How was your experience in the Navy?

I want to join the Navy for the experience and to get away. Really need some advice.?

• A little about me: I am finishing up my junior year in college and will be graduating in May 2013 with a Biology B.S. degree. I went into college thinking I wanted to go to medical school. Another big part of my life is music. I am trained in the classical style of singing; I enjoy taking lessons and being in choirs. I don't want to major in music because I simply was not raised to choose such a risky career. What I eventually ended up deciding on is to go to medical school to become an Otolaryngologist or ENT (Ears, Nose, and Throat Doctor). I'm smart. My GPA is above 3.5. But the thing is, I know I will not be ready to go straight into medical school right after undergrad. I do know I want to go eventually, but just not in the next 3-5 years. I’ve gone to school non-stop, including summers, since I graduated high school and I just need a break. I want to experience life outside of academia for at least a few years. My parents are fairly well off. I don’t worry about ANY of my expenses. But you know what, I feel guilty for being so privileged and spending their money without having a job of my own and contributing in some way. Here’s the thing, I feel trapped. I want to be financially independent, but it would be absolutely idiotic to give up the luxury of the financial support of my parents. There are so many people who don’t have what I have and I’d feel guilty for squandering it. At the same time, I feel guilty for having it. Not only because other people have less, I also don’t want to spend any more of my parents’ money. It’s just a vicious cycle. Anyway, the Navy has attracted me for quite some time. I’m a very intellectual and philosophical person, so I don’t know how well I will get along with other people in the military (don’t get me wrong, I’m no hippie either). What I know is that I just want to get away and live a lifestyle that a lot of people don’t get to live (one as a non-citizen, living on ships, travelling, etc). I’m all about experiencing as many things as possible in life. And I think the military is an invaluable experience. I like the idea of having housing paid for, food paid for, etc. I just want to go, save a big lump of money, and come back with a new outlook on life. And most likely, when I’m ready, get the Navy to pay for my medical school. Ok, that was a lot. I’m not sure how to explain what I’m feeling, but I think you have the idea. I just want to know if anyone thinks I will be getting what I actually want from the Navy. Or any other life advice would be great.

• Answer:

  I don't want to speak against the armed forces because it is right for many people. Here is a few points though. Medical school, followed by passing the boards, internship, residency takes a long time and a lot of effort. My niece is now an intern, and brother-in-law and anesthesiologist. A couple of years in the military may not pay for med school without also a commit to work for them afterwards. Also, if there is combat, you are already involved in it. You would be adding 2 years in a long process. Although they are thrilled to have someone in good physical and mental acumen and you would qualify to be on a path to an officer, you have to decide whether taking instructions in a rigorous environment is the right path. Don't let the dream of visiting far off places overtake what it is really about, which is being on a base and/or on ships most of the time. Nothing says that you can't take 6 months or a year off. Nothing is stopping you from doing some traveling. A commitment to the armed forces is bigger than that and not easy to quit if you don't like it. If your parents are well off, I would recommend doing a little traveling on your own instead or if you have a friend, getting away with him/her either as hostels in Europe or a visit to Asia (I've been to China and Japan several times, and traveled in North America including Alaska. I'm in my 50's, never even had to register for the draft because I was born at a time after the lottery and before the mandatory registration. I do know a friend's son at Annapolis and it is definitely right for some people, but you have to know what it is like on a day-to-day before you sign up to it. I agree that time off to find your path is fine. I would think the Navy would want you to join. Even with all your words, I don't see the fit for you though. You want some adventure and experiences. I think dreams are clouding reality.