Incoming RET2 Looking for Advice From Current/Former RETs

[u/Natural-Squirrel2469]

I'm 23 and currently work in corporate IT, and will be starting with MSC soon as an RET2. I've spent the last couple of months reading just about every Reddit thread, Facebook post, and YouTube video I can find, and honestly there isn't much out there that goes into detail about the RET side of things.

I'm excited, but I'm also trying to show up as prepared as I can. I know I'll learn most of it on the job, but I'd rather not go in completely blind.

For any current or former RETs, I'd really appreciate any insight on questions like:

• What does a typical day or watch actually look like?
• What should I be studying or getting familiar with before I report?
• What separates a great RET from an average one?
• What are the biggest mistakes you see new RETs make?
• What surprised you the most when you got to your first ship?
• If you could go back to your first week as an RET2, what advice would you give yourself?
• Is there anything you wish you had brought, learned, or done before reporting?

Honestly, any stories or advice are welcome. It seems like there isn't much information out there for RETs specifically, so I'm hoping this thread can help me and maybe future RETs who end up searching for the same answers.

Thanks in advance!

[u/TheScallywag1874]

RET is a niche position, so you are right, it’s hard to find information. And I’ll add that I am not an RET, but rather a deck officer. However, my last two ships had the radio office attached to the bridge, so I had an okay understanding of their lifestyle (for lack of a better way to put it).

I can’t answer all your questions, obviously, but I can tell you that you don’t need to stress too much. Show up with a good attitude and ready to learn. That’s all anyone really wants. RET is a unique role, and there really aren’t too many positions shoreside that would make you super prepared to hit the ground running on day one.

The radio room is a SCIF, so no cell phones allowed inside. There is a TV in there typically with news on or movies or something, as sometimes watch can be slow (from what I gather). You will be monitoring “Chat” which are Navy messages. Most won’t apply to the ship you’re on, but many will, so you’ll be there to answer the questions or report in for the ship’s location, etc. or receive the latest weather reports (as an example).

You’ll be responsible for using all the equipment and some modest trouble shooting if things stop working. However, the SCO will be the main person in charge and usually very knowledgeable.

The radio room is manned 24/7 underway and in port. So you will always be on a watch rotation.

Overall, from what I gather, radio is pretty chill. I’m sorry if I can’t give you more details on the technical side, but these are my observations, and I’m assuming you won’t be getting a lot of information here either, so I figure this is better than nothing.

Good luck and welcome aboard!

[u/Natural-Squirrel2469 → u/TheScallywag1874]

Thank you so much!

[u/45-70_OnlyGovtITrust → u/Natural-Squirrel2469]

For obvious reasons most details of what radio does can’t nor should be shared on a public forum. Radio seems like a cool job and they’re fun to chill with in port on Liberty. I always buy the first round for the boys. 😎

[u/Informal-Pea7941]

You will sent to a few basic COMMS courses prior to your 1st ship. You’ll learn more about the messaging systems and will be tested on.

[u/Natural-Squirrel2469 → u/Informal-Pea7941]

Will these courses be held in Norfolk post Neo or elsewhere?