Looking to join the Navy
Show your support
I did 5 years active and am currently reserves. I know a lot of people are able to make do with previous injuries, you’ll just likely need a waiver if it isn’t an impairment. You will need to pass a physical test that has standards based on your age (so depending how old you are, you’ll have to do so many push-ups and run the 1.5 mile under a certain amount of time), so I would make sure you can do that. Boot camp is pretty easy overall. I would also recommend to finish your school and try to go officer. Life can be harder enlisted, and the ship life can be tough as well. I’d also recommend really researching rates and studying up for your asvab if you are determined to go enlisted. The higher score, the better jobs. Best of luck.
They’re desperate for people right now, so they’ll likely waive just about anything. If you can retake the asvab for a higher score, do it! I studied with the “ASVAB for dummies” book and got a 99. IMO the Navy is NOT worth it unless you can get into an intel rate or similar (those can land you a 6 figure job in the civilian sector). CTN is the best one for work-life balance while you’re in, and job opportunities when you’re out.
Currently active duty as a CTR. we are HURTING for people because everybody is leaving. they’ll waive just about anything. you will have to run in boot camp but once you’re in the fleet you can do alternative cardio for your prt. definitely study up for your asvab though. it is possible to get a job waiver however in my experience you have to already be REALLY close to getting it in order for them to consider it and you have to bring something to the table. I got a 1 point waiver but i was also a 17 fresh out of high school female with a pretty high asvab score to begin with. best of luck though!!
Don't worry about the knee if you don't have mobility problems & the issue is resolved. If you've any post-surgery notes, bring those to MEPS. The MEPS doc notices scaring on a knee. A waiver is easy right now. Don't worry about the run time right now. An AFQT of 35 is ok & since it's > 31 you can get a cut score waiver. Try for anything Intel which includes IT but try for any CT job if you qualify. Hopefully your math & science line scores were good. Bring your transcripts/degree to MEPS (again don't trust the recruiter to do it) you will automatically get a higher pay grade of E-3. Oh and don't forget to tell your recruiter you need to talk to the officer recruiter. You're required to have an OPO & Competiveness letter before you get a job. Or you will be wasting a whole day waiting for one at MEPS.
@Danielle I told them about my knee when I went into the recruiter because I have had 2 surgeries 10 years ago. I did pt and everything for it. I’m still studying for my actual asvab test. That score was the one I did in the recruiters office. They said with the 4 parts I took there that was a pretty good score. I’ll keep studying until I have to take the actual test at MEPS.
It’s okay to tell the recruiter, but when you go to actual MEPS and do medical, do not mention anything that they don’t ask you about.
@Tabatha I have my transcripts I actually paid for them yesterday to have them emailed to me. I can print them out to give to the recruiter. I will make sure I have all my own paperwork for when I go to MEPS. And my knee doesn’t cause me mobility. I’m actually training myself with the running and doing the pt that they mentioned that I’ll be doing in boot camp so my body is already ready for it. I’m 37 and I can get my paperwork for my knee from my doctors office.
@Julia where is training after boot camp? I have a family and they told me my family will be able to come with me when I’m done at boot camp.
@Alyson yeah I bought the asvab book and have been studying it. A lot of the electronics information I know because of my college degree that I currently have.
@Rebekah I just turned 37 in April. Do you know how many push-ups I’ll need to do? I’m training my body now while I’m waiting for this whole process to continue. So I’m preparing myself before everything. Also trying to strengthen my knee before it.
https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Support/Culture%20Resilience/Physical/Guide_5-Physical_Readiness_Test_PRT_JAN_2023.pdf?ver=OlmOLoZTfCA641JUkAnIaw%3D%3D There’s a chart starting on page 20 that breaks it down on what you’d need for your age group. A “good low” is usually standard. To answer your other question in regards to taking your family with you post-boot - it depends on the rate you choose and schooling attached to that rate. Training that lasts over 6 months (I think? May have changed) usually allows you to bring you family, at least paying for them tk move with you. To echo some of the other comments, I really wouldn’t jump into the navy unless you can secure an intel job. The majority of the navy lifestyle is very tough, especially on families. I’d also recommend looking into the reserves - not quite the same benefits, but you have a lot more flexibility than active duty.
The MEPS doctor will be the one that disqualifies you. If it’s not on your medical record and you don’t mention it or give them permission to go digging through your history, chances are better of you getting in. If MEPS does find out about it, you’ll have to do some waivers. Go to an orthopedic to get them to sign off on you, do an activity letter and so forth and so on. Then they’ll decide if it’s worth it or not. I do know they are desperate right now, especially for anyone who can do IT. The only other issue, you need to score high enough on the ASVAB in order to qualify for the job you want. Which in that case, you need to be I believe at least a 60-70 overall.