Recently, I finished 10 years in the Navy as a nuclear mechanic. Those years were spent in Charleston, SC; Norfolk, VA; and most recently in San Diego. I loved my time in San Diego. I had an easy office job. 7:30 to 2 most days, Monday thru Friday. I wasn't really working in the nuclear community either, which was a nice change for me.
Now that I am out with a job in the normal, everyday world, I get asked questions about my time in the Navy. How was life on the ship? Did you like it? How is this job compared to the jobs I had? I answer the questions honestly and usually get an approving feeling from the inquisitive person. Like they are proud of my service, and of the military in general. They should be proud and I should too, however, there was always this sense of negativity while I was in the Navy. Everyone has the "grass is always greener" feeling, but it was that tenfold in the nuclear community.
When I was recruited, I was pitched the nuclear program from the beginning. One of the big points was, "You will get a great job after you finish your time with the Navy!" There were the usuals, travel, good pay, pride and the sense of accomplishment for finishing a demanding training program. The training program was demanding, and I am proud I completed it. I traveled all over Europe, and had several stops in Dubai ( which is an awesome place). The pay was actually pretty good. More would've been better, but when isn't that the case? The once promise that fell short was pride.
I was never "Proud" to be in the military, not after I reported to the ship anyway. Everyday at work, all that anyone talked about was how bad the ship was, and how stupid the Navy is will all of the rules and regulations. "I can't wait to get out and get a real job.", how many times did I hear that? That was the mentality of almost everyone I worked with and for the entire time I was on board. I believed it, for the most part. I went to Sea World shortly after arriving in San Diego. Right before the Shamu show, they ask all the military (police, firefighters too) to stand up so they can be honored. My wife looked at me, and I stood up holding my newborn son. They have a giant TV and cameras, so they homed right in on the young man holding the boy and there I was on Shamu TV. That should make you feel good, to be honored and appreciated for your sacrifice. Instead I was uncomfortable, not embarrassed, but I felt like all these people were being fooled. I didn't do anything great, I did leave and go on deployments for 6 months, but a majority of that time, I was watching movies, playing xbox, or getting drunk in some port. Why should they celebrate that? Now, I am a very patriotic person. I love our country and have always (well almost always) proud to be an American, so that's not the issue. I think the issue was the ship and the nuclear community I had been a part of.
After spending a year or so in San Diego, I looked back on my time in Virgina. I do not miss that place at all, but if I had it to do all over again, I would fight the anti-everything mentality that I had been pulled into before. I have always envied the Marines for their sense of pride and camaraderie. There is no reason why that shouldn't have been a part of my experience in the Navy.
I do not regret joining the military in the least. It helped me grow up tremendously, and gave me an education and experience that has helped my family tremendously. I just wished I had embraced the military lifestyle a little more.
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Nice post! So a question presents itself. I wonder if I am supposed to respond as if this were a regular post or the paper format you left it in. I guess I will figure it out as I go…..
ReplyDeleteWithout looking up the definition of culture, I would guess is it characterized by the behaviors of ‘a’ society. With out any question, the navy is a society, and the nuclear field had its own very unique culture. Funny! When I think of culture, I tend to assimilate it to a good idea or action. Quotes like “A strong safety culture” come to mind. The implication here is that everyone is concerned with safety and takes ownership for not only their safety, but also the safety of others. You see, it’s a good thing right? Don’t let this one example fool you. The navy did have a very negative culture as William put it. It was too the point that not only were they un-happy, for some reason or another, but they also wanted to make others un-happy. “Misery loves company!” It is sad the way this perpetuates itself through the “Nuke” field. Little do they know how truly well they can be set up with a little positive attitude? Maybe, it is the Navy’s fault. There is a possibility they are not challenging these young intelligent minds, but then again maybe it is just the youth today. Handouts are expected and very little is earned. I can say this because this is what I thought and acted like. I have now seen what working hard can do for you. With that said, I personally do not believe the Navy needs to challenge these young people more, but rather attempt to change the culture in the Nuclear Navy. Easier said than done? Yes! But if successful, they will promote retention and have a stronger safer environment.