military
Pages:  
Showing posts 76 - 100 of 124, (reverse)
AuthorThread
 08/02/2005 01:41:31 PM · #76
Originally posted by kpriest:
Originally posted by TacoVendor:
kpriest

My brother was on the last Fletcher crew. I didn't realize that decomming a ship gave as much advantage to ones career as it does (since I was an AF guy and all).


Wow! Small world! I might have met him when I was down there in October for the Decomm.


Small world indeed. Fletcher was a part of my Battlegroup when I was still on ship. I was on USS Abraham Lincoln from '99 to '03.

08/02/2005 01:55:52 PM · #77
Originally posted by kpriest:
...

Found a pic of a very young (19) kpriest. Yeah, I know, they gave me a gun???


lol nice...from the way that weapon (9mm?) is spinning I'm glad you now use your trigger finger for good. lol (whats up with your other hand lol trying to play along?) Man I'm glad I don't have any of my pictures from back then...well not here with me at least.
 08/02/2005 02:02:06 PM · #78
Originally posted by sabphoto:
that weapon (9mm?)

Colt .45 cal Model 1911 - something like this:

08/02/2005 02:08:41 PM · #79
I have been in the navy for over 4 years and I'm getting ready to separate in 7 months (yay!!!). Be sure that this is what you really want to do because even though the military is gentler these days, it's still no joke. It's not so much the physical part that sucks, it's the lifestyle. You will spent most of your time alone and away from family. If you're anything like me you wont really want to hang out with the other enlisted folks. I miss have steady friends, not having to recycle every couple of years. I hate having to start from scratch every time I move to a new place. On the other hand, I have gotten to travel quite a bit and gained much needed life experience. I'm completely independent, I've been so since I was 19. I can't really say that the military sucks cause it doesn't, but it isn't for everybody. I dont regret having joined the navy and I would probably do it all over again if i had to but I can't see myself doing this for 20 years. I want to settle down in one place and have a normal life, I dont want my kids to have to make new friends and get used to a new school every 2 or 3 years. I want my life to be my own. Those are my reasons for getting out. Think about it long and hard, it's not a decision to be taken lightly. Good luck with whatever you decide.

June
 08/03/2005 12:00:04 AM · #80
While visiting the Navy Recruiters office today, the recruiter made a few calls to his superiors and was told there were no PH openings at this time, but that he could enter as a SN or a JO and use the DAR to secure the PH job once it opens up. I am really not comfortable with him enlisting unless he gets the job he wants right off the top. The recruiter kept assuring him that if he 'settled' for the SN, that when one of the PH jobs came up, he would be called for immediate acceptance. This may all be well and good, but since we have heard so many warnings about NOT enlisting unless you get EXACTLY what you want, that we are rather suspicious of the entire process as you can well imagine.

What are your thoughts on this? Does the DAR program sound trustworthy or will he be forced to do a strike later on?

All comments and thoughts appreciated.

08/03/2005 12:04:56 AM · #81
If he would only be happy getting that job don't go ahead. True he might get the job eventually, but without a guarantee, there is no guarantee. I would think that they could make the promise to give you a call when the job opened up and then he could enlist for that job.
 08/03/2005 12:14:39 AM · #82
The DAR is supposed to be a promise that they will search for that job for him several times a week even if he enlists as something else, when that job comes available, he transfers to that job. My question to him was, if there are 100 jobs for the PH, and 200 applicants waiting what happens? He said they go down the list, first come first serve. Unfortunatly I dont know where in the Que he would be. And truthfully, I don't know how he feels about that uncertainty. His decision.

Apparently they didnt imply that he would be given a call for the PH job, but rather, if he was already enlisted, those guys get the call first. Not the fresh meat. Makes sense?

I realize my jargon is weak.
 08/03/2005 12:16:38 AM · #83
I'd shop around to the different branches. Get that GAURANTEE. Without it he may end up in a job he doesn't want for years.
 08/03/2005 01:02:20 AM · #84
What does DAR stand for? I was in the DEP (Delayed Entry Program) waiting for the job I wanted before I got on the bus. Unless something has changed or the DAR program is something special, I would almost guarantee that if he enlists without getting the job he wants, he will never get it unless he re-enlists for it down the road.

That said, I would venture to guess that a photographer in any branch of the service is going to be a very tough job to get and he should be thinking about second and third choices and can still try to make the switch later with or without the DAR thing.

As someone earlier mentioned also, you don't have to be a PH (photographer) to become an unofficial photographer and get special assignments for it. I always did things outside my rate because I was good at them and enjoyed it.

keep us posted...
 08/03/2005 01:11:28 AM · #85
she meant DEP
i was reading that and was like dar?
but its dep
 08/03/2005 01:30:52 AM · #86
Originally posted by Fetor:
she meant DEP
i was reading that and was like dar?
but its dep


Ok - that means you are officially enlisted, but are awaiting the job to open up. I think they cap it at one year, so if the PH job did not open up within a year, you would go off to boot camp undesignated with the "promise" that you would still get it when it does. Don't buy it! Don't get on the bus until you have the rating you want in writing.

My advice, at least as far as the Navy is concerned, is DO NOT go in without a rating guarantee. You'll be chipping paint for 2 years before you know it and trying to get into something - anything. Another thing to consider, which has been mentioned before is the Advanced Electronics Field rates usually have you going in as an E3 (instead of E1) with a gurantee of E4 upon completion of your rating school ('A' School). That can make a big difference in pay and responsibility. Promotions aare diferent among ratings and different at different time - in other words, you take a test when you have enough time in rank and the required score may be low one cycle and high the next, depending on how many 'positions' they need to fill. Research typical advancement in each of the branches - I believe the Navy was the best for that when I was in and the Air Force was the toughest to advance.

All for now - hang in there and look into second choice jobs if you are still intent on military.

Message edited by author 2005-08-03 01:31:27.
 08/03/2005 08:18:25 AM · #87
I didn't mean DEP, there was another term used for when you are promised a job, and its not open at the time of enlistment. They put your name in the que, and when it opens up, you are given that job instead of it being passed out to a new enlistee. I may have the term of DAR wrong, but I know it wasn't DEP (delayed entry program) Anyway, there is obviously much to learn here so that you don't end up with a low paying job you don't like and I'm certain we aren't ready enough to commit to anything at this juncture.

I am encourging Cory to talk to a Marine Recruiter also, although I tend to think he would like the Navy better (info based on his temperment & raising him for 18 years). If the Marines has a PH job and he is willing to undergo that intense continual level of training, great. I have some concerns about that however.

Does anyone know how tough the Marines are say as compared to the Navy?

Message edited by author 2005-08-03 08:19:34.
 08/03/2005 10:20:19 AM · #88
Originally posted by CalliopeKel:
While visiting the Navy Recruiters office today, the recruiter made a few calls to his superiors and was told there were no PH openings at this time, but that he could enter as a SN or a JO and use the DAR to secure the PH job once it opens up. I am really not comfortable with him enlisting unless he gets the job he wants right off the top. The recruiter kept assuring him that if he 'settled' for the SN, that when one of the PH jobs came up, he would be called for immediate acceptance. This may all be well and good, but since we have heard so many warnings about NOT enlisting unless you get EXACTLY what you want, that we are rather suspicious of the entire process as you can well imagine.

What are your thoughts on this? Does the DAR program sound trustworthy or will he be forced to do a strike later on?

All comments and thoughts appreciated.


The recruiter really has nothing to do with getting you a job. Jobs are assigend at MEPS....and they will always tell you they dont' have what you want. You ahave to fight for it. In my case I told them, "OK, no corpsman jobs available? Bye, I'm not enlisting" and i started to walk out, then he said "Oh wait, I see an opening" Dont enlist as an undesignated seaman. JO is good if you like writing the stories as well.
08/03/2005 10:27:29 AM · #89
Wow that is scary. Gotta be willing to walk away huh?

I'm sure the PH jobs are in high demand. Pretty cushy as compared to some I bet.
 08/03/2005 11:18:51 AM · #90
"I didn't mean DEP, there was another term used for when you are promised a job, and its not open at the time of enlistment. They put your name in the que, and when it opens up, you are given that job instead of it being passed out to a new enlistee."

DON'T DO IT!!!!

I can't tell you how many friends I had promised certain "jobs" for enlistment and wound up elsewhere for whatever reason.

Walk away, walk away 2-3 times. As was said, certain jobs also put you on a faster advancement track ($$$). Realize, the market is scarce for recruits. That means it is a "recruits" market. I'd honestly also consider having your son take some desktop publishing/photo production courses at a local community college. This way he can say "look, I have education and experience in this arena...i am more valuable used where my skills already are..."

So, walk away a few times, come back express a constant "interest" but play the game hard. Let them wine & dine him, not the other way around.

;-)

And when the time comes for reporting the recruitment stats (which are currently tending to fall below quota)...you might find a fair bit more endeavoring to get him signed aboard at such times.

Also, making it a "known" that he wants to serve and playing the "forces" against one another can be useful. I'd have him also check out an Air Force & Coast Guard recruiter. (Many of the Navy/Marine are the same recruitment offices.) For instance, if the recruiter knows that there is a serious interest in signing but the question is which service....then a few more carrots might be added to the line.

Lastly, remember that in the military "there is no guarantee". Even if he has his job spec'd out there is always the potential he can wind up somewhere else.

;-)

Message edited by author 2005-08-03 11:22:11.
 08/03/2005 11:20:26 AM · #91
One of you active duty folks look up the number to the detailer at NMPC that covers the PH and JO rates. I cant find it through Google. That is how to find out what billets are available. You can get what you want but Juneisy is right, about walking. DO NOT GO IN AS AN UNDESIGNATED SEAMAN! YOU WANT A GUARANTEED RATE WITH AN "A" SCHOOL
 08/03/2005 11:40:28 AM · #92
Kelly,
I just PM'd you with some info.
 08/03/2005 02:24:51 PM · #93
Cory just called from the Marines office. They have a Photographers job right now (guaranteed). Only one is offered per year in the southeast.This one.

He is scheduling his physical tomorrow and if all goes well he will enlist on Friday. Basic training starts in mid November.

OMG!

Any futher warnings or advice?? Now is the time.
 08/03/2005 02:36:12 PM · #94
Originally posted by CalliopeKel:
Cory just called from the Marines office. They have a Photographers job right now (guaranteed). Only one is offered per year in the southeast.This one.

He is scheduling his physical tomorrow and if all goes well he will enlist on Friday. Basic training starts in mid November.

OMG!

Any futher warnings or advice?? Now is the time.

That sounds promising. Make sure you go over the paperwork thoroughly with him before he signs - it is best to have several eyes look at it.

Originally posted by CalliopeKel:
Does anyone know how tough the Marines are say as compared to the Navy?

LOL, that brings to mind a comment I overheard from a female Marine when I was in the Navy playing softball against the Marines team. She said "These Navy guys are so overweight and out of shape!" hahaha. 'Twas generally true - however we did win the game! :)

Marine training is tough, but I think Cory knows and is prepared. Being that I know him so well & all. ;-)
 08/03/2005 02:44:22 PM · #95
He will be going to the same school in Ft Meade. Get it in writing.
You know what they say...if it sounds too good to be true...it probably is.
08/03/2005 03:00:14 PM · #96
The recruiter said the job was gauranteed. You can be sure before he signs anything I will be sure its in writing. He also told me the tests he were about to submit to, cost the military like 2,500.00. So we needed to be sure this was what he wanted. I said if the job is gauranteed and remains that way thru the enlistment process, that is what we want. If there are any suprises or changes we wont be enlisting.

We shall see. I will keep you guys posted.
 08/03/2005 03:01:31 PM · #97

No offense to you sailors out there, but do you really want to be required to wear an outfit like that?

Here is a uniform worth fighting for:


;)
 08/03/2005 03:02:15 PM · #98
Originally posted by CalliopeKel:
The recruiter said the job was gauranteed. You can be sure before he signs anything I will be sure its in writing. He also told me the tests he were about to submit to, cost the military like 2,500.00. So we needed to be sure this was what he wanted. I said if the job is gauranteed and remains that way thru the enlistment process, that is what we want. If there are any suprises or changes we wont be enlisting.

We shall see. I will keep you guys posted.


Remember the advice from Vince - use the offer to play the recruiters against each other - see if the other services can match or beat it.
 08/03/2005 03:05:50 PM · #99
Originally posted by toddhead:
No offense to you sailors out there, but do you really want to be required to wear an outfit like that?

Here is a uniform worth fighting for...


LOL! Can't argue with you there. Bling Bling! The Navy "dungarees" I think have been phased out. When I was in, you were not allowed to wear them off the base because the mucky-mucks were embarassed by them or something. I think it was triggered by some mechanical types who would be out in town in dirty, greasy uniforms. Us "twidgets" as the electronics types were called, always had them clean and pressed.
;)

Message edited by author 2005-08-03 15:06:41.
 08/03/2005 03:06:46 PM · #100
Vince did me the honor of calling the person in charge of all the PH jobs in the Navy and was told there were none at this time. So it seems to be true that the recruiter we spoke with yesterday was being truthful in this instance.

I will know more tonight when Cory gets home. I'm sure he will be anxious to get online and update everyone.

Pages:  
Current Server Time: 04/23/2024 04:40:49 PM

Please log in or register to post to the forums.


Home - Challenges - Community - League - Photos - Cameras - Lenses - Learn - Prints! - Help - Terms of Use - Privacy - Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2024 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 04/23/2024 04:40:49 PM EDT.