8 answers
Lilly
Student
Chesapeake, Virginia
1
Question
Updated
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Do you regret choosing to enlist in the military
I am an intelligent individual with the ability to get into many prestigious universities, but recently I have been wanting to enlist in the military. I want to enlist in the navy, and hopefully become a navy SEAL. I do realize that it is a long shot, especially considering I am a female and there has never been a female SEAL, but this is something I really want. I am just concerned that ill have regrets about taking this path instead of doing things conventionally and going to college. I would like to receive advice from anyone who has faced a similar decision, and if they regret the choice they made. #Navy #career #SEAL #military
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8 answers
Doug Burke
Program Manager
2
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Doug’s Answer
Military service can be a very fulfilling part of your life.
I entered the US Navy as a senior in college, went to OCS (Officer Candidate School) and eventually to a ship in AsiaPac. No regrets. I look back on it as a formative stage in my life. It has paid many dividends (self-confidence, leadership skills, travel, learning to work as part of a team).
I don't know any Navy SEALS but expect they share similar feelings. If you have the mental strength and can handle the physical demands you may be that trailblazing first female SEAL.
Research the heck out of this before you join. There are many books on Amazon about the SEAL training experience. Make sure you know what happens if you enter but do not pass. Here's an inspirational speech from Naval Adm. William H. McRaven, BJ '77, ninth commander of U.S. Special Operations Command (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxBQLFLei70).
There are many ways to serve. Consider going to college and entering SEAL training after graduation. Or perhaps an on-campus ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) unit is the way to go. Assess your options like any SEAL would do.
Best of luck!
I entered the US Navy as a senior in college, went to OCS (Officer Candidate School) and eventually to a ship in AsiaPac. No regrets. I look back on it as a formative stage in my life. It has paid many dividends (self-confidence, leadership skills, travel, learning to work as part of a team).
I don't know any Navy SEALS but expect they share similar feelings. If you have the mental strength and can handle the physical demands you may be that trailblazing first female SEAL.
Research the heck out of this before you join. There are many books on Amazon about the SEAL training experience. Make sure you know what happens if you enter but do not pass. Here's an inspirational speech from Naval Adm. William H. McRaven, BJ '77, ninth commander of U.S. Special Operations Command (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxBQLFLei70).
There are many ways to serve. Consider going to college and entering SEAL training after graduation. Or perhaps an on-campus ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) unit is the way to go. Assess your options like any SEAL would do.
Best of luck!
Thankyou so much! This made feel a little less crazy about considering this as an option
Lilly
I admire you're considering this path. It's what makes our country (and military) #1 in the world.
Doug Burke
Damion Freeman
Tax Accountant
27
Answers
North Port, Florida
Updated
Damion’s Answer
I served proudly in the Navy for 4 years. I have no regrets. If you have the mental capacity and the fortitude, then you can do it.
Best wishes shipmate!
Best wishes shipmate!
jesse martin
Verizon/USN Reserves
5
Answers
Rome, New York
Updated
jesse’s Answer
Hi Lilly,
I am currently in the Navy! Your choice to join the Navy is very wise. They have the opportunity to see the world, and so many career paths to consider. Navy Seals are very determined and motivated individuals, to say the least. Requirements are tough, with a very high failure percentage in training. With that being said, you can do anything you put your mind to. There are also many other special warfare positions and adventurous opportunities in the Navy. Let me know if you want some more info!
I am currently in the Navy! Your choice to join the Navy is very wise. They have the opportunity to see the world, and so many career paths to consider. Navy Seals are very determined and motivated individuals, to say the least. Requirements are tough, with a very high failure percentage in training. With that being said, you can do anything you put your mind to. There are also many other special warfare positions and adventurous opportunities in the Navy. Let me know if you want some more info!
Kris Voisine
Owner
2
Answers
South Portland, Maine
Updated
Kris’s Answer
While I wasn't in the Navy, I was in the Marines which is a department of the Navy! I enlisted and knew within the first 6 months that it wasn't for me. The military is a different lifestyle and the SEAL program is even more-so. I did a 6 year enlistment and most of the time wished that I had done a 4 year enlistment. However, I believe that everything happens for a reason and I would not be where I am without that past part of me and I am very happy where I am in my life. Once my enlistment was over I used my GI Bill to pay for my bachelor's degree. Now that I have been out of the Marines for 20 years I can say that I am glad that I did enlist. The experiences you have, the memories you make, the friends you keep can really be great. While I was in I couldn't wait to get out, but I am definitely glad that I did it.
You may seriously want to consider a ROTC program. This will give you the "conventional" path while also allowing you time to experience the military while still getting your degree. You may find being an officer more fulfilling - and the SEALs need officers too!
At the end of the day, it is your life and it is your decision. Learn as much as you can about the options you have and then make a decision that is best for you. Best of luck to you and if you choose the Navy route, I will be rooting for you to become the first female Navy SEAL!
You may seriously want to consider a ROTC program. This will give you the "conventional" path while also allowing you time to experience the military while still getting your degree. You may find being an officer more fulfilling - and the SEALs need officers too!
At the end of the day, it is your life and it is your decision. Learn as much as you can about the options you have and then make a decision that is best for you. Best of luck to you and if you choose the Navy route, I will be rooting for you to become the first female Navy SEAL!
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1750
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Lilly,
If you believe you can do anything you set out to do, then, you can do this! I suggest you start challenging yourself physically and academically. Get into things that aren't normally "your thing" such as automechanics and electronics. There's a lot that goes into doing the SEAL work beyond just being physically fit. You have to be able to overcome ANY obstacle in your path!
There are other elite military forces. For example Army Rangers/Airborne Rangers. Over 30 women have completed the Ranger course. Combat Medic is also some rigorous training.
Remember, you are always a soldier/sailor first. The fact that you are "female" doesn't matter. We are all one team. I went into law enforcement in 1984, and, there were periods of several years where I was the only female on the department. You quickly learn to become "one of the guys."
As to the choice between military and college, it's not an either/or. You can use military funding to go to college after completing a tour in the service, or, you can choose to stay in the service and go to school on the side, eventually becoming a military officer. It won't be the same 4-year experience at a prestigious school, but, it will get you your degree. It just sort of depends which "experience" you prefer to do for the next 4 years!
Best of luck to you!
Kim
If you believe you can do anything you set out to do, then, you can do this! I suggest you start challenging yourself physically and academically. Get into things that aren't normally "your thing" such as automechanics and electronics. There's a lot that goes into doing the SEAL work beyond just being physically fit. You have to be able to overcome ANY obstacle in your path!
There are other elite military forces. For example Army Rangers/Airborne Rangers. Over 30 women have completed the Ranger course. Combat Medic is also some rigorous training.
Remember, you are always a soldier/sailor first. The fact that you are "female" doesn't matter. We are all one team. I went into law enforcement in 1984, and, there were periods of several years where I was the only female on the department. You quickly learn to become "one of the guys."
As to the choice between military and college, it's not an either/or. You can use military funding to go to college after completing a tour in the service, or, you can choose to stay in the service and go to school on the side, eventually becoming a military officer. It won't be the same 4-year experience at a prestigious school, but, it will get you your degree. It just sort of depends which "experience" you prefer to do for the next 4 years!
Best of luck to you!
Kim
Brenda Bush
EEO Specialist
6
Answers
Strasburg, Virginia
Updated
Brenda’s Answer
Hi Lilly - I spent 26 years in the Air Force and never regretted a minute of it. I started off in administration, then I was a flight medic on a C-141 and after I got married, I transferred to an EEO Counselor.
I joined, as the first female in my family. It was scarey but I really wanted to join. I wanted to serve my country and to have an adventure - which I did - all over the world. My best job was the Flight Medic. The hardest, most rewarding and most fun job I ever had. You work very hard, but played hard too. I was accused of being a lesbian, or looking for a husband (1990's) by civilians. Neither was true. I wanted something bigger than myself - and I found it.
To be successful in the military - you study hard, and be the best you can be at your job. Be proud of your accomplishments. No excuses. Make yourself the best you can be. I loved every minute of it. Sometimes that means spending time perfecting yourself and leaving the booze and men alone. Learn your job. Be proficient. Be the best. Then the rest will follow. I hope and pray the best for you! No matter what decision you make.
I joined, as the first female in my family. It was scarey but I really wanted to join. I wanted to serve my country and to have an adventure - which I did - all over the world. My best job was the Flight Medic. The hardest, most rewarding and most fun job I ever had. You work very hard, but played hard too. I was accused of being a lesbian, or looking for a husband (1990's) by civilians. Neither was true. I wanted something bigger than myself - and I found it.
To be successful in the military - you study hard, and be the best you can be at your job. Be proud of your accomplishments. No excuses. Make yourself the best you can be. I loved every minute of it. Sometimes that means spending time perfecting yourself and leaving the booze and men alone. Learn your job. Be proficient. Be the best. Then the rest will follow. I hope and pray the best for you! No matter what decision you make.
Tiana Fisher
Military
3
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Tiana’s Answer
Not Navy but AirForce. Joined straight out of high school and it was the best thing that I’ve ever done for myself! Military hold lots of great opportunities if you use them( Education, training, etc.). You meet a lot of great people who will be your family for life. You’ll find new independence away from life back at home. You get a steady income (great especially with the pandemic).
I am in a career field filled with men (Cyber) and being a female among them was honestly intimidating at first. I had no Cyber background like many of my wingmen there and I felt like I was going to fail from the very beginning. But DO NOT let yourself think like that. With a lot of determination , you can do anything! There are plenty of things women can do just as well as men and that includes combat jobs! I am now at Nellis AFB( Las Vegas) and I am one of my shops top techs. Only thing that will keep you from doing the things you want to do is YOU! No matter what you do in life, manifest greatness in yourself! -T
I am in a career field filled with men (Cyber) and being a female among them was honestly intimidating at first. I had no Cyber background like many of my wingmen there and I felt like I was going to fail from the very beginning. But DO NOT let yourself think like that. With a lot of determination , you can do anything! There are plenty of things women can do just as well as men and that includes combat jobs! I am now at Nellis AFB( Las Vegas) and I am one of my shops top techs. Only thing that will keep you from doing the things you want to do is YOU! No matter what you do in life, manifest greatness in yourself! -T
Thankyou so much for taking the time to answer! It really means a lot to me.
Lilly
Vance Kernes
Security Forces
5
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Vance’s Answer
Spend some time reflecting on your short-term and long-term goals before deciding on whether or not to enlist. Enlisted members of the military branches are responsible for performing the technical aspects of their career field. As an enlisted member promotes and moves up in rank they will be required to perform some managerial tasks. Officers are the managers of the military and spend a majority of their careers managing people and projects. If you have the option to pursue a prestigious education I would recommend achieving your education and joining active duty service as an officer. Twenty years in service goes by extremely fast and you should pursue opportunities in the military that translate into the civilian job market. SEALs are well respected and are subject matter experts in their craft, however, many of their skills do not have civilian equivalents. Choosing a specialty in the Navy that allows you to be a SEAL and translates into the civilian sector would be extremely beneficial. Sooner or later retirement from military service must come and you will most likely need employment once more. I believe you could be the first female SEAL, just be sure to think about life after the military as well.