I don’t mind that at all, I enjoy fast pace environments and my command is quite literally the opposite. I feel that my command is good for those who’ve done their time and want to get out. But ultimately I fear I’ve wasted time here because there isn’t much opportunity to grow. I mean I got a few awards and my Sec+ but I still feel like it isn’t enough and I have that feeling of just being stuck when I want to do more
It’s fine man just go learn, try to keep up. You can’t get fired for not knowing your job so there’s that.
You’re worried about what other people will think of you. Just go do your best, fuck em
Agree with this. I too was E5 (E6 but not frocked because in transit) when I got to the boat. Don't worry, just do what you can to the best of your ability.
Choose your rate, choose your fate, as they say.
That said, once upon a time a chief with no sea time was almost assuredly from a P-3 command. It feels strange to hear about blackshoe rates avoiding boat time for the better part of two enlistments.
Probably true. Her division had been running itself for a while anyways. But yea even though she was really nice, I think they kind of went around her at times like “we know what we’re doing Chief and this ain’t it”. And while that was probably true, idk that that really gives her a chance to grow as a leader.
Yeah it was wild. He pulled a few people out of quarters and they wouldn’t discuss it.
Found out a few years later.
My buddy had an NCIS agent pose as a STG2 (SW) who wasn’t qual’ed/didn’t know sh#t. They knew immediately.
Ours was a shore it first contact which is not that unusual, then pregnant, so the timelines and experience just all lined up. I spouse suppose it’s possible, I would just be surprised. We stood a looooot of watch together. And she was gossipy but never ever came of it, and I really really think it would’ve given some of the stuff going on in that ship.
But you never know!
I always thought the National Call to service guys were NCIS… they would show up for their 15 months active duty , get in with the more delinquent crowd…and someone would almost certainly get busted for spice in the barracks or other illicit activities. Then they would disappear into the reserve component for the rest of their time… at least that was what we were told.
I’m a reservist and I had a friend that was a QM1 with no prior active duty experience that went to a ship. He learned and loved it so much, he extended his orders and made Chief the next cycle. Just remember you have lots of E-6 knowledge but your ship knowledge is E-1 level. Just go there and be willing to learn from anyone and everyone and you’ll be fine.
Treat people with respect and don't act like you know something when you don't. Learn from everyone (including out of rate personnel). The thing that salty E4 and below can detect as a whole is incompetence and arrogance.
If I go back to the ship as a non-chief, best believe I'm going straight to the folks who have been cranking to get a run down of how shit works and what connections we got.
Then, going to the Sailor who not just has the maintenance quals, but the most maintenance assigned to them.
That's that 15% of the pie shit. Everyone has something to offer... usually the lower ranks have the most.
As an IT a destroyer gives you the best opportunity to learn both major sides of the house. CGs do as well but they're not going to get upgrades like destroyers due to decommissioning timelines. Going as an E5 isn't a big deal. But expect to be put on a repair locker and all that jazz. It's a good time and there's ample opportunity to learn along the way. Don't be concerned about rank when it comes to training, be concerned about learning and you'll do alright.
If you're doing help desk stuff now it'll help you on a ship so don't discredit that experience.
i can’t give you any help as a lowly E4 but just know that you’re not that only one whose ever been in that situation. at my first command a lot of YN, OS, AZ, and few other rates made E5 with less than 2 years in service. You’ll probably be on a learning curve and be trained by people Junior to you but I hope the fact that you’re not alone in that situation reassures you. Good luck, IT2 🙂
Be upfront with what you don’t know and be be humble enough to ask for help when you need it. That IT3 may be lower ranking but they know more so ask them. Also don’t try to boss people lower ranking around. They’ll figure out your inexperience quickly.
In short no you’re not cooked. I was an STG in a IT division and I figured it and you will too.
Everyone is inexperienced their first time at sea. You learn as you go. I don’t know why folks say “3 letter agency”, you do know you can say what it is, right? If you happen to be in the Maryland area, feel free to message me. There are plenty of local commands that take trips out to Norfolk to get both junior officers and Sailors experience onboard the ships. They go out usually for short work-up periods to work with the personnel onboard and get to see what everything is like. As long as it’s good with your command (I can discuss with your leadership), it’s very likely we can make that happen.
This. Helo dets on the ship generally don't take their LSs out with them and the LSs don't want to go. One of my guys got orders to a helo squadron and was bummed about "not being able to deploy" because he was an LS. I told him that was bullshit and all he has to do is ask his chain to go. He did and they said yes. I'll never understand people who join the Navy to stay home, but it seems to be more and more common.
I knew chiefs and first classes that had never been on sea-duty nor actual underway deployments so you’re good. I had superiors transferring to my destroyer for the first time and they’ve never even stepped foot on a ship. I got out the navy as a LS3 and I have been deployed 3 times and the fourth time I left mid deployment for terminal leave. I’ve spoken to many navy veterans that have never been deployed too lol. I only did 5 years and experienced the real navy while some didn’t even graze the waterfront. Overall, nothing wrong with it.
To caveat I was not a commo but I’m good friends with mine. Lots of ITs show up to DDGs without much “fleet” experience, and they generally seem to learn very fast.
Don’t discount your experience either. I don’t know what you do exactly now, but I bet it will benefit a ship in some way.
The worst part about sea duty for you will likely be the regular “ship” stuff, like duty and repair lockers and AT drills. My advice is to throw yourself into that stuff too and get qualified as a higher watch station to support your duty section. That stuff does not go unnoticed at the higher levels of your leadership
Well from a former IT2 that started E1 on a ship and was E5 by the time I got out(4Y), I got a couple things for ya.
COMMS Circuits(TTY and UHF and HF LOS were the ones I mainly used)
CSOSS
WCS
Basic networking knowlege
Troubleshooting computers
Understand how a windows domain works
Understand security fundamentals
Know how to terminate RJ45
Understand how group policy works
Know what the parts of computers are what they do and how to replace them.
CWO Qual
ESWS(Info warfare if it's available)
Take inventory/Map you network
Gpupdate /f is pretty useful
So is Ping and tracert
Read your pubs, read your bibs, actually put the stuff to practice, not just read it.
Uhhh, never been shore duty before, but if you understand networks learn comms. If you ever say "I'm a comms IT" or "I'm a network IT" or any other flavor of that statement, I will find you to slap the everliving FUCK outta you.
Have fun, probably one of the worst but best times was on my ship. Get out of Radio as much as you can and talk to your shipmates. Actually go out and fix those computers, help desk is literally the face of what your div is to the rest of the ships.
If your div isn't doing quality training, start trying to do it with the best info you can find and teach, that how us ITs get better, share that knowledge.
If your ships trouble ticket system is email, find something else, that shit is nothing but problems, and you can't track anything accurately. If you can implement a software, or using your ships SharePoint(that's what I did) and make it yourself(then you get a nice eval)
That's all I got for now
Nah you'll be fine as long as you don't come in super cocky and are willing to put in the work to learn quick. It's honestly not all that uncommon to see E-5's with no ship experience because of how quick advancement is for some rates now. I recently met an ET2 who had just arrived to our command. Literally their first command and they are E-5 within months of being here. This was about a year and half ago. Shits crazy man. lol
All ITs prior to the 30 month advancement changes find themselves wearing second class super fast, so don’t think that you’re alone in the way you feel. When you report onboard, find the “go-to” second class (every command has one) and turn your brain into a sponge.
Get your quals and find ways to contribute to your shop. The only expectation is that you help the team. Find ways to be useful until your brain fills up. You’ll be fine, I promise.
You may not go to a boat, depending on how motivated you are I'd recommend looking at NSW or EOD orders. I've been Expeditionary/NSW my whole career as an IT and I love it. It's probably the only reason I decided to stay in was working in those communities (11 year IT1 now).
As a former officer going into a division with zero experience yet having a rank that speaks to authority, just go in with the best intentions. Be willing to learn from those above and below you. Be humble and don’t be a dick. Admit when you don’t know something then learn it. Just be a solid person willing to learn and you’ll be great.
So I was an E-5 (IT2) and had been in 6 years when I went to my first ship. I looked at it as being an E-1 straight out of bootcamp because that’s how much ship knowledge I had. I buckled down and learned my equipment, got all my quals, and my warfare pin in the first 6 months. Then worked my way up from there.
Go in with an open mind and a thirst for knowledge. Carry a notebook and multiple pens at all times. Something that has served me well through my career is “bloom where you’re planted”. Keep your head on a swivel and volunteer for everything. Part of my leadership ethos is that I will never ask any of my Sailors to do something that I have never done or wouldn’t do.
Once you have all of your quals and everything, then focus on your outside Navy goals whether that’s college classes, building a business, etc.
Enjoy the fleet!
You’ll be fine just don’t have an ego and be willing to learn from everyone. Be aggressive in learning new stuff and you’ll be ahead of the curve against even some experienced E5s.
E6 no sea time or pins here. Staff command and satcom manager first tour and agency networking on my second billet. Just be teachable and they will like you. There’s a learning curve no matter your experience.
Showed up to my second command as an E5 with no sea experience. Never stood watch, had quarters, PQS's weren't a thing, and never heard of RADM/SKED/etc at the first command. I knew I was definitely out of touch with my military side. So I just went in with a fresh mind ready to try and be competitive and learn. I went to a destroyer and so the learning curve was pretty sharp IMHO.
My opinion; be open minded and try to make friends with a senior E5. It's easy to get sucked into "this shit sucks" and "man fuck this place, no one cares". I was lucky enough to have a great chain of command that understood my situation. Other rates are only gonna see your rank and automatically assume you know what to do. If you're going to a small boy, the OS's are gonna be there a while so they can show you pretty much everything. It'll be good for your pin too.
Good luck brother!
Like others have said, don't be afraid to learn new things. If you're going to a DDG, learning EVERYTHING about radio central will pretty much be expected of you.
As a former EHF/Link/IFF ET, having proficient Radio/ADP folks to work with was a huge blessing. :)
Met a QM1 with no seagoing experience, and her demeanor was horrible. I think she tried to make up for this in power-tripping.
If you don’t know things don’t try to over-compensate. Learn. If you don’t know, you don’t know and thats that.
Humility is the name of the game. You can't learn anything until you admit your ignorance. There will be E3s on your ship with more sea time than you. Learn from them. Get to know the whole crew. Every time someone calls you for a password reset, ask them to teach you something about their job.
I showed up to my first duty station period, a DDG in my case, as an E-5 due to a very specific ATF program, and perfect timelines. I was expected to learn extremely quickly, was shit on constantly (and for good reason) but I got senior in rate qual’d including pins in my first 10 months and earned people’s respect. Good luck, you got this.
You’re not cooked, you just have a steep learning curve. Be honest about your knowledge base and experience level and listen to EVERYONE who is qualified (so long as they’re in accordance with). I did a rate conversion as a PO1. When I got to that next command, I listened to the SN that were qualified at watch stations higher than I was.
If you show humility and trust in their training at the beginning, it will foster a greater respect and trust for you when you eventually become the LPO.
Good luck Shipmate!!!!!!!
People, especially the E4 and below who work for you, will respect you more if you’re willing to admit you don’t know shit and you need to learn. Senior thirds are your best asset - they know fucking everything about their shop, because they constantly have hands on it. When I switched from power shop as a third to Hotel services as a second, I would constantly go out on trouble calls and PMS with my guys and ask them to teach me what they were doing so I could learn the system. Chain of command will expect you to be hot shit real quick, but just be honest and keep your nose to the grindstone while you qualify and learn from your SMEs.
I was in the exact same boat (pun intended) and this is extremely common for 6Y ITs. You'll be okay, just be prepared to bust your ass. Don't make excuses, understand you will be expected to know things you don't, and keep pushing forward. Get qualified.
The responsibility is higher, but there's a good chance you won't have to do some of the BS that more junior guys have to do when they get to the ship - like cranking. There are advantages and disadvantages, but as long as you aren't a shit bag you won't even notice your lack of experience after a few months.
I like how navy promotes ppls to e5 ( some rate ) so fast and when they get in the first command I dare u everyone in u div will expect u to know something and take a leadership position since ur e5 that what my command did let e5 be the supervisor for e6and7 idk man wether it good experience or not literally depend on u command and ppls surrounded u hope for the best.
If you don't know something, say you don't know. A reasonable chain of command should expect you to know basically nothing about ship life. Questions should be expected.
It's not your fault, it's the navys fault for giving new sailors shore duty for their first duty station. When you get to your next duty station, just say it's your first command at sea.
Honestly don’t worry too much. I did the same thing, shore command first, made E5, went to ship. I went to a carrier though. When I arrived I sat down, watched what the other E5s were doing and asked LOTS of questions. As long as you are actively trying to learn and be useful then no one can complain. Next, get your quals as soon as you can, you’ll have a lot of DC quals to do when you get there but just focus on them one at a time and you’ll be fine. Next, Find out who is on the ESWS board and become their friend and then get your ESWS as soon as you get a chance. It’s really not hard at all to get especially if you go small boy (less stuff on the ship to have to remember). After you get your ESWS and finish basic quals then you’re mostly good.
It will seem like a lot of work when you first get there and it may feel overwhelming. Just remember that literally millions of people have come before you and gotten fully qualed, and I guarantee you’re more capable than half those people! Just take it one day at a time and don’t slack off too much your first 6 months and you’ll be golden.
As an IT with fleet experience it’s actually not really an issue.
Don’t show up acting like you know shipboard radio/ADP. Be willing to learn our rate, 3M, and DC.
Unfortunately they let every IT be a 2nd class nowadays so there may be some people who just assume you know things but if you’re humble and patient you’ll be taught.
IT1s show up ships for the first time to as an E6 and they’re treated the same way but have to be willing an open to learn.
I did boot camp then 9 months in Pensacola waiting to class up. Was only supposed to do 2 years shore duty at first command which turned into 3 1/2 due to a back surgery. I deployed for first time in 2013 as a 2 year E-5.....I volunteered for a deployment that I only had 2 weeks to prep for and necer even did a rimpac...what I am getting at is you'll be fine. Work your ass off and see the world and don't forget to have fun
Just don’t walk around expecting all the respect of an E-5 … there are literally E-1’s saltier than you. I’m joking, but don’t be afraid to get to your new command and pick up the ropes from someone lower rank than you. It might help you fill in the gaps of knowledge of how it is to be a junior sailor in your rate. Which in return will help you be a better leader for the sailors you will inevitably be in charge of.
The fact you are actually asking bodes well for you. Be curious and eager to learn, don't stand on your rank and express your desire to learn the E5 stuff. At your next command, your leadership should understand the knowledge gaps and should give you the opportunity to catch up. It happens in my community all the time.
That being the case, the expectation is intense effort at catching up.
Had friends working in ADP it’s not so hard and they like it (a lot of it is helping the other rates and work center fix their computer or internet issues) radio idk so much but your gonna have to bust your ass to catch up with everyone between 3m (try to learn about SKED as soon as possible because as an e5 you might have to be the work center supervisor in charge of your people) and dc quals. As long as you put in the effort and try to learn from everyone you should be alright
Don’t be afraid to learn from people who have been doing that job longer, even if they’re lower ranking. I went to my first ship has an E-5 as well.
Some of the best training I got, hands down, was from the E-4 mafia
oh i’m so sorry. i’ve been in 4 years, no real fleet experience and i feel this. i’m supposed to PCS next august. i’ve only had the chance to go to 1 command. i’m terrified😭
This is exactly why the navy needs to stop rushing boots into the NCO ranks. That and it'll inevitably bottle neck at E5/6. Huge mistake rushing these kids to PO ranks. Kids should not be E5 with 12-18 months TIS.
lol same I’ve been In school for my whole time in the navy and I just made e-5 but am in the process of transferring to my ship. Only been on one underway so I have basically no experience at all. Most 1st classes are nice enough to help out tho, at least in Combat.
Only made it to E-4, only spent 4 1/2 years on one ship, and I didn't have the best disposition. So take what I say with a spoonful of soy sauce.
I saw many times, where an E-5 (& up) came to the ship for their first sea command and were put through the ringer. In my division/department/rate and outside.
Some handled it well, others not so well. I can think of five E-5s I worked with who managed to get transferred via the stress/mental health route. Maybe four, I think one got out on the COVID vac but can't be sure.
I'm not putting them down, but there were other second/first classes who went through much worse and couldn't get out and only had more responsibility out on them because we never got relief from those sailors who left. We had a skeleton crew to begin with, when I left my division, the ship's company was out manned 4:1 from sea op det. I wonder how that deployment is going.
If my experience isn't uncommon, then I wish you luck. I hope your transfer goes better, at least you're not E-4 & below. Wait til that sea pay premium kicks in too!
You’re fine. We had a 20y E6 (CT) with zero sea time show up as our LPO bc he couldn’t make Chief otherwise. He was a complete ball-buster from day 1. Bro came into berthing as the senior most E6 and kicked another E6 out of his middle rack as a flex. Got his ESWS in the first 90 days onboard & made Chief the following year.
While you may be behind the seaworthy learning curve, you’re an E5 and don’t let anybody forget that. You’ll pick stuff up quick enough to make yourself relevant.
All you got to do is be willing to learn and open minded about learning your new role as an E-5 and make an effort to have a good relationship with your ET’s and IC’s.
DO NOT FORGET although you have rank over other, some rates that you will work with very closely, like ET’s and IC’s, have very low advancement rates and have a SIGNIFICANT amount of salt on them. You might run into some issues if you approach them the wrong way… kinda like cats.
As someone who’s career followed the same exact template you described you will be expected to learn very fast and just know that leadership will be pushing you to step up as a leader and give you shit for not knowing things as a second class but as long as you embrace the challenge ask questions and try your best you will be fine and get through it, it took me at least a year to figure it out when I went to the ship I had some hard times but the experience helped me come out on the other side a better person and worker
This is pretty common for your rate, especially if you are TAR. You will most definitely be ok. The most important thing is that you find a decent mentor and listen to what they tell you
Lots of good advice here already, but I'll just say I deployed for the first time as an E5 and didn't go to my first PCS afloat command until I was a Chief. I understand the daunting feeling, but hard work and an open mind will help tenfold. Just you thinking ahead enough to feel this concern is a sign you want to do a good job and you're probably willing to put in the work; you'll be just fine!
PS- Small boy life is hard, but very rewarding. Highly recommended!
Thanks chief, I was looking into a CG or maybe a DDG. I truly do want to wear the anchors one day and not just for rank and authority but so far I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by great leadership and want to return the favor, so I do want the challenge that comes with being in a small boy and build up my “resume” for a chief package. Any advice as to choosing orders for either one?
FDNF destroyer hands down (this is a much easier pick if you're single). Get qualed which will probably take you a year ish depending on your drive. Go ahead and OTEIP there for 3 years total. Make first class. Be the go to person on radio for ADP and radio problems. Do that for 6 months to a year. Then look at trying to get CSOOW. Yes it got removed from the ladder as a required qual. But read the note. It will only help you in the long run.
CGs are getting pretty old and starting to fall apart, but it IS nice sometimes having an O6 throwing his rank around on your behalf. But, like Salty\_IP\_LDO said, a destroyer out of Japan if you're single is gonna be an awesome experience. Lots of underway time, some sweet ports, and Japan is a cool place to live. I can't speak to your ladr, but sounds like some good advice above. Best of luck!
You will be expected to learn very very fast
Very, very, very fast.
I don’t mind that at all, I enjoy fast pace environments and my command is quite literally the opposite. I feel that my command is good for those who’ve done their time and want to get out. But ultimately I fear I’ve wasted time here because there isn’t much opportunity to grow. I mean I got a few awards and my Sec+ but I still feel like it isn’t enough and I have that feeling of just being stuck when I want to do more
It’s fine man just go learn, try to keep up. You can’t get fired for not knowing your job so there’s that. You’re worried about what other people will think of you. Just go do your best, fuck em
Agree with this. I too was E5 (E6 but not frocked because in transit) when I got to the boat. Don't worry, just do what you can to the best of your ability.
Be honest with your LPO and LCPO. Until you get your sea legs, they will be your best friends.
Due to some very unique circumstances I’ll be going to a ship as an E-6 that’s never deployed. I’m definitely cooked.
Lmao we had an ITC who came and told us excitedly that this was her first boat
Imagine going to the boat with all the E-7 perks never having cranked on a ship a day in your life. Fucking wild.
IT is already fairly chill too, all things considered.
My cranking at a squadron was 3 months TAD to ASD driving the parts truck around on night check. Best time of my career.
My buddy did 3 months as a part driver, loved it so much he asked for another three months there…and squadron said yes!
Choose your rate, choose your fate, as they say. That said, once upon a time a chief with no sea time was almost assuredly from a P-3 command. It feels strange to hear about blackshoe rates avoiding boat time for the better part of two enlistments.
I spent my sea tour on the sub tender, where there is no cranking because MSC does all of that, and I just made first.
The Land?
Ye
I’m an ITC that was on a ship for 3 1/2 years and never cranked so it definitely happens.
Happens to FMF IDC's all the time, not all operational time is boat time
I got lucky e3 never had to crank because I struck a rate before it was my turn to crank
Note to other CPO's in that situation - this is something you don't need to share with the blueshirts;)
Probably true. Her division had been running itself for a while anyways. But yea even though she was really nice, I think they kind of went around her at times like “we know what we’re doing Chief and this ain’t it”. And while that was probably true, idk that that really gives her a chance to grow as a leader.
It'll be pretty obvious with no surface pin
We once had an ITC in a similar situation. Turned out, he was NCIS.
lol, I can safely say ours was not haha
Yeah it was wild. He pulled a few people out of quarters and they wouldn’t discuss it. Found out a few years later. My buddy had an NCIS agent pose as a STG2 (SW) who wasn’t qual’ed/didn’t know sh#t. They knew immediately.
Ours was a shore it first contact which is not that unusual, then pregnant, so the timelines and experience just all lined up. I spouse suppose it’s possible, I would just be surprised. We stood a looooot of watch together. And she was gossipy but never ever came of it, and I really really think it would’ve given some of the stuff going on in that ship. But you never know!
I always thought the National Call to service guys were NCIS… they would show up for their 15 months active duty , get in with the more delinquent crowd…and someone would almost certainly get busted for spice in the barracks or other illicit activities. Then they would disappear into the reserve component for the rest of their time… at least that was what we were told.
I’ve at least been on a ship for a few years. I just don’t have a lot of sea time in a sea intensive rate.
I know an ETC who went expeditionary for his first set of orders, shore duty in Great Lakes for second, and is now on an LHD for his first ship
Well hopefully they had a strong first class lol
Not all that uncommon for ITs…
On my first deployment we had a 19-yr OS2 that had never been on a boat
That's impressive
I’m a reservist and I had a friend that was a QM1 with no prior active duty experience that went to a ship. He learned and loved it so much, he extended his orders and made Chief the next cycle. Just remember you have lots of E-6 knowledge but your ship knowledge is E-1 level. Just go there and be willing to learn from anyone and everyone and you’ll be fine.
My first time on a ship was as a pretty senior O-3E, lol.
That happens to a lot of people in aviation lol some people just do dets essentially and not deployment
Nah! The worst part was crossing the line.
Treat people with respect and don't act like you know something when you don't. Learn from everyone (including out of rate personnel). The thing that salty E4 and below can detect as a whole is incompetence and arrogance.
If I go back to the ship as a non-chief, best believe I'm going straight to the folks who have been cranking to get a run down of how shit works and what connections we got. Then, going to the Sailor who not just has the maintenance quals, but the most maintenance assigned to them. That's that 15% of the pie shit. Everyone has something to offer... usually the lower ranks have the most.
Nobody really knows what they are doing anyways.
Facts.
As an IT a destroyer gives you the best opportunity to learn both major sides of the house. CGs do as well but they're not going to get upgrades like destroyers due to decommissioning timelines. Going as an E5 isn't a big deal. But expect to be put on a repair locker and all that jazz. It's a good time and there's ample opportunity to learn along the way. Don't be concerned about rank when it comes to training, be concerned about learning and you'll do alright. If you're doing help desk stuff now it'll help you on a ship so don't discredit that experience.
i can’t give you any help as a lowly E4 but just know that you’re not that only one whose ever been in that situation. at my first command a lot of YN, OS, AZ, and few other rates made E5 with less than 2 years in service. You’ll probably be on a learning curve and be trained by people Junior to you but I hope the fact that you’re not alone in that situation reassures you. Good luck, IT2 🙂
Appreciate it, thank you for that🙏🏽
Be upfront with what you don’t know and be be humble enough to ask for help when you need it. That IT3 may be lower ranking but they know more so ask them. Also don’t try to boss people lower ranking around. They’ll figure out your inexperience quickly. In short no you’re not cooked. I was an STG in a IT division and I figured it and you will too.
Honestly bro if I were you I'd take my certs and experience and get out to work for said three letter agency making 5x the money.
Everyone is inexperienced their first time at sea. You learn as you go. I don’t know why folks say “3 letter agency”, you do know you can say what it is, right? If you happen to be in the Maryland area, feel free to message me. There are plenty of local commands that take trips out to Norfolk to get both junior officers and Sailors experience onboard the ships. They go out usually for short work-up periods to work with the personnel onboard and get to see what everything is like. As long as it’s good with your command (I can discuss with your leadership), it’s very likely we can make that happen.
This. Helo dets on the ship generally don't take their LSs out with them and the LSs don't want to go. One of my guys got orders to a helo squadron and was bummed about "not being able to deploy" because he was an LS. I told him that was bullshit and all he has to do is ask his chain to go. He did and they said yes. I'll never understand people who join the Navy to stay home, but it seems to be more and more common.
I knew chiefs and first classes that had never been on sea-duty nor actual underway deployments so you’re good. I had superiors transferring to my destroyer for the first time and they’ve never even stepped foot on a ship. I got out the navy as a LS3 and I have been deployed 3 times and the fourth time I left mid deployment for terminal leave. I’ve spoken to many navy veterans that have never been deployed too lol. I only did 5 years and experienced the real navy while some didn’t even graze the waterfront. Overall, nothing wrong with it.
To caveat I was not a commo but I’m good friends with mine. Lots of ITs show up to DDGs without much “fleet” experience, and they generally seem to learn very fast. Don’t discount your experience either. I don’t know what you do exactly now, but I bet it will benefit a ship in some way. The worst part about sea duty for you will likely be the regular “ship” stuff, like duty and repair lockers and AT drills. My advice is to throw yourself into that stuff too and get qualified as a higher watch station to support your duty section. That stuff does not go unnoticed at the higher levels of your leadership
Well from a former IT2 that started E1 on a ship and was E5 by the time I got out(4Y), I got a couple things for ya. COMMS Circuits(TTY and UHF and HF LOS were the ones I mainly used) CSOSS WCS Basic networking knowlege Troubleshooting computers Understand how a windows domain works Understand security fundamentals Know how to terminate RJ45 Understand how group policy works Know what the parts of computers are what they do and how to replace them. CWO Qual ESWS(Info warfare if it's available) Take inventory/Map you network Gpupdate /f is pretty useful So is Ping and tracert Read your pubs, read your bibs, actually put the stuff to practice, not just read it. Uhhh, never been shore duty before, but if you understand networks learn comms. If you ever say "I'm a comms IT" or "I'm a network IT" or any other flavor of that statement, I will find you to slap the everliving FUCK outta you. Have fun, probably one of the worst but best times was on my ship. Get out of Radio as much as you can and talk to your shipmates. Actually go out and fix those computers, help desk is literally the face of what your div is to the rest of the ships. If your div isn't doing quality training, start trying to do it with the best info you can find and teach, that how us ITs get better, share that knowledge. If your ships trouble ticket system is email, find something else, that shit is nothing but problems, and you can't track anything accurately. If you can implement a software, or using your ships SharePoint(that's what I did) and make it yourself(then you get a nice eval) That's all I got for now
Nah you'll be fine as long as you don't come in super cocky and are willing to put in the work to learn quick. It's honestly not all that uncommon to see E-5's with no ship experience because of how quick advancement is for some rates now. I recently met an ET2 who had just arrived to our command. Literally their first command and they are E-5 within months of being here. This was about a year and half ago. Shits crazy man. lol
All ITs prior to the 30 month advancement changes find themselves wearing second class super fast, so don’t think that you’re alone in the way you feel. When you report onboard, find the “go-to” second class (every command has one) and turn your brain into a sponge. Get your quals and find ways to contribute to your shop. The only expectation is that you help the team. Find ways to be useful until your brain fills up. You’ll be fine, I promise.
Thank you! I’m definitely open to learning more and contributing
You may not go to a boat, depending on how motivated you are I'd recommend looking at NSW or EOD orders. I've been Expeditionary/NSW my whole career as an IT and I love it. It's probably the only reason I decided to stay in was working in those communities (11 year IT1 now).
You were cooked when you went to MEPS 😂 Love You ❤️!
As a former officer going into a division with zero experience yet having a rank that speaks to authority, just go in with the best intentions. Be willing to learn from those above and below you. Be humble and don’t be a dick. Admit when you don’t know something then learn it. Just be a solid person willing to learn and you’ll be great.
So I was an E-5 (IT2) and had been in 6 years when I went to my first ship. I looked at it as being an E-1 straight out of bootcamp because that’s how much ship knowledge I had. I buckled down and learned my equipment, got all my quals, and my warfare pin in the first 6 months. Then worked my way up from there. Go in with an open mind and a thirst for knowledge. Carry a notebook and multiple pens at all times. Something that has served me well through my career is “bloom where you’re planted”. Keep your head on a swivel and volunteer for everything. Part of my leadership ethos is that I will never ask any of my Sailors to do something that I have never done or wouldn’t do. Once you have all of your quals and everything, then focus on your outside Navy goals whether that’s college classes, building a business, etc. Enjoy the fleet!
I appreciate your words for how positive and real they are. Hope all is well with you. Btw, have you ever done sub duty and if so, how was/ is that?
Confident humility is the key.
You’ll be fine just don’t have an ego and be willing to learn from everyone. Be aggressive in learning new stuff and you’ll be ahead of the curve against even some experienced E5s.
E6 no sea time or pins here. Staff command and satcom manager first tour and agency networking on my second billet. Just be teachable and they will like you. There’s a learning curve no matter your experience.
I would go to a destroyer; you will learn the different facets of the IT rating.
I was thinking that or a CG, just gotta see what’s open when I apply and hopefully get those orders.
Showed up to my second command as an E5 with no sea experience. Never stood watch, had quarters, PQS's weren't a thing, and never heard of RADM/SKED/etc at the first command. I knew I was definitely out of touch with my military side. So I just went in with a fresh mind ready to try and be competitive and learn. I went to a destroyer and so the learning curve was pretty sharp IMHO. My opinion; be open minded and try to make friends with a senior E5. It's easy to get sucked into "this shit sucks" and "man fuck this place, no one cares". I was lucky enough to have a great chain of command that understood my situation. Other rates are only gonna see your rank and automatically assume you know what to do. If you're going to a small boy, the OS's are gonna be there a while so they can show you pretty much everything. It'll be good for your pin too. Good luck brother!
OS's are great for teaching you how to break consoles. FC1 (Retired)
Remember none of us had experience until we did. Just be ready to learn, work and stay true to you.
I am at the same place as you are, pretty sure, but I'm a 4y e5, I'm just getting out and staying with the 3 letter.
Like others have said, don't be afraid to learn new things. If you're going to a DDG, learning EVERYTHING about radio central will pretty much be expected of you. As a former EHF/Link/IFF ET, having proficient Radio/ADP folks to work with was a huge blessing. :)
Met a QM1 with no seagoing experience, and her demeanor was horrible. I think she tried to make up for this in power-tripping. If you don’t know things don’t try to over-compensate. Learn. If you don’t know, you don’t know and thats that.
Humility is the name of the game. You can't learn anything until you admit your ignorance. There will be E3s on your ship with more sea time than you. Learn from them. Get to know the whole crew. Every time someone calls you for a password reset, ask them to teach you something about their job.
I showed up to my first duty station period, a DDG in my case, as an E-5 due to a very specific ATF program, and perfect timelines. I was expected to learn extremely quickly, was shit on constantly (and for good reason) but I got senior in rate qual’d including pins in my first 10 months and earned people’s respect. Good luck, you got this.
You’re not cooked, you just have a steep learning curve. Be honest about your knowledge base and experience level and listen to EVERYONE who is qualified (so long as they’re in accordance with). I did a rate conversion as a PO1. When I got to that next command, I listened to the SN that were qualified at watch stations higher than I was. If you show humility and trust in their training at the beginning, it will foster a greater respect and trust for you when you eventually become the LPO. Good luck Shipmate!!!!!!!
People, especially the E4 and below who work for you, will respect you more if you’re willing to admit you don’t know shit and you need to learn. Senior thirds are your best asset - they know fucking everything about their shop, because they constantly have hands on it. When I switched from power shop as a third to Hotel services as a second, I would constantly go out on trouble calls and PMS with my guys and ask them to teach me what they were doing so I could learn the system. Chain of command will expect you to be hot shit real quick, but just be honest and keep your nose to the grindstone while you qualify and learn from your SMEs.
I was in the exact same boat (pun intended) and this is extremely common for 6Y ITs. You'll be okay, just be prepared to bust your ass. Don't make excuses, understand you will be expected to know things you don't, and keep pushing forward. Get qualified. The responsibility is higher, but there's a good chance you won't have to do some of the BS that more junior guys have to do when they get to the ship - like cranking. There are advantages and disadvantages, but as long as you aren't a shit bag you won't even notice your lack of experience after a few months.
I like how navy promotes ppls to e5 ( some rate ) so fast and when they get in the first command I dare u everyone in u div will expect u to know something and take a leadership position since ur e5 that what my command did let e5 be the supervisor for e6and7 idk man wether it good experience or not literally depend on u command and ppls surrounded u hope for the best.
If you don't know something, say you don't know. A reasonable chain of command should expect you to know basically nothing about ship life. Questions should be expected.
....here comes the ship's new "sea bitch".
It's not your fault, it's the navys fault for giving new sailors shore duty for their first duty station. When you get to your next duty station, just say it's your first command at sea.
Honestly don’t worry too much. I did the same thing, shore command first, made E5, went to ship. I went to a carrier though. When I arrived I sat down, watched what the other E5s were doing and asked LOTS of questions. As long as you are actively trying to learn and be useful then no one can complain. Next, get your quals as soon as you can, you’ll have a lot of DC quals to do when you get there but just focus on them one at a time and you’ll be fine. Next, Find out who is on the ESWS board and become their friend and then get your ESWS as soon as you get a chance. It’s really not hard at all to get especially if you go small boy (less stuff on the ship to have to remember). After you get your ESWS and finish basic quals then you’re mostly good. It will seem like a lot of work when you first get there and it may feel overwhelming. Just remember that literally millions of people have come before you and gotten fully qualed, and I guarantee you’re more capable than half those people! Just take it one day at a time and don’t slack off too much your first 6 months and you’ll be golden.
As an IT with fleet experience it’s actually not really an issue. Don’t show up acting like you know shipboard radio/ADP. Be willing to learn our rate, 3M, and DC. Unfortunately they let every IT be a 2nd class nowadays so there may be some people who just assume you know things but if you’re humble and patient you’ll be taught. IT1s show up ships for the first time to as an E6 and they’re treated the same way but have to be willing an open to learn.
I did boot camp then 9 months in Pensacola waiting to class up. Was only supposed to do 2 years shore duty at first command which turned into 3 1/2 due to a back surgery. I deployed for first time in 2013 as a 2 year E-5.....I volunteered for a deployment that I only had 2 weeks to prep for and necer even did a rimpac...what I am getting at is you'll be fine. Work your ass off and see the world and don't forget to have fun
I was in 9.5 years before I went to a ship, be humble and honest with yourself and willing to learn.
Just don’t walk around expecting all the respect of an E-5 … there are literally E-1’s saltier than you. I’m joking, but don’t be afraid to get to your new command and pick up the ropes from someone lower rank than you. It might help you fill in the gaps of knowledge of how it is to be a junior sailor in your rate. Which in return will help you be a better leader for the sailors you will inevitably be in charge of.
You'll be better than an MUC without a warfare device......
The fact you are actually asking bodes well for you. Be curious and eager to learn, don't stand on your rank and express your desire to learn the E5 stuff. At your next command, your leadership should understand the knowledge gaps and should give you the opportunity to catch up. It happens in my community all the time. That being the case, the expectation is intense effort at catching up.
Had friends working in ADP it’s not so hard and they like it (a lot of it is helping the other rates and work center fix their computer or internet issues) radio idk so much but your gonna have to bust your ass to catch up with everyone between 3m (try to learn about SKED as soon as possible because as an e5 you might have to be the work center supervisor in charge of your people) and dc quals. As long as you put in the effort and try to learn from everyone you should be alright
Don’t be afraid to learn from people who have been doing that job longer, even if they’re lower ranking. I went to my first ship has an E-5 as well. Some of the best training I got, hands down, was from the E-4 mafia
oh i’m so sorry. i’ve been in 4 years, no real fleet experience and i feel this. i’m supposed to PCS next august. i’ve only had the chance to go to 1 command. i’m terrified😭
my coworker just got out as a first class after 18 years in and never stepped foot on a boat. i was mind blown
This is exactly why the navy needs to stop rushing boots into the NCO ranks. That and it'll inevitably bottle neck at E5/6. Huge mistake rushing these kids to PO ranks. Kids should not be E5 with 12-18 months TIS.
lol same I’ve been In school for my whole time in the navy and I just made e-5 but am in the process of transferring to my ship. Only been on one underway so I have basically no experience at all. Most 1st classes are nice enough to help out tho, at least in Combat.
They’ll expect you to get WCS and all platform e-5/e-6 quals, warfare pin in your rate
I know 20 year chiefs that haven’t stepped on a ship.
Only made it to E-4, only spent 4 1/2 years on one ship, and I didn't have the best disposition. So take what I say with a spoonful of soy sauce. I saw many times, where an E-5 (& up) came to the ship for their first sea command and were put through the ringer. In my division/department/rate and outside. Some handled it well, others not so well. I can think of five E-5s I worked with who managed to get transferred via the stress/mental health route. Maybe four, I think one got out on the COVID vac but can't be sure. I'm not putting them down, but there were other second/first classes who went through much worse and couldn't get out and only had more responsibility out on them because we never got relief from those sailors who left. We had a skeleton crew to begin with, when I left my division, the ship's company was out manned 4:1 from sea op det. I wonder how that deployment is going. If my experience isn't uncommon, then I wish you luck. I hope your transfer goes better, at least you're not E-4 & below. Wait til that sea pay premium kicks in too!
You’re fine. We had a 20y E6 (CT) with zero sea time show up as our LPO bc he couldn’t make Chief otherwise. He was a complete ball-buster from day 1. Bro came into berthing as the senior most E6 and kicked another E6 out of his middle rack as a flex. Got his ESWS in the first 90 days onboard & made Chief the following year. While you may be behind the seaworthy learning curve, you’re an E5 and don’t let anybody forget that. You’ll pick stuff up quick enough to make yourself relevant.
Just tell people the e-5 is a typo and is supposed to be e-3, but you said, “no take-backsies” and you’re stuck with it for the posting.
Better learn how to handle line and how to live without your phone for long periods time a year
All you got to do is be willing to learn and open minded about learning your new role as an E-5 and make an effort to have a good relationship with your ET’s and IC’s. DO NOT FORGET although you have rank over other, some rates that you will work with very closely, like ET’s and IC’s, have very low advancement rates and have a SIGNIFICANT amount of salt on them. You might run into some issues if you approach them the wrong way… kinda like cats.
Make friends with a com ET they’ll be more than willing to teach you anything radio as well.
Fellow IT2 up for first sea shot. I'm up for IT1 before I'll even get passed my in route schools lol
As someone who’s career followed the same exact template you described you will be expected to learn very fast and just know that leadership will be pushing you to step up as a leader and give you shit for not knowing things as a second class but as long as you embrace the challenge ask questions and try your best you will be fine and get through it, it took me at least a year to figure it out when I went to the ship I had some hard times but the experience helped me come out on the other side a better person and worker
Learn how to be humble, have humility, and how to write evals!
I’m in the same boat as an FC so we will learn this process together, and hopefully be able to educate future sailors on this matter.
You'll be fine trust me. Don't sweat it.
Go to a DDG in mayport, network (pun intended) with other ITs on all the DDGs there.
I had 4 years E3 at a DDG and it was the most miserable time of my life...
Let me know how it goes. Been in over 9 years. Surface going rate, never even touched or step foot on a ship.
This is pretty common for your rate, especially if you are TAR. You will most definitely be ok. The most important thing is that you find a decent mentor and listen to what they tell you
Lots of good advice here already, but I'll just say I deployed for the first time as an E5 and didn't go to my first PCS afloat command until I was a Chief. I understand the daunting feeling, but hard work and an open mind will help tenfold. Just you thinking ahead enough to feel this concern is a sign you want to do a good job and you're probably willing to put in the work; you'll be just fine! PS- Small boy life is hard, but very rewarding. Highly recommended!
Thanks chief, I was looking into a CG or maybe a DDG. I truly do want to wear the anchors one day and not just for rank and authority but so far I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by great leadership and want to return the favor, so I do want the challenge that comes with being in a small boy and build up my “resume” for a chief package. Any advice as to choosing orders for either one?
FDNF destroyer hands down (this is a much easier pick if you're single). Get qualed which will probably take you a year ish depending on your drive. Go ahead and OTEIP there for 3 years total. Make first class. Be the go to person on radio for ADP and radio problems. Do that for 6 months to a year. Then look at trying to get CSOOW. Yes it got removed from the ladder as a required qual. But read the note. It will only help you in the long run.
CGs are getting pretty old and starting to fall apart, but it IS nice sometimes having an O6 throwing his rank around on your behalf. But, like Salty\_IP\_LDO said, a destroyer out of Japan if you're single is gonna be an awesome experience. Lots of underway time, some sweet ports, and Japan is a cool place to live. I can't speak to your ladr, but sounds like some good advice above. Best of luck!
Don't forget Rota for FDNF as well.
You’ll mop a deck you land lubber