I'm jealous. I signed up for the early enlistment program at the earliest possible moment, 18 months before my ship out date. I got credit for three other classmates enlisting. I think the first meant I'd have extra service time credits and have been a higher pay-grade after boot camp and a straight money bonus for the other part.
I was planning for the Navy's nuclear technician school, and I wanted to be on a sub like my Uncle. There was another program that would either un-enlist you and you'd go to school through the ROTC, or you could still be full time Navy but go to college at the same time; I figured I'd apply for it once my first six year commitment was done for.
If everything had worked out I'd be three years away from 20 right now, maybe with a college degree, maybe not.
Five months before I graduated, seven months before I was to leave, I had an intestinal problem from a childhood accident which required surgery. A week after I graduated the Navy informed me, through my HS guidance councilor, that they didn't want me.
It's tough to look back now at what could have been. I'm happy with my life as it turned out so far, but I'll always wonder about the alternate universe where Things Were Different.
Bad luck! 8^(. Do you know what boat your Uncle was on?
I count the military as an excellent experience though I was ready to get back to the "real world" when my time was up.
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Doug
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