How does striking for a job work?

[Navy*6AJ4A]

Originally Posted by SN-Harp

Anybody start as a SN?
Everything I've been reading and the contract itself doesn't look so great as a rate. I got a 70 on the asvab and I know about the quotas the recruiters have to fill. I'm also going in as an E-3 if that makes any difference. I want to be a HM, when I went to pick my job I asked for the rate but they told me SN was the only rate open. What I'm trying to find out is how likely it is to strike for a job and get it? I understand that it depends on where one is at and what rate is in need at that location. Any insight would be helpful.

DUDE!!! That's what my recruiter said. im going in as an E3 as well. and my recruiter said that SN was the only rate opeen. I would love to know what happens as i leave in three weeks.

[Logicalchaos02]

I was only at one command and all the undesignated people that I talked to did not get to take their test until after 1 year. All I want to say is do not believe everything your recruiter tells you, trust me. Their job is to get people in the Navy any way possible, even lie.

[TrooperTaff]

So let me get this strait; if i am entering as an E1 SN. I'll be cleaning for a year+ possibly until I even get to "strike" for what I want? Say MA's?

[jamjme]

yeah thats exactly correct...coming in E1 you will be working in Deck for at least a year before you can strike a rate...and thats not counting the resistance that you will meet from the BM's...well depending on your chain of command...i am on a destroyer so deck is always undermanned so they are VERY reluctant to let anyone go (ive heard its easier on big decks) but either way, to strike for a rate (not the advancement exam) you must be on board for at LEAST a year, and as an undesignated seaman you will work in deck. Don't look at that as all negative though you will have time to see other rates, how they operate, what they really do etc.

[TrooperTaff]

So if I wanna strike and not deal with any annoyances what would you recommend? Deck crew doesn't sound too bad. What do they do? And as long as I can finish my 4 years with what I want I'll be good lol

[sweetmtn]

Originally Posted by TrooperTaff

So if I wanna strike and not deal with any annoyances what would you recommend? Deck crew doesn't sound too bad. What do they do? And as long as I can finish my 4 years with what I want I'll be good lol

One thing to know...since you are only going for a 4 year contract...there are NO GUARANTEES you will get the rating you want...needs of the navy always come first...period! Basically going "undesignated" you will do grunt work, cleaning, scraping paint, painting over what you scraped off, sweep, polish..pretty much what ever the command wants you to do.

[TrooperTaff]

Great..

[SN-Harp]

when you ship? I got rolled in leaving 20120123