Personal Firearm in the Navy

[Jim K]

It didn't seem appropriate, so I didn't mention either post housing or living off post. Thanks to those who added that information.

As to the other stuff, a lot does depend on the unit commander. I knew one LCOL who hated guns and refused to allow any private weapons in his unit. Others lean the other way.

As for the "When I was with General Washington at Valley Forge, I used to have a Glock 17..." guys, a large grain of salt is recommended.

Jim

 

[MMCSRET]

Even back when Moby Dick was a sardine, most sailors didn't have much contact with small arms. Most of the ships I served in did have familiarization firing off the fantail about every 3 months or so. With the 1911's it was 2 magazines with 5 rounds in each, that way we learned how to drop a mag and reload. Even the stewburners and peckercheckers had to do it.

 

[bigfatdave]

Bigfatdave, you mentioned about firearms qualifications, so I guess I will have to look in to that when the time comes.

I got in on a number of firearms qualification/familiarization chances by simply knowing the TM's onboard [Torpedo Men, the closest thing a submarine has to an armorer] and being nearby when they called roll for the trip to the range. There was always someone who couldn't make it for some reason, and since there were 10 slots on the list, volunteers were taken at times. I learned that once by coincidence, and made a habit of being well ahead on work for shoot days from then on.

I don't know how that would work for an interpreter, I can tell you that I wouldn't volunteer for extra duties [like getting onto the watchbill just because you are qualified on the weapon] just to get in on a basic shoot. The Navy will keep you busy enough, further volunteering should be based on actual interest, not just a gung-ho attitude.

What I can tell you is that many recruiters will tell you whatever you want to hear to get you to MEPS and into the pipeline. So I commend you for asking here where there isn't that conflict of interest.

 

[Jedi Hibbler]

Yep, it's off to Monterey for DLI for me. Not married yet, so I won't have the lovely convenience of housing to work with. Oh well. I don't have any handguns or rifles yet, but have been looking at buying. Will hold off until after DLI to buy with this information. No use in owning it if you can't use it, right?

 

[mljdeckard]

Honestly, it is very difficult to find the time place, money, company, or permission to just go shoot something out there. Even for rifle qual we would do an overnighter down to Camp Roberts, 2 hours south, by Paso Robles.

Do you know what language yet? PM me if you have questions.

 

[Jedi Hibbler]

Joy. Oh well. Thus is the price, I guess.

Not sure which language yet. I scored high enough on the DLAB that I will be limited to Cat III and IV languages. Wouldn't mind Arabic or Chinese, would love Russian, but I know that my chances of getting Russian lie somewhere between nil and zilch because of it not being a needed language. I'll be happy to learn whatever the Navy tells me to learn, though. I enjoy languages and linguistics. I know that it won't be a college class where I am forced to read the classics in the language I learn, and that is part of the reason I joined. I wanted to learn Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or some other language in college, and the Navy is going to teach me to speak something other than English.

 

[XNavyflyer]

Jedi Hibbler...Prepare to fall in love with the California central coast. I was a Navy brat and Dad's last station was the Post Graduate School in Monterey. I was in the Navy myself and have seen much of the world during and post Navy and the Central Coast is one of my favorite places on Earth. I'd live there now if I could afford it (although I'd probably have to give up a serious part of my weapon stash!). I, too, would recommend leaving your guns at home until you get through the DLI. Most of those courses are supposed to be pretty intense and there isn't much free time. Fair winds and following seas!

 

[mljdeckard]

There are some BIG plusses to the whole idea. A dli basic language course, plus 5 general ed credits, is an AA in foreign language. By the time you are done, they will probably have a BA available, basically, your AA from DLI, plus a handful of electives, plus some overseas time gets you a fully accredited BA in international studies. I don't know anywhere else in the army you can get that.

The emphasis is definitely in Arabic right now. And it's tough. Especially for older guys like me. They are having trouble switching from the fourth to the fifth generation of test, and making the program prepare you for it. And the faculty don't play around. If you fall behind, they will drop you and not feel bad about it. DLI has the best recreational office in the armed forces. Just listen to the staff about when it's time to work or time to play, they know what they're talking about.

 

[SSN Vet]

GMGSN

Lord Help You...

did you ever recover

 

[hotlead]

I got out of the Navy a year ago. If you had a weapon, it was a good idea to check it in to the base armory, or, hope you didnt get caught. No PW for carry or use on duty. You will be issued a m9, m4, m16a2, mossberg 12 gauge with 00 buck or be stuck behind a 240, m60,
.50 cal or mk 19 grenade slinger.
Good luck in the NAVY. Have fun and be safe!