Terry L. Paine, CTRC(SW) USN Retired, 1975-2003
 
The story begins just after high school in 1975.  I didn't really know what
I wanted to be when I grew up or if I wanted to continue in school
(college).  So I dropped by the Navy Recruiting office and before you know
it I am off to San Diego for boot camp and Sonar Tech "A" School.  During
boot camp one morning our company commander ask "Who would like to attend a
briefing about an up and coming rating?"  It was a chance to sit down for 30
- 45 minutes without anyone yelling at you so I raised my hand and was off
to the briefing.  A Senior Chief "R" Brancher was up on the stage talking
about a rating that needed some motivated self starting people.  I wasn't
really paying that much attention until he said one thing "80% of our Duty
assignments in this rating are shore duty."  So I ask "How do I get that?"
I had to waive my "A" School for ST, go thru a security interview and if I
qualify for a security clearance then I would be given a guaranteed "A"
school as a CT.  The catch was if I waved my ST "A" School and didn't get
picked up as a "CT" then I would go to the fleet as an undesignated Seaman.
I decided to take a chance so I signed the paperwork to waive my "A" school
and give it a shot.  It was the best decision had made since I raised my
right hand to join the navy.   Everything worked out great and I was
assigned to CTT "A" school after completing boot camp in December.  That is
the story of how I just wanted to sit down for 30-45 minutes in boot camp
and ended up having a great career in the Navy in the best rating. 
 
 
Respectfully 
 
Terry Paine
CTRC(SW) retired.