I'm currently in DEP in the Navy and I won't ship out to basic until 6 months, how do I switch to FTS, my recruiter told me I can't cuz my contracts been made and suggested I wait for RTC to change, but I know I will end up getting a job I dont like if I do that, I'm going to my DEP meeting this Saturday, any suggestion on what I should do?
Like FordhamMike stated, take care of this now. Did you already sign a contract? I'm not 100% sure but talk to a reserve recruiter and ask about the FTS option and take any paperwork you have with you. Remember for recruiters "sometimes" is all about numbers. One thing about FTS is that depending on your rate you'll probably never step on the ship, so if you want to travel and all that, maybe FTS is not the best fit for you. My view is from the admin side of the house. I used to be a PS active and pretty much all the PS's and YN's I worked with have been on shore duty their entire career.
Your currently in an active duty contract and you want to switch to a different component - to do so you have to be discharged. They are different pots of money.
Full Time Support can still deploy. Full time Support still complete IA missions to Iraq. Full Time Support still transfers to other commands. Full Time Support still advances to the next higher rate based on projected openings. I'm not sure why you'd want to change...
I have a wife and newborn child, and was planning on bringing them to my station if I was on shore, but if I go on ship, I'll be fine too, but I'm just curious on my chances of being ashore
If assigned to a ship your ship will be homeported at a Naval Base (or Naval Air Station). Your wife and child can live on base or get a house in town. You will be able to go home most nights the ship is in port, except when you have duty. When deployed or during work ups you will be on the ship. With email and phones (terrible idea for both) you can contact her fairly regularly.
As for FTS, depending on the ship and the CO you could be out more than your AD counterparts. Too many variables to tell you which would result in you being more likely to be stationed on or off a ship.
Thanks for the correction on who handles the fts at meps. Like I mentioned before my experience was just working with fts admin folks. It depends on the rate I guess because those PS's and YN's at least on my last command were begging for sea duty so they could get a shot at getting their warfare pin and most ended up working at a NOSC. That's why I love these type forums, we learn a lot from each other.
CMD, No problem. From what I have heard on these forums the Reserve side has merged with AD recruiters also. Except I think the Prior service recruiters at the NOSCs.
As for the NOSC PS/YNs they need to be careful what they wish for. If you end up on one of the reserve ships with an FTS or reserve CO they tend to volunteer for a lot of at sea missions and are often gone longer than their AD counterparts. Also all of the reserve CB units usually have at least one or two FTs YNs assigned.
LT...not to mention we have FTS YN's at the MESF Squadrons & Divisions and we deploy for 8-10 months (I meant "they" deploy...I need to get in the mindset of a soon-to-be retired Chief!)
