Military benefits ~ Civilian benefit ~ What are the Facts?

F/S-MARodriguez · 09-12-2012, 07:25 AM

I have to agree that while it is ALL true, a lot isn't realistic. If a sailor needs to be at his command for 1 year before beginning school, it's extremely unrealistic to have a BS or BA done in 3 years while being constantly deployed and taking 1-3 classes per semester. Let's say a sailor like myself (20-21 Y/O) gets an associates degree BEFORE enlisting though a BA/BS is achievable in those 4 years. If all goes well I'll get out of the Navy at 26 with a Bachelors degree and experience in a field directly related to my degree. (Criminal Justice/MA)

Also with #13 many civilian companies give 30 days. I had 30 days vacation the instant I began working with my current company.

However these are pretty menial facts compared to the big picture. You forgot to mention the incredible Credit Union Navy sailors can join, Navy Federal (Opened my account yesterday) and what about the DIRT CHEAP auto insurance with USAA?

Or how about the simple fact that a student who loves college is getting out in 4-8 years no matter what, where as a sailor who loves the Navy can stay as long as he wants?

kforbs126 · 09-12-2012, 09:54 AM

Also the Navy through TA does not pay for all your schooling. FY13 they have cut TA from 4500 to 1500 a year. Most military friendly colleges make it $250 per credit 3 credits per class. Which is about 6 classes to 2 classes per year. Since i just finished my Master's but when i came in i already had a lot of credit towards it. Also not everyone who goes to college has huge debt. I had a full ride and didn't pay anything except for books. I would not give up going to college for the Navy any day. The Navy isn't the same it was 20 years ago. Heck from what I hear it's not the same it was 10 years ago.

sweetmtn · 09-12-2012, 01:41 PM

I will chime in on this one as well...having 2 kids in the military...for active duty you are only required to go to the base doctors...and in both my sons cases..that experience has NOT been a good one! Vision is not covered for the family on TriCare, and if you cant find a doctor or dentist that covers TriCare in the area you are stationed...lets say not on a ship but inland somewhere...good luck finding a doctor/dentist that will take it. .... just saying...

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09-12-2012, 07:25 AM	#1
F/S-MARodriguez Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 124 Rep Power: 0	I have to agree that while it is ALL true, a lot isn't realistic. If a sailor needs to be at his command for 1 year before beginning school, it's extremely unrealistic to have a BS or BA done in 3 years while being constantly deployed and taking 1-3 classes per semester. Let's say a sailor like myself (20-21 Y/O) gets an associates degree BEFORE enlisting though a BA/BS is achievable in those 4 years. If all goes well I'll get out of the Navy at 26 with a Bachelors degree and experience in a field directly related to my degree. (Criminal Justice/MA) Also with #13 many civilian companies give 30 days. I had 30 days vacation the instant I began working with my current company. However these are pretty menial facts compared to the big picture. You forgot to mention the incredible Credit Union Navy sailors can join, Navy Federal (Opened my account yesterday) and what about the DIRT CHEAP auto insurance with USAA? Or how about the simple fact that a student who loves college is getting out in 4-8 years no matter what, where as a sailor who loves the Navy can stay as long as he wants?

09-12-2012, 09:54 AM	#2
kforbs126 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: San Diego, Ca Posts: 943 Rep Power: 0	Also the Navy through TA does not pay for all your schooling. FY13 they have cut TA from 4500 to 1500 a year. Most military friendly colleges make it $250 per credit 3 credits per class. Which is about 6 classes to 2 classes per year. Since i just finished my Master's but when i came in i already had a lot of credit towards it. Also not everyone who goes to college has huge debt. I had a full ride and didn't pay anything except for books. I would not give up going to college for the Navy any day. The Navy isn't the same it was 20 years ago. Heck from what I hear it's not the same it was 10 years ago.

09-12-2012, 01:41 PM	#3
sweetmtn Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: N. CA Posts: 3,792 Rep Power: 0	I will chime in on this one as well...having 2 kids in the military...for active duty you are only required to go to the base doctors...and in both my sons cases..that experience has NOT been a good one! Vision is not covered for the family on TriCare, and if you cant find a doctor or dentist that covers TriCare in the area you are stationed...lets say not on a ship but inland somewhere...good luck finding a doctor/dentist that will take it. .... just saying...