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In reply to the discussion: One of my former students just committed suicide. [View all]MADem
(135,425 posts)47. This is true, and "hot racking" is pretty much a thing of the past with SMART SHIPS technology.
(Hot racking, for anyone not aware of the term, is when two or more sailors have to "share" a bed--take turns--because there's not enough "racks" --i.e. beds--on the vessel.)
Accommodations are a bit less crowded than they were even a few years back, but the quarters are still tight. Privacy curtains in the enlisted quarters certainly help and the new rack designs make the most of space. Officers are luckier, they often share a cramped stateroom in their early years, but there is more privacy.
The food was always decent, too--even as some griped about the "bug juice!"
When the USN sucks is when your ship gets hit at sea, and you're swimming with the sharks waiting for someone to come along and scoop you up, assuming you survive to that point. Fortunately, that's not a common occurrence in this century, but that's the risk/benefit equation. Also, if you get seasick, it might not be the best job! I wouldn't have enjoyed another service so much as I did the USN, but I will admit to prejudice on that score.
Accommodations are a bit less crowded than they were even a few years back, but the quarters are still tight. Privacy curtains in the enlisted quarters certainly help and the new rack designs make the most of space. Officers are luckier, they often share a cramped stateroom in their early years, but there is more privacy.
The food was always decent, too--even as some griped about the "bug juice!"
When the USN sucks is when your ship gets hit at sea, and you're swimming with the sharks waiting for someone to come along and scoop you up, assuming you survive to that point. Fortunately, that's not a common occurrence in this century, but that's the risk/benefit equation. Also, if you get seasick, it might not be the best job! I wouldn't have enjoyed another service so much as I did the USN, but I will admit to prejudice on that score.
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So sorry for everyone's loss, yours, his family, us here at du and me here at home
madokie
Feb 2014
#7
I am so sorry for your loss. Peace to you, and to your student's family and friends.
magical thyme
Feb 2014
#10
All that and it includes none of what the solder is going through his or herself.
DamnYankeeInHouston
Feb 2014
#15
You don't know what caused him to kill himself; assuming doesn't help his family or honor him.
MADem
Feb 2014
#28
Doesn't really matter in the big scheme of things--he's gone, and people left behind are asking
MADem
Feb 2014
#57
I understand that the Navy can be a cake walk compared to the Army.
DamnYankeeInHouston
Feb 2014
#40
This is true, and "hot racking" is pretty much a thing of the past with SMART SHIPS technology.
MADem
Feb 2014
#47
Sad. Serving in the US military is little more than working for Big Oil and the MIC anymore.
blkmusclmachine
Feb 2014
#36