I swore into the Navy and i chose MR over a few other jobs, the other jobs sucked and they said this was the better one of them all. Do you know where MR's are usually stationed and if its a cool job? thanks
It's ok. As an MR, your job is to become proficient in the operation of heavy machinery and damage control equipment. Specifically, you will become skilled in working a lathe and die set to manufacture small parts and things for the ship (and you will be stationed on ship-MR is a sea-intensive rate). You also will make a lot of name tags and Bakelite placards, since you own the engraving machine. With the caveat that my experience is all small boy (FF/DDGs), here are the pros/cons of the job. Pros-learn really technical skills that can come in handy throughout life. Work with your hands. People want to be friends with you so you can hook them up with placards. Usually one of only a few on a ship-you as one man (or woman) can make a lot of difference. Cons-Work as part of Repair Department/Division, normally a pretty screwy, unorganized mess of a unit. Lots of knowledge-have to learn the DC/HT job as well. Especially on small boys, have to contribute to Engineering Department manning/watch, lots of work there. It's not a bad rate, but it is a lot of work, like everything else in the Navy.
You need a job that you can be happy with. Too many guys go in with no idea, and end up really mad at the system. The time they spend ends up being a waste. I liked being an ET. As a Computer System Analyst, anyone who thinks it is not the highest tech job is crazy. I wrote code and repaired circuits; so it was working on both hardware and software. Often trying to figure out which side the problem was on. I later got into Intell, and served as a Command Intelligence Officer. Which was also cool. I know a lot of Nucs too. Really it is all good. I do recommend that you consider subs. On subs your working with a better group of guys. More bubbleheads have degrees than you would see on a surface ship, and your more encouraged to finish a degree, or three. Also your more encouraged to invest and built a portfolio. Bubbleheads are paid more, and encouraged to attend courses on tax-planning and investing. So it is possible to come out at 20 years with multiple degrees and very wealthy. But the most important thing is to be happy with your choice.
