My ultimate goal in the Navy is to volunteer for BUD/S, but I am trying to enlist and ship out as soon as possible, so I do not feel that I am ready for the SEAL Challenge. I do not mind spending my first enlistment doing something else so that I can get into top physical shape, as long as it is physically and mentally challenging, and will give me skills that will be valuable to a SEAL Team.

What are some of these jobs I could chose from? The jobs my recruiters told me about that look interesting are Gunners Mate, SWCC, EOD, and SAR. Are these jobs that I can take and later volunteer for BUD/S with?

If I want a combat related job, what are my chances of getting it at MEPS? My recruiters told me they don't want to take me to MEPS to window shop, they want to know I will join, but I don't want to get stuck doing something I hate, so I am trying to come up with a list of as many jobs that I would like doing as I can, before I go there.

Next to none. You need to keep in mind exactly what MEPS is first and foremost.

MEPS is a Department of Defense joint-service organization staffed with military and civilians. Their job is to determine an applicant's physical qualifications, aptitude and moral standards as set by each branch of military service, the Department of Defense, and federal law.

This is all they do at MEPS. In short it's where they classify you based on how you perform the series of tests. So in short, if you have the aptitude for Comabt related work, it will show itself in the test scores.

The recruiters can provide you specific jobs that currently deal with combat related jobs in the Navy, and it appears they have already informed you on what they are.

I know of no BUDS candidate assigned right our of boot camp. Not saying it ain't happening, just that I don't know of any that have done so.

I'm sorry, I should have clarified a little more. I already went to MEPS, a couple weeks ago, for the Army. I got a 91 on my ASVAB, and my lowest line score was a 110, so from what I understand I should be able to qualify for a lot of jobs. I also received all 1's on my physical profile.

I had one specific goal with the Army, spec ops, and I couldn't get it, so I walked away from MEPS empty handed, much to the disgust of my recruiters. But I don't feel bad, I told them all I wanted was spec ops, or I wasn't joining the Army, and they told me I would get it as long as I scored well on the ASVAB and passed the physical.

Well I did that, but since I have a GED, the Army wouldn't give me the job. So they lied to me, so I left.

Now the Navy recruiters know what happened with the Army, and they are telling me not to pull that BS with them. I say, what BS? This is my life, if I don't get what I want I'm not singing anything.

The Army only had one job I wanted to do, the Navy as a lot of jobs I'd be willing to do while I get prepared for the lifestyle of a SEAL. But they told me they don't want me window shopping, and I don't want to window ship, I want to enlist and move on with the next phase of my life, but I also want to be doing a job I enjoy. I wouldn't enjoy sitting at a computer watching radars or working on a flight deck fixing ships, or being on a nuclear sub sitting at a computer.

I want something fast paced and hands on, physically challenging and mentally stimulating. If they will give me a job like this I will be happy to sign on the dotted line.

Am I a real jerk if they spend the time to get me to MEPS and I don't sign up because they wont give me what I want? I don't want to disrespect these people, I know they work hard. And I worry if the same thing happens with the Navy as it did the Army I'm going to get black listed from ever joining.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Buster86,

like I said, MEPS is a classification center. You've obviously already been through it once with the Army, so now you know what to expect. It does take a lot of time and effort to get a candidate into MEPS. You've seen what the Army offered. Go ahead and see what the Navy offers. If you walk away, then you walk away.

You do know that noadays, just about every job in the military is geared towards supporting the warfighters of the nation? Not everyone can be on the front line. Geez what a mess that would be.

The key is to take what you can get and build on that to get where you want to go. Give 100% at whatever job you get assigned to or accept. Use that as leverage to apply for the job you so desperately want to do. To get into the Seal teams, you have to be recommended. It's pretty much the same for Special Forces. They generally only take proven performers.

And no, you are not a real jerk in what happened with the Army MEPS episode. And there is always the possiblity of your name getting around to the recruiters in your district to the point where they won't waste thier time on you, which could be viewed as blacklisted. (it would be unofficial though)

Buster86-I am not sure if you even know what doing those slow paced jobs you mentioned consist of onboard Ship your daily routine would be work from 0800-1600 stand 8 hrs underway watch if you have a breakdown you work until it is fixed.Everyday you are so tired your butt is draging.I would say if you want to go Seal most of the Enlisted Seals come out of the Fleet usualy Deck ,Gunnery&Damage & Control Rates but sometimes other rates.You should try for Amphidous or Brownwater Navy.You hear comments all these Special OPS ,LRPS Seals . I will say this a Saliors training starts when he gets in the Fleet and all of those Special OPS people can't touch them doing their job.