[QUOTE=AB Murph;138486]I would join the USN, tell the recruiter you want to go deck. Learn that area with the unreps and such then get out after 3 years if they still do that or 4 years if they dont. In the mean time you will mature more than you think, make friends for life, recieve VA benifits, see the world AND MAKE YOUR RESUME LOOK MORE ATTRACTIVE.
Before getting out get your AB and RFPNW from USCG. Your USN time will count towards retirement to boot.
If you listen to all the naysayers you will never be happy. The MSC is great for a young man or woman in my eyes, especially one that wants to make water their life. The USN will slso prep you for them long hitches.
Good luck.[/QUOTE]
My dream growing up was to join the Navy. Unfortunately, that did not work out, not least of which was due to my eyesight not meeting their highly stringent standards. They do meet MSC standards, however, so MSC is like the “next best thing” for me.
So as much as I would like to have followed your advice, it is not happening.