I leave for boot camp to be SECF in a week, I’ve been desperately searching for a video just like this one to know what to expect in Groton. Thank you!
Thank you for this information, I’m on the fence about doing SECF and HM simply because of how I can rank up. After I complete my 5YO, I plan to do OCS and look into other paths and careers from there. I leave Sep. 12 and if I switch to this job my ship date will change, my question is will it be worth it to switch to a sub job. I’m looking for something that I will be able to do schooling and working out and bare minimum extra stuff to prepare me for OCS
Secf is a much better rate and they have a fat sign up bonus now. My friend was subs and now he’s flying fighter jets. Others have left and done a masters degree, one finished law school. You’ll make rank faster than HM. If your ship date changes that’s nothing compared to the long run. Take your time and get your information. I’ll be happy to answer any questions you have
My Alex, how things have changed since I was in. Was interesting listening to how things are now. I was an Interior Communications Electrician. Went to BEE School, then to A School, then to Sub School. They had the Escape Tower when I was there. I served on Sturgeon Class boats and made a 20 year career out of it. Two tours of Instructor Duty teaching IC A School at NTC San Diego. All of my boats were homeported out of San Diego. Did a lot of WestPacs. You sound well adjusted and I hope that you are doing well and enjoying your tour on the boats. Take care sailor.
I did too, I just cleared meps and got sworn in last evening. I’m going for SEALs and SECF has a lot of opportunities to help me towards getting that goal, look into a volunteer program to become a diver on the submarine if you would also like a diving license and diver training
My original contract was secf and now I’m an A ganger I encourage none of you to give up if the same happens to you it all sucks but you won’t regret anything
Good luck!! My buddy just got to his boat in Norfolk not too long ago. Always remember, not just every average sailor can be a submariner. Your hard work will pay off in the end!!
Just signed for this, although I’m retrying for nuke in a few weeks. What can I expect as far as post military career? I find much less info on this versus nuke
as long as you get your dolphins you will not have trouble finding a job. first worry about getting an honorable discharge. this is a very difficult program to complete successfully which is why its so prestigious
Yes you always get weekends off from school. You still have to stand your security detail if your day happens to fall on a weekend day but its easy. You get all major federal holidays off. You get christmas stand down which is about 2 weights either "first half or second half"
you get to enjoy time off when the work day is done. I was able to hit up Waikiki often, and going to the skatepark 4 days a week was very possible. You also have leave you can take and travel home. Others did travel to other places besides home. Deployment has happened twice in my career so its not really all that time consuming
@@verycutetaco fast attack. There are only fast attacks (SSN) in Pearl Harbor. I wanted to see the world so I avoided choosing a port that only had SSBN
@@romoalex hey, im out of high school now, and getting closer to my ship date, just a random question, in what order are the 4 jobs in SECF in terms of making the most money, also is it true you get to E4 just by passing A-school?
@@peterclements3219 making money depends on so many variables. I know a MM who’s a lawyer now so it’s not really a fair question to ask. I don’t hear of any automatically advanced E4
I got and 81 on my ASVAB and was offered SCEF. I took the contract but have no idea how often I’ll see my fiancé. Do you know how often I’ll be able to?
after you get married you will see your fiance/spouse every day after boot camp. with the only exception being: underway time, deployment time (people fly their fiance/spouse out to meet them in port overseas) and duty days. You'll be fine
anytime, stay focused. Once your dolphins are pinned to your chest you will never have to worry about anything else for the rest of your life. Also, you'll probably hear a sea story or two about me lol
its all good. You are in good hands either way. My ship-out date was unknown when I signed up but my recruiter made sure I was picked up that morning and taken to MEPS so I just hung out until then
Learn your job and get good evals. You'll make rank fast. Common to leave your boat as E5. And some even left as E6 to make E7 during their 2nd contract. But you have to really work for it
@@artminesplayz7147 I left my boat as E5 and I really dragged my feet. But I also knew my job well and worked hard without giving the command too much trouble lol. I'm trying to grow my youtube channel so I try to always reply 😎
@@ernestogastelum681 its been a while since ive been but I am pretty sure they have that. They do favor low impact exercises. I can ask my buddy since he's there now
yes. your first duty station out of A-school is a submarine. Its a difficult job but honestly its worth doing it to the finish line. Your other duty stations or civilian jobs after it are easy as fuck and you can get away with a lot because of your rate and dolphins pinned to your chest
@@emwungarand no they were normally pinned. I had a old poopy suit with some old fish sewn on already so I changed into those afterwards. Took them off a old uniform that got trashed while I was doing TDU
@@romoalex got lucky. I guess the anti-hazing shit really is taken seriously. Pinning used to leave a bruise for a month or two. Definitely one tradition that is better off gone.
@@emwungarand I did see some shit that is now frowned upon that probably wouldn’t fly these days. I got a few buddies still on subs right now. Especially with female integration it’s a different world. Not better or worse just different
I scored an 81, but I think you can get a 60 and get in but I am not sure. I took it once fresh out of high school and got around 60 something, then after a few years of college. I didnt study for it. I could have gone nuke but I said hell to the no
@@romoalex I got an 88 and signed SCEF, but actually wanted to be a nuke after already signing. How would you compare the quality of life between the Nukes and Scef guys? I don't know if you are still in the Navy but how is the post Navy career for Scef?
@@ericcartman6165 You did a great thing by NOT going nuke, and heres why: on the boat you have to do reactor startup before the rest of the crew shows up. so that means you will be there at around midnight when the boat underway is scheduled almost 10 hours later, when the boat pulls into port you have to stay long after the crew leaves for reactor shutdown. You have constant training, drills, exams, and shift-work. I have seen nukes get put on shift work for the weekend starting friday with no notice. Training requires 18 hour days because of mandatory study, the drop rate is really high so the drive to get new nukes is high based on asvab scores alone, there is a stigma in bootcamp with people who get picked for nukes to being socially inept. in nuke school people get dropped for the smallest thing, and going to mast is very common for a nuke student. Suicides in nuke school is something I have been told about more than once. The money doesnt even matter at that point because its spread throughout your contract, and your bonus is taxed heavily
@@ericcartman6165 quality of life was way better for a non-nuke and they will agree. post navy career field is very easy to get into. I used my maintenance skill to get a job easily at a company start up, and companies like northrop grumman and lockheed martin always have openings, even better if you get a job within 2 years after you get out because your security clearance will still be active
@@romoalex awesome awesome thanks for the reply and help. One more question, is getting your dolphins optional or is every submariner required to have that pin.
I leave for boot camp to be SECF in a week, I’ve been desperately searching for a video just like this one to know what to expect in Groton. Thank you!
I'm glad I could help. You're going to enjoy it
Braeden Dedinas so am I see you there, 👌🏽🌊
timothy pangilinan hell yea man, what rate are you hoping for?
Braeden Dedinas I’m not 100% sure yet but anything I can bring back to civilian life and use it
Braeden Dedinas I’m secf tho
I just got my orders and leave for bootcamp May 4th. Thank you for giving me a heads up. Im nervous but incredibly excited
I’m happy to hear that my video was helpful to you. Watch the other parts. Currently writing a part 3
Thanks for the information! I ship out December 1st this year
Congrats! Check out the other parts to this, let me know if you have any questions
Thank you for this information, I’m on the fence about doing SECF and HM simply because of how I can rank up. After I complete my 5YO, I plan to do OCS and look into other paths and careers from there. I leave Sep. 12 and if I switch to this job my ship date will change, my question is will it be worth it to switch to a sub job. I’m looking for something that I will be able to do schooling and working out and bare minimum extra stuff to prepare me for OCS
Secf is a much better rate and they have a fat sign up bonus now. My friend was subs and now he’s flying fighter jets. Others have left and done a masters degree, one finished law school. You’ll make rank faster than HM. If your ship date changes that’s nothing compared to the long run. Take your time and get your information. I’ll be happy to answer any questions you have
My Alex, how things have changed since I was in. Was interesting listening to how things are now. I was an Interior Communications Electrician. Went to BEE School, then to A School, then to Sub School. They had the Escape Tower when I was there. I served on Sturgeon Class boats and made a 20 year career out of it. Two tours of Instructor Duty teaching IC A School at NTC San Diego. All of my boats were homeported out of San Diego. Did a lot of WestPacs. You sound well adjusted and I hope that you are doing well and enjoying your tour on the boats. Take care sailor.
Thank you shipmate. I now work for a utility company here in Los Angeles and my learned work ethic on the boat serves me well in my day to day life
@@romoalex Agree shipmate. Self discipline is one of the most valuable tools we learn.
Signed for secf yesterday. Thank you for the info man
Best of luck!
Just signed for it yesterday as well
I did too, I just cleared meps and got sworn in last evening. I’m going for SEALs and SECF has a lot of opportunities to help me towards getting that goal, look into a volunteer program to become a diver on the submarine if you would also like a diving license and diver training
My original contract was secf and now I’m an A ganger I encourage none of you to give up if the same happens to you it all sucks but you won’t regret anything
Leaving for basic Sept. 10th, chose SECF and got it. Thanks for this!
Good luck!!
Thank you so. Much for this video, shipping out april 8th Contracted for Secf wish me luck guys
Good luck!! My buddy just got to his boat in Norfolk not too long ago. Always remember, not just every average sailor can be a submariner. Your hard work will pay off in the end!!
Much appreciated, very informative
Just signed for this, although I’m retrying for nuke in a few weeks. What can I expect as far as post military career? I find much less info on this versus nuke
as long as you get your dolphins you will not have trouble finding a job. first worry about getting an honorable discharge. this is a very difficult program to complete successfully which is why its so prestigious
When you're in A school for SECF, do you have weekends off like normal school? And do you get breaks like normal school?
Yes you always get weekends off from school. You still have to stand your security detail if your day happens to fall on a weekend day but its easy. You get all major federal holidays off. You get christmas stand down which is about 2 weights either "first half or second half"
how is life after finish schooling? do you get to travel a lot or just switch back and forth between base and going on deployments?
you get to enjoy time off when the work day is done. I was able to hit up Waikiki often, and going to the skatepark 4 days a week was very possible. You also have leave you can take and travel home. Others did travel to other places besides home. Deployment has happened twice in my career so its not really all that time consuming
@@romoalex I see, i guess it depends on what type of submarine you get. Which one did you get?
@@verycutetaco fast attack. There are only fast attacks (SSN) in Pearl Harbor. I wanted to see the world so I avoided choosing a port that only had SSBN
@@romoalex There are two types of submarines. Fast attacks, and sorority houses. :)
I got a 57 and was offered the SECF I am going to basic training November 17
Got to Groton 3 days ago interesting place to say the least. Graduated Basic jan 20 2023
Enjoy your time there. I hope the navy has given you warmer clothing than I had
@@romoalexupdate as of today finished Sonar Tech a School and simply have techno before going to the USS Santa Fe in san diego
I signed secf when I graduate high school in June I’m shipping out July 12
Congrats!! Check out my part 2 video
@@romoalex hey, im out of high school now, and getting closer to my ship date, just a random question, in what order are the 4 jobs in SECF in terms of making the most money, also is it true you get to E4 just by passing A-school?
@@peterclements3219 making money depends on so many variables. I know a MM who’s a lawyer now so it’s not really a fair question to ask. I don’t hear of any automatically advanced E4
Hey I’m just wondering how much do they test you?
-Thanks
In A school I had 3 exams.
I got and 81 on my ASVAB and was offered SCEF. I took the contract but have no idea how often I’ll see my fiancé. Do you know how often I’ll be able to?
after you get married you will see your fiance/spouse every day after boot camp. with the only exception being: underway time, deployment time (people fly their fiance/spouse out to meet them in port overseas) and duty days. You'll be fine
@@romoalex thank you sir, and thank you for your service
anytime, stay focused. Once your dolphins are pinned to your chest you will never have to worry about anything else for the rest of your life. Also, you'll probably hear a sea story or two about me lol
Switched from MMS to SECF still don’t know when I ship🥺 Was supposed to be May 3rd but my original date was June 1st
its all good. You are in good hands either way. My ship-out date was unknown when I signed up but my recruiter made sure I was picked up that morning and taken to MEPS so I just hung out until then
@@romoalex My recruiter just called me I’m goin May 6th ! My parents goin ballistic 😂😭
@@tomd7615 submarines are the safest platform in the US military. That’s what I told my mom and she chilled out lol
@@tomd7615 part 2 for this video just dropped today. Let me know what you think
just signed my contract for secf!!! was wondering how the advancement rates are!?
Learn your job and get good evals. You'll make rank fast. Common to leave your boat as E5. And some even left as E6 to make E7 during their 2nd contract. But you have to really work for it
@@romoalex thanks alot !!!! means much you replied!!!
@@artminesplayz7147 I left my boat as E5 and I really dragged my feet. But I also knew my job well and worked hard without giving the command too much trouble lol. I'm trying to grow my youtube channel so I try to always reply 😎
Lol remember when you tried to fit 2 bikes in one bike bag along with photo equipment ? 😂 Good times
Damn that was crazy. My bag was over 150lbs too
@@romoalex damnnnn you were pushing those flight limits 😂
They got a gym on base? I just enlisted and chose this rate
Yes base gym, swimming pool, golf course, bar, pool tables, running path, navy exchange, commissary, lake
Alex Romo HELL YEAH!
Alex Romo rowing machine ?
@@ernestogastelum681 its been a while since ive been but I am pretty sure they have that. They do favor low impact exercises. I can ask my buddy since he's there now
I'm planning to switch to this rate, from MM to this,
If you've spent time in the fleet you already know what rates get the most rack time ;)
@@romoalex which one does lol. I'm going in as secf
Do you still have to go on deployment on a ship even though you're SECF?
yes. your first duty station out of A-school is a submarine. Its a difficult job but honestly its worth doing it to the finish line. Your other duty stations or civilian jobs after it are easy as fuck and you can get away with a lot because of your rate and dolphins pinned to your chest
@@romoalex Did they 'pin' yours old school?
@@emwungarand no they were normally pinned. I had a old poopy suit with some old fish sewn on already so I changed into those afterwards. Took them off a old uniform that got trashed while I was doing TDU
@@romoalex got lucky. I guess the anti-hazing shit really is taken seriously. Pinning used to leave a bruise for a month or two. Definitely one tradition that is better off gone.
@@emwungarand I did see some shit that is now frowned upon that probably wouldn’t fly these days. I got a few buddies still on subs right now. Especially with female integration it’s a different world. Not better or worse just different
SECF vs airmencrew afw and aws?
SECF all the way. The community is much better. Better career path. My submarine sonar tech buddy from boot camp is a fighter pilot now
what was your asvab score to qualify for SCEF?
I scored an 81, but I think you can get a 60 and get in but I am not sure. I took it once fresh out of high school and got around 60 something, then after a few years of college. I didnt study for it. I could have gone nuke but I said hell to the no
@@romoalex I got an 88 and signed SCEF, but actually wanted to be a nuke after already signing. How would you compare the quality of life between the Nukes and Scef guys? I don't know if you are still in the Navy but how is the post Navy career for Scef?
@@ericcartman6165 You did a great thing by NOT going nuke, and heres why: on the boat you have to do reactor startup before the rest of the crew shows up. so that means you will be there at around midnight when the boat underway is scheduled almost 10 hours later, when the boat pulls into port you have to stay long after the crew leaves for reactor shutdown. You have constant training, drills, exams, and shift-work. I have seen nukes get put on shift work for the weekend starting friday with no notice. Training requires 18 hour days because of mandatory study, the drop rate is really high so the drive to get new nukes is high based on asvab scores alone, there is a stigma in bootcamp with people who get picked for nukes to being socially inept. in nuke school people get dropped for the smallest thing, and going to mast is very common for a nuke student. Suicides in nuke school is something I have been told about more than once. The money doesnt even matter at that point because its spread throughout your contract, and your bonus is taxed heavily
@@ericcartman6165 quality of life was way better for a non-nuke and they will agree. post navy career field is very easy to get into. I used my maintenance skill to get a job easily at a company start up, and companies like northrop grumman and lockheed martin always have openings, even better if you get a job within 2 years after you get out because your security clearance will still be active
@@romoalex awesome awesome thanks for the reply and help. One more question, is getting your dolphins optional or is every submariner required to have that pin.
Girls see you as a ticket out of Connecticut? Is Connecticut that bad wtf
When the option is Hawaii yeah it’s obvious plus the free benefits and housing and the option to not have to work
@@romoalex makes sense
I picked up SECF 😇
congrats!! Check out my part 2 video
No anything on Nuke
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