Looking For Some Answers Please

[Josh grace]

Hi Guys, So I'm not a Navy Dad but there is not that much out there about this rate and the exact qualifications. I am a 22 year old guy from Chicago thinking about joining as a MC. I recently talked to a recruiter and he told me I had to be a E4 to join this job. I have the required college credits to join as E3. He also didn't really give me much advice about what my options were. Anyone know if this E4 business is true or not? I was a little discouraged because he didn't really offer any other opportunities or solutions to this problem. Any insight would be much appreciated.

-Josh

[Nate VanDuser]

Hi Josh;

My daughter is currently at RTC and will be heading for MC 'A' school after graduation. Went in as an E-2, with an ASVAB score of 91. Before she left I found an amazing blog written by a former student at the A school, http://usnavymc.blogspot.com/, 'I Am Your Eyes'. You should take a look at that...

[Edward Anthony Guttierrez]

Hi Josh! My name is Ed and my son Eddy entered basic training 5/7/12 as a MC, he is a Journalism major and scored a 94 on the ASVAB. His recruiter offered him many different jobs including submarines and nuclear but he held out for Mass Communications and got it! He had to wait 7 months but he's in now and as a E2 not a E4 so someone is blowing smoke! He worked with his recruiter every week of those 7 months to improve both his physical and mental conditioning and prove to himself and his recruiter that he would do whatever it took to achieve his goal. If want that job and you want to serve in the greatest Navy on earth then don't let anyone or anything stop you! Go Navy!!  

[Patrick Price]

Josh, the E-4 business is not true.  My son is in MC 'A' School now, as an E-1.  It's just based on your ASVAB scores.  You may have to wait for a slot (My son waited 10mo), but stick to your guns and you can get the rating if you have the scores.

[Nate VanDuser]

Patrick, my daughter is there now as well - they probably know one another! When does your son graduate?

[Patrick Price]

Hey, Nate.  He started classes today.  I think his graduation is 25jan or something like that.  He is LOVING it so far!  It seems like they're all 'on the same page', which is great.

[Nate VanDuser]

My daughter's three months ahead of him then...She loves it too, but it's definitely a challenging rate! If I hadn't wanted to be a submariner more, I would have gone Journalist's Mate myself; I sort of envy them especially since the rate has been changed so much...

[NavyDads Admin (Paul)]

Back in October I had posted this...might be some good info on background of the rating:

Joel (Kat's old chief) sent me an update...he is re-writing the manual and training manual for MC's:

 

MC Scope of Rating
Mass Communications Specialists (MC) write Navy news releases and feature articles from personal interviews, examination of messages, and witnessing of events; take news and feature photographs and develop photo stories with associated Visual Information Record Identification Number (VIRINS), captions, and pertinent historical data; understand the Navy Public Affairs mission for the acquisition, processing, and marketing of all internal and external information products through web sites, news releases and internal information products; acquire, transmit, and print electronic imagery; operate high-speed copiers and digital duplicators; understand imagery and equipment lifecycle management and archival requirements; prepare and lay out Navy information products, including web sites, newspapers, and command information brochures using desktop publishing systems; provide still and video documentation of Navy and joint operational events; provide visual documentation of combat, combat-support operations, and related peacetime training activities; prepare material for broadcast use; serve on the staff of Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS) detachments; operate and schedule command internal information and programming for Shipboard Information, Training, and Entertainment (SITE) systems; troubleshoot mechanical and digital reprographic and photographic equipment; perform color management; supervise shipboard and Sea Operations (SEAOP) detachments in support of the Navy Public Affairs mission; serve on combat camera deployable teams; research, develop, and write speeches using Navy talking points and messages; fulfill duties of senior enlisted advisor for public affairs on select Fleet, Numbered Fleet, Type Commander (TYCOM) staffs, aircraft carriers, and large-deck amphibious ships; implement public affairs guidance and messages from higher public affairs authority; and serve as independent duty Public Affairs Officers (PAO) at small commands.

[Jeff]

Not True at all. My son got out of Boot Camp last year March of 2012 and he's still an E3. He takes his Petty Officer test in Sept. The recruiter if he said this unless you misunderstood him is a Liar.

[Jeff]

Plain and simple. If he said this he lied

[Dale Strong]

Hi Josh. My son is going to PIR at Great Lakes next Friday. Then he goes to Ft. Meade, Maryland for MC A school. So no, you don't need to be an E-4. But there are only about 1400 positions in the Navy for this rating. So you have to push to get it. If it's the job you want then tell the recruiter you want ONLY this job and you will wait for an opening. That's what my son did.

 

[NavyDads Admin (Paul)]

and have a high ASVAB......recruiter tried to push my daughter into NUKE (95 ASVAB) she said NO...MC or nothing......she got the rating

[Jeff]

My Son loves MC he's doing great. He's been deployed and back assigned to NPASE in Norfolk. Great rate he's my second son that enlisted. School is in Fort Meade not a walk in the park but worth it. The Rate I understand is filling up as the word has been getting out how enjoyable the life of an MC can be. What I can tell you is the rate is fairly new and a great work environment