I was in the Navy five years, I was an engineman and worked on large propulsion diesel engines. I did well with the order, I liked having a framework to follow, and now, as then, anything mechanical was my interest. Being in a technical field and being contentious and knowledgeable I did well onboard ship. Not to say I didn't have problems, I wasn't a good leader, something that became an issue when I got promoted to E-5, and put in charge. No one liked me or feared me, but I learned that when I needed work done, I would write up a very detailed list of tasks and just tell my guys the list was up. They could pick their own tasks, and just initial it when done. They liked not being told what to do, and I liked not having to tell them. Discipline means something extremely different in the Navy (and in an engine room.) My guys mouthed off all the time to me and I would just turn around and walk off, knowing they would go do their jobs anyway. Due to my skill and knowledge I could get away with not being very diplomatic with the officers I worked for. When dealing with technical issues they sought my input, even when I would tell them their idea was wrong or just stupid and then exactly why. They may have gotten angry, but I never got in any trouble, and even often got recognized for my unique solutions. I was known for always having a very cool head in emergencies, taking charge and telling people what needed to be done, and working methodically amidst chaos.
I served in the First Gulf War, and would have stayed in, but for three things. I had figured out I was gay, and couldn't serve for a country that didn't want me. This was 1992 and several Navy guys had come out on National TV, before DADT. I had already been interviewed by NIS about another guy on my ship they were running a "witch hunt" on. They never asked me about myself, although it was implied. I had a long discussion with my executive officer,(rumored gay) about keeping your "lifestyle" and career separate. Number two, I was already a year over my sea duty rotation and I didn't want to do shore duty. I wanted to stay at sea, even on another ship. Third, I did not want to be a leader, I had already passed the E-6 exam and would be promoted if I re-enlisted. Over all I got a lot out of the military, especially a sense or order, but also a lot of training and experience, I still work in a similar field as a civilian.
31 Oct 2010, 11:26 pm
