To enlist or not to enlist?

[MrB]

I'm a 20 year old college student that has been training for Buds for the last three months. I
still have a lot of work to do but still have 2-3 years at college and will be training for that duration
of time. My question is what to do now or even after I graduate. My Uncle who is an E-9 and has
done everthing from enlisting to submarines tells me to go into the NROTC and go from there.
However, I know that if I enlist that I get a SEAL Challenge Contract and an guarenteed an chance
at Buds. But as an officer I'm not given that guarantee and it is much harder to get in to the Buds.
I do keep in mind that it is much better to be an officer over an enlisted man but would enter the
Navy for only one reason and that's to be a SEAL. So my Question is whether or not to enlist after
I graduate or to go in as an officer and take my chances. (An officer position would be better for
me in general because I'll have 3 dependents and it's hard to enlist that way) Any insight would
be helpful.

[Wazz]

Mr B
You seemed to of answered your own question. Your only motivation for joining the Navy is to become a SEAL and you are aware that the enlisted/officer ratio is wide spread.

But with 3 dependents? At a Seaman Apprentice salary....hey, think that through.

[sawillia]

But with 3 dependents? At a Seaman Apprentice salary....hey, think that through.



Does the cost of living... Housing and food assistance from the Navy factor into this type of decision. Does the benefiet of having houseing, food and clothing make a big difference or are they applying 1960 finances to 2002 cost of living.

Is there any where you can look up salaries and what not for military personell. Never really thought of it but I would imagine that the entry is anywhere from 24-32k a year. Just a guess and if its 32 a year with added benefiets that wouldn't be too bad if your single.

[globalchaos]

Well if you dont go in as an officer can't he make it to E-3 seaman with 45 college credits?