Crossroads
Career
I have a career. I have a family.
I was in a job going nowhere. All my friends were leaving town — either going on to college or getting married. I decided it was time for a change. My stepbrother had joined the Navy and I got a chance to hear the good things that came his way as a result. I visited a recruiter and enlisted.
Of course when I first joined the Navy I was very nervous. I was scared and really missed home and my family, especially during Recruit Training (Boot Camp). Those feelings went away, though, when I realized I was in good hands.
My recruiter was able to offer me a package like the one my stepbrother received. Here I am now, ten years later, working as a Quality Assurance Representative on helicopter structures (almost everything on a helicopter except the engines) and overseeing the work of mechanics. The beauty of the Navy is that you can change careers; I intend to get into helicopter engine repair after I go through my cross-training (training for a new career).
Since I have been in the Navy, I’ve never worried about having a place to sleep, food to eat or clothes on my back. I have been surrounded by people who care about me; that’s what the Navy is all about — you watch out for me and I’ll watch out for you. It’s like we’re family.
– Brian Rowe
Petty Officer First Class, Aviation Structural Mechanic
