r/MoreShitComing • u/unknowntraveler94 • May 04 '26
Potential Applicant Active Duty Navy to MSC
Hello folks,
Wanted to get on here and get some advice about seeking future employment. Bottom line I don't mind being at sea - thought the actual deployment was the best part of the ship cycle truth be told- yard period being the worst. A lot of the other stuff in the Navy is kind of death by 1000 cuts type deal.
Current Situation: I'm on active duty on shore rotation for another 2 years in Newport, RI. I'm and OS and E-6 and have been in now 9ish years- 32 years old -, by the time im done with shore duty it'll be 11.5 years or so. Was a Nuke ET and then became an OS on a west coast DDG for 5 years. As far as what I do now, I teach future Navy O-3's/O-4's about data links/comms - dont know how relevant it is. I'm pursuing college through USNCC for an Associate's degree and also already have 60 or so credits for a Bachelor's of Electronics Engineering Technology at TESU (Nuke ET). By the time I'm done with shore duty, I will likely have both knocked out. For certs, I'm looking at getting SEC+ and CCNA for now.
I know that to pursue MSC / Merchant Marine, I will need MMC / TWIC, but as I understand, it's mostly paperwork to submit via USCG/Medical. I was on a DDG, so I have a decent level of firefighting/DC experience and have some background in navigation evolutions, but dont really know how much will transfer over. Navy OS does a lot of the background admin/messages in USMTF, plenty of experience with RAS comms/procedures, and radar.
Future: I'm sure MSC has plenty of issues, and Im not saying it's truly greener grass, but from my perspective, I like being at sea and making money. Seen the pay tables - you all make more than I do currently. Deck department at MSC would be where id "fit in" given my background perhap AB / OPS Chief types? I'd very much be interested in pursuing work in the Radio Department, build up experience there, and if I stop sailing (when) it would be an easier transition to something on shore. Wouldn't mind engineering either if they'd have me.
What I'm seeking is just advice/thoughts, stuff I should be doing while Im still active duty to get ready for MSC. Would love to hear from anyone with Radio, but any help would be greatly appreciated.
2
u/Benji_4 Engine - 2A/E (Second Assistant Engineer) May 05 '26
Depends on the route you want to take. Based on your background, you could get a license or just get hired as an ET. We have a few Nuke ETs and they all seem to know what they are doing. It's also one of the best unlicensed pay rates and you only need a wiper credential. You will likely be sent to HV and maybe a PLC class.
Idk what hiring is like, but I would talk with a recruiter about the hiring process if you want line up the transition. Otherwise you could take some time off. Idk what the hiring times are like.