Some questions about the Navy?

So as I said I've got a couple questions about the navy. First of all im leaving for recruit training february 26th and my recruiter keeps telling me that I can leave early I just have to pass some "test" however I have no idea what he's talking about. Anyone know about these tests or anyone who has actually been able to leave early for recruit training? Also, i was wondering if I am able to bring my own running shoes? I heard in the AF you can they just have to be all white, does the same hold true for the navy? are there any special rules about running shoes? Next, I was wondering what all you need to bring with you and what all you get there, toiletries and clothes kinda stuff. And lastly, any adive you can give an eager recruit? So, i know its kind of a lot of questions, but thanks in advanced for your honest answers!

Some questions about the Navy?
Former Navy Recruit Commander here. They could be talking about either the ASVAB or some sort of body fat test. Make sure you have an A- School after boot camp. Do not leave for training with out one. Sometimes recruiters try to get you on the bus or plane without securing one on paper for you. They make promises they don't keep some times. I don't know how many times a recruit came to me later wondering why they had no A- school yet. Pack as little as possible. Wear something comfortable to travel. Pack no other clothes. You can bring underwear and socks. Navy recommends that the ladies bring their own. You can bring a small bible or other compact religious material and i think your allowed a few photos, make sure they are appropriate with no nudity and such. Fellas do not need combs or brushes since you get a buzz cut. Women are allowed some beauty supplies like facial cream and or soap specific to their skin type and other feminine items. No medications like asprin or tylenol. No jewelry unless it is a wedding band or a religious medal. No watches, they allow you to buy one during "work week" . DO not bring contacts wear your glasses. If you want to keep it don't bring it.. is the philosophy. Basically you have a drawer about the size of a small small shoe box to fit all your toiletries and other items and thats it. Think small when you buy. They will give you stationary to write home with so don't bring any. After a few days you will be given a Debit Card with your first pay check on it. This is what you will use to purchase any thing you need. Good Luck Ship Mate.
Reply:King Neptune got another one. his followers are making a big difference, Thank you for serving
Reply:I have been in the navy for 4 years now and recently reenlisted.





As far as I know if your recruiter offers you to leave early its usually not a good idea because you are going to lose something. Ive never heard of any "tests" and I dont know what rating you signed up for but usually if they try to ship you off early it is because they can drop your rating and send you undesignated, either airdale or seaman or fireman apprentice. You do NOT want to do this. If you go undesignated you are going to hate life. Being undesignated means you have no specific job and you basically are going to have to do a bunch of crap work that no one wants to do and at the same time study a rating that you have received no training in and try to "Strike" into that rate by taking their advancement exam. Overall it would make things much more difficult for you.





As far as what to bring to boot camp I would suggest nothing. Everything will be provided for you and anything you bring will most likely be shipped back home. There are some toiletry things you can bring if you wish but I wouldnt suggest it.





The best advice I can give you is if you arent in shape, start running running running. Conditioning yourself is one of the best things you can do to get ready. On top of that STUDY. Things such as general orders, ranks, UCMJ, things of that sort. They will be drilled into you once you go to RTC and knowing it in advance will help you tremendously. Also I would try to prepare yourself mentally. While I did not find RTC to be hard at all(I grew up in a military family) many others I know found it hard to all of a suddon start taking orders and being told to do everything. You will get yelled at constantly but that is just part of the boot camp experience. It is done to "break you down as a civilian and build you up as a sailor".





And remember, its only 2 months. It goes by a LOT faster than you would think.
Reply:Hey whats up future ship mate...im leaving for boot camp February 5th. I have no clue what test you are talking about. I signed up to go way back in June and my recruiter was telling me that I was going to be able to leave alot sooner also....truth be told...it never happened.





The assign you a date based on space availability for A-School. There are hundreds of people going in right now, and chances are they are not going to allow you to cut in front of anyone and leave early.





They provide you with running shoes. New Balances to be exact.





Don't bring anything. They will send it back. They provide you with everything you will need...but they dock it from your paycheck. The clothes and everything you bring with you will be sent back home...





Good luck. See you there lol.
Reply:ok so one of my best friends just went into the military like a year or so ago. he was doin ok but he signed for eight years. he had a fiancee and decided he'd go awol because he thought he loved her. it was the worst mistake of his life. he just threw it away. when he came back they started living together and he realized he didnt like her. he had just realized the awful mistake he had made. now, you aren't technically AWOL until youve been gone for like 100 days or 90 or somethin like that and on like his 80th day they found him and took him ti the brig. he now waits there to find out if he gets life sentence or if they will be able to reinstate the death penalty. either way he has no life. for those of you who dont know, the military brig is where they send recruits who have wronged the country in such a way as my friend here. it is much worse than any fed prison and the people there might as well be dead. so i guess my point/advice is dont go AWOL. period. dont sign for too long and dont leave in love. sorry about the worthless rant.
Reply:All your questions can be answered thru your recruiter unless you are scared to ask him/her. But on the real though buddy, some of you questions can be answered at www.navy.com. Just search the website. It ain't that hard. By the way, I leave for bootcamp on 20 FEB 2008...I can't wait to go...





Good Luck


and...


Go Navy!!!
Reply:I served back in the early 70's and a fewv other actions later. As far as recruiters go, they are the biggest con artists of all. They will tell you anything to sign. When we went in during our period, the recruiter said college was paid for and all kinds of stuff. College cost me 20 grand a semester and the va gave me only 473.00 a month. had to sue the government for fraud and they had to pay. Ever watch the movies that are comedies where they are told everything to get signed and then get to bootcamp and are told forget what they recruiters say, its what we say now.



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