I am unfamiliar with the Navy system as I am prior service Army Commo. I have been pondering on coming back to active duty for quite some time and have been looking at all kinds of options. Well here is my latest. Few quick questions for ya. As a Seabee, I understand you are deployed quite a bit, yeah? How much time away from family should one expect? Also, can one pick their job as to what sector a Seabee can be? For example, I would like to be a construction builder. Is this possible? I already have a degree that has nothing to do with construction, but, I would plan on enlisting and going after a degree in architecture. How hard is it for Seabees getting some good schooling in for a degree of this type? If I was to enlist, drop a packet later, how likely would I be to stay in this sector if they saw I was going after architecture? Lastly, I was an E-5 when I got out. Any chance I can keep my rank or will I get dropped one? Sorry for all the questions, you know? I just got to be sure cause if I come back in, I’m going for retirement! Thanks everyone!
First talk to a recruiter, they can sort out, the best option for you. Secondly, it depends if you are going AD or reserves. AD Seabee bats are on a 7-12 rotation. Reserve Seabees are basically every 3-4 years. That is at the batallion level. Reg. and/or Div is different. BU is a good rate, they are doing alot in OIF/OEF right now.
Thanks for the reply Billdawg. Yeah recruiter, I know. I have talked to one but I always get the "you need to go down to MEPS and see whats available" talk. Well I know there are some questions they can answer but not being a SeaBee they don't have answers for me which leads me here. Anyway when you say BU is a "good rate", I am guessing you mean it is a good job that is highly respected. Do SeaBees get their choice of these rates when they are in ASchool? Thanks bro!
BU is like anything else, you can choose it, adn hope it's available. Going reserve BU or any OF-13 rate, is easier, generally. All rates are used, but not always the way you'd think. BU(builders), along with SW(steelworkers), have been utilized alot during OIF/OEF. The big Navy, has finally, seen where the 'Bees, are a viable part of them. (Hasn't always been the case). I see your a COMMs guy. We can always use COMM guys. You could do that, and never actually work in your rate. I am an EO, and haven't worked in my rate for years. I have been the military instructor for about 10 years. AKways a place for a hard charger no matter what you want to do.
Ok, Ok... So what do you know about time in CONUS and OCONUS. Am I gunna have realistic time to work towards another degree? Hey, I know mission comes first but I heard the Navy was "BIG" on school. As far as officer, I just don't quite understand how it works. I know in the Army, you do not get to pick your job. You go needs of the Army and maybe down the road you can get into your field of choice. That is if you don't go Warrant. I'm wondering if I should go the enlisted route in the Bee's program and drop a packet about a year/year and half after that. Don't know, but I will call Cleveland back and ask that Chief this one.
