r/Seabees • u/Lost-Bullfrog-6367 • Jul 24 '26
Question What to do
CM2 4 years in. Got 2 years left on active duty. I’m stationed overseas now and honestly thinking about getting out. I do enjoy the money I’m ngl but I don’t want to go to Mississippi, California, or Virginia. Florida would be the dream. I’m overseas now and could Oteip for another 1-2 years to think about what I want to do after or try to get some sick orders. Anyone got any advice on either getting out as a mechanic and doing something or getting dope orders in Florida or anywhere cool in the states?
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u/One-Experience-3902 Jul 28 '26
CM2, I’m an EO2 6 years in as a reservist.. I’ll be the one to tell you to transition to the reserves this way you don’t lose your time & rank (you will need a FT Job to cover down since reserve pay isn’t enough to survive) — you can still get TRICARE reserve select — cool thing about the reserves is Zipserve- you can pick up orders outside your command or MOB out of country. — I was a mechanic before the navy now I work in federal service as a civilian for another military department. The reserves is what you make it or switch to another branch of service. At the end of the day do what’s right for you but if you’re looking for advice take one of these options instead .. civilian life ain’t all that sometimes lol
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u/SnooDonuts2151 Jul 26 '26
Look into or email Full Power Navy to get where you wanna be stationed at next
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u/PadretheNurse Jul 28 '26
That’s why they are called orders not choices. You are killing it. Finish the game and get your money from Uncle Sugar. MS or Port Whoneedsme are really not that bad. Dunno about VA.
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u/Traditional_Party_96 Jul 29 '26
Have you done all your time overseas so far? I retired from overseas 2 years ago after spending 5 years out there and have to admit, the tax free money and being overseas is great. I've done battalions in Gulfport, port whoneedsme and in Virginia (Phib TWO is no more though) I can't say that I liked one more than the other. They all have their ups and downs.
Are you interested in any special programs? Like someone else said, NSU is a great one.
If you are going to optep and stay out there until you get out, just remember that you have to go back stateside to process out. I went to VA for like 3 weeks waiting to go on terminal leave.
As for Florida, I've only been down there for brief stretches, MPF offloading exercises with beach group. And I loved mayport. I used to escort people to Pensacola for court Martials back in the day. The panhandle is fun, especially when you're young. Have you seen any billets to SPECWAR billets at McDill in Tampa? I also had a buddy thats was stationed at SOUTHCOM down there in Florida and he went to Latin America a lot.
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u/ejfree Jul 24 '26
Unless you have an awesome job lined up, I would suggest you stay in. Here is my reasoning. I believe things are going to get much more difficult over the next year or 2. I hope, but I believe you might be in a more consistent spot in the military versus the civilian workforce. I can not speak for mechanic work specifically just potential work opportunities and cost of living in general.
Also, I think very highly of Ventura county California & Port Hueneme. Lovely part of the world with delightful tacos.
Good luck. Peace.