YVAN EHT NIOJ

[Jim]

So I'm considering a change of lifestyle and thinking about joining the navy or some defence organisation for a few years.

Has anyone here got military experience? Got any comments, advice, or a reason to dissuade me from giving it a go?

[Sparky]

Tusock might be able so shed some light on the subject for you.

[Tusock]

Fire away!

Six and a bit years in the Navy as a Weapons Fitter, which is now know as Electronics Technician (Weapons).

Trade qualifications, great experiences, NO student loan, awesome mates, cheap piss....

[Jim]

Yeah I've done the uni thing and the benefits of working in the military seem like it would set me up really well for my 30's and also give me some discipline and self-motivation. Plus I like to learn everything I can in life and the chance to learn shitloads of different trades and skills and travel the globe seem really appealing. I just have to get pumped and fit enough to ace the training and hope diabetes won't ruin my chances of eligibility.

[Wugga]

Heh. L T Smash is Lieutenant L T Smash!

[FaceAche]

I think it's a great idea, for all those totally valid reasons Tusock mentioned.

But i do want to point out that due to the National Party's cost-cutting initiatives, apparently the morale is at an all-time low. I read or heard somewhre recently that people leaving the forces was at record high. I can't remember where, so take that with a pinch of salt.

But anyway ......
http://tvnz.co.nz/politics-news/navy...essels-4887183

[Tusock]

Morale was always a funny thing in the Navy. Get a deployment somewhere good and it's high as. Get stuck doing fishery patrol in the southern seas too long and there goes the morale. It's hard to gauge total morale....

With less people you are likely to get on the Frigates and get some decent trips. Also remember you can do things like the resupply down in Antarctica for a month or so over summer.

If you are in to any sports they are very accommodating. I was in the Navy hockey team and actually got flown off the ship by helicopter to get to a tournament at the Police College.

[accidental]

My bro and a friend joined the Navy in their early 20s. My bro hated it — couldn't stand the culture there. My friend loved it — loved the culture. If you know you'll like the practical aspects of joining the forces and you're pretty sure you can handle it, then the only thing left is whether or not you'll like the culture or not. Because the culture aint ever going to change.

[Jim]

Yeah I'm a little concerned about medical requirements for it as I've got diabetes. I might give a recruitment officer a call and see what the dealio is. I'm not going to dedicate myself for preparing for it eg fitness and what not if their going to flat out refuse me for health reasons.

[Brianemone]

Oh, and you also wear glasses

[Jim]

Originally Posted by Brianemone

Oh, and you also wear glasses

Is that a thing that stops you is it? Seems incredibly discriminatory and unreasonable if it was.

[Tusock]

Nah... Glasses shouldn't be a problem. They actually paid for my first two pairs. Just have to have polycarb lenses or the like.

[FaceAche]

My optician wife says that polycarb etc is the best way to go, basically anything but glass. Glass is tough, and very scratch-resistant, but also quite heavy. The main reason to avoid glass lenses, is because if you smash your glasses while they're on your face, like in a car accident, it generally means 'goodbye eyes'.

I suppose that's the flip-side to lots of people leaving; more varied positions will be available to you.

Edit; just saw this;
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news...ectid=10814446

Tusock, do the NZ Navy ever stop in at Montevideo?

[Vivasanti]

Im 99% sure they dont make glass lenses anymore.

[Jim]

My current pair are plastic and polycarb. They're tough as shit, and are meant to be "scratch resistant". Doesn't mean they particularly are.

Haha that Uruguay thing is awesome. Good on them. I don't understand why we aren't just allowed to grow ourselves. On a side note... Do they drug test you in the military?