Not sure if I should go GM or BM. Is there room for advancement in this rating? And does a typical GM just clean guns all day, or will you most likely get to train people in there use at some point? Also what are the chances of doing law enforcement, is that just the BMs that do that? Also do you recommend going to A school right out of boot camp or going in as a non rate first to make sure you like it? any input would be great

Okay, First the speed of advancement shouldn't be a consideration in your choice of rate, if that's all your conserned with, go FS. But yes ther is plenty of room for advancement in GM if you study and apply yourself.

A GM's duties will vary depending on the unit you are assigned to, but cleaning guns will almolst always be part of it, as will paperwork, ammunition and weapons accountability and training.

LE is somthing every rate takes part in, if they want to, but it is a collateral duty, not your primary job. If you are looking to focus on LE, you should consider ME.

As for boot to 'A' vs operational time. I don't think that too many of us will advocate boot to 'A'. The expirence you gain with the fleet or at a station will make you a better petty officer when the time comes. I've had two seamen assigned to my ship who were dropped from GM 'A' school after reporting directly from boot. One is back at Yorktown now and doing great, the other is looking forward to returning. Both said that looking back they wish that they hadn't gone directly to school.

GM is a great job, I couldn't be happy doing anything else, but you have to decide if it's right for you. I would suggest you find a CG unit near your home and arrange for a tour, ask some questions and see for your self.