4 yr VS 6 yr (ATF)

[kaicyr]

Originally Posted by Craig

Kristen is an ET. However, she works side-by-side with IT's.
What she was actually talking about is the 6 years compared to the 4 years. To me, I agree with Kristen. It's always better to do the 4 year because you will only be a couple month behind the 6 year sailor as far as rate (rank).

I can't find the post now, but we had an IT here at NavyDEP and we talked about not taking the advancement in "A" school so you can be a 4 year sailor. Let me try to find it because he's traveled that path, and he know's the scoop. You can't pass hearing it from something that has already traveled that path.

Ok. I look forward to reading his story. Also, how soon can you test for E-5? More importantly, how long will I have to realistically wait until I will be an E-5? I hear this is the first rank in which you are no longer a bottom dweller, or treated as such. I like the idea of getting to that ASAP.

[kforbs126]

Originally Posted by kaicyr

Ok. I look forward to reading his story. Also, how soon can you test for E-5? More importantly, how long will I have to realistically wait until I will be an E-5? I hear this is the first rank in which you are no longer a bottom dweller, or treated as such. I like the idea of getting to that ASAP.

You might not be treated as much of a bottom dweller but you will still do a lot of the same work 3rd classes do. Sorry to say but up until you make Chief you'll probably be treated as a bottom dweller.

If you are a push button e4 you can test for e5 in C school or when you arrive at your 1st command. Advancing has a lot of components. Eval, test score, time in rate, awards, college. Eval and test scores are the biggest thing. Don't expect to have a great eval for a few years because you need to make a name for yourself.

[SDtech]

I would be curious too what the real differences are between IT 4yrs vs 6yrs. They tried to get me to sign up for the 6 yr track but the guy didnt really sell me too well, so I took the 4 yr. He told me you get 9 more weeks of school and he thought you might be able to advance quicker. I dont know, didnt seem worth 2 extra years to me. Could be wrong though!