Mail call! Grab your coffee, energy drink, whatever you've got. These are real questions from real people who are right where you are, pulled from wherever they asked us this week, with the answer I gave each one. If one hits home, tap it and add your thoughts to the thread.
01 · REDDIT · r/newtothenavy
Original post ↗I need some help and advice
“So these are my scores and I plan on enlisting before they expire, but what jobs should I consider. I'm going in later in life 35 so my why is different. I've lived in the civilian world and over it lol.”
Coach's answer
Let me give you what we call in the military a BLUF.
Bottom line up front. You're coming in a little late. Getting to that day, when you leave home for basic, is not quick and it's not easy, and at your age it's even less so. You're going to have to work five times harder than the 18-year-old fresh out of high school. I'm not saying that to scare you. I'm saying it so you don't drag your feet.
The good: you've got a sh!t ton of life experience. That's going to carry you in your military career in ways that kids never get.
The bad: that score may not be the one you want. There are some good comments on here already. If you haven't been studying, start, and test again. You have 1-2 more shots at it.
The most important: a job can look great on paper day one and by year three it has sucked your soul. Nobody tells you that. So look past day one. And at your age, look hard at what that job hands you in the civilian world. Credentials, certifications, trade training. That's what I'd be hunting for if I was coming in again at 35.
I hope you become part of the 1%. Good luck to you. 🇺🇸👊
02 · YOUTUBE · Comment on: 5 Reasons You SHOULDN'T Join The Military
Original post ↗
“Do not join the military if you already have life figured out. If you are just at a loss of what to do and no direction, then yes. I hated 80% of my time in the Army. But I was able to retire after 20 years, get my masters, and move on to a well paying career.”
Coach's answer
Appreciate you sharing this. I wonder how many of us actually have life figured out. Especially at 18. Thanks for the 20 and the comment. 🇺🇸👊
03 · REDDIT · r/Militaryfaq · FROM THE ARCHIVE
Original post ↗“Should I join the Kentucky NG? 25M”
Coach's answer
You already know what matters most to you… your boys. Build everything else around that.
The good: the Guard lets you stay rooted. One weekend a month keeps you in their lives. The trades you're interested in, diesel, aviation mechanic… are real job options that put money in your pocket after you separate.
The bad: training and deployments will happen. The Guard isn't immune. The military is fricken tough on families.
The most important: the life you're describing, trade career, business owner, home to come back to… the Guard is a tool that could help build that. Good luck to you and your family.
Got a question? Ask it where you found us. We read every comment.
Appreciate you.
Coach Stebbins 🇺🇸👊