Atcrossroad wrote:
It's quite loser's story but, hell, I'll not fall lower by telling it.


I've made a big mistake in my life, namely, I've got a Ph.D. in
engineering from a second tier graduate program.

What to do?

I do not have a formal degree in EE, but I do like electronics and I
do know a lot about it. It's my true passion. I'd like to pursue a
career in electronics (desirably engineering, but technician jobs are
OK too – more difficult to offshore). It happens that I like sea, I
like (to learn about, at least) navy, ships, ship's weaponry, naval
history. I would like to try something different, new and manly like a
military service. Clock is ticking. In 4 years (I'm 30 y.o. now), I'll
not have a military option. So, I am considering enlisting to navy.
Local recruiters are not making their quotas, I was forgiven my 10
extra pounds. I think I'll be able to pass physical. I have the right
attitude to get through a boot camp too. Also, I am a permanent
resident i.e. an officer school is not an option (I am not sure if I
would be allowed to enter an officer school in such a ripe age,
anyway).

My questions:

1) Is 30 y.o. is too old to be a sailor? I know navy is OK with 30y.o.
sailors, but….will I look like a freak among early 20th crowd?

In the reserves, we get a lot of 30-somethings coming into the ranks, as
they wrestle with exactly the same issues your are. Including more than
one with a PhD.

2) Have you ever seen a Ph.D. enlisting as a sailor?

Yes, in the reserves. On active duty we had a Chief who had earned his
PhD at some point in his career.

Do you think it
will be better for me not to mention my Ph.D. at all: a) to avoid
future pecking along the line "let's see how smart you really are" b)
not to be an unofficial poster child for a loser. How thoroughly
background check is done? Will such an omission be counted against me
if discovered?

No need to hide it. Be proud but not arrogant.

3) What is the most challenging electronics field in navy? What is its
rate?

Nuke power.

Is it open for non citizens (Hopefully, I'll be a citizen in 2
years or so)?

Probably not.

Ideally, I would like something involving little bit of
design (I hope to pass PE exam in the future, and I need a design
experience to be registered as a professional engineer).

Design? Maybe the "McGyver" sort. But I am a firm believer than
designers who have used the equipment are better than those who haven't.

4) Assuming that I will like the service, will be good at it, will get
my citizenship and will decide to become an officer: a) what is max
age for applicants to an officer school? b) will I be required to
fulfill my enlistment obligations prior to applying to a school?

Not sure on max age. You will not need to fulfill your enlisted
requirement prior.

5) Are those with earned college degrees qualified for the Navy
college funds?

Yes. I used my GI Bill to fund my PhD. You could use it to fund getting
your pilot's license or A&P license also. Attend school for Real Estate
license. Go to Divinity School. etc. Certain restrictions apply.


6) In army, enlisted college graduates fresh out of a boot camp get
higher rank than HS graduates do. Does anything like that exist in
navy?

Yes, talk to recruiter.

The Navy Reserve is a great way to jump in. you'll find a real
smorgasbord of folks civilian career-wise in there. In my unit we have
college students (Officer), cops (Es)wall street stock brokers (Petty
Officer) and small business owners (Chiefs) all working together.
Fantastic way to network. you can segue into active duty. Come in at an
advanced rate. Give it a look.

Sounds like you're not married. I'd cut your past loose and jump in both
feet and sign up for something risky and dangerous, to take you out of
your comfort zone. Full steam ahead, adrenaline, all that stuff. You can
sit in a chair and let your ass get fat later. Do the hard thing, cause
its the most fun!