By KAREN JAEN
Throughout high school, senior Valerie Henriquez has endured military training in the Naval Junior Reserve Officer Corps. This experience influenced her decision to join the U.S. Navy.
Henriquez has signed an eight-year contract to become an aviation machinist mate. AMM are aircraft engine mechanics that work to build airplanes and inspect the airplanes to make sure they are working properly before every flight. She will also repair damaged airplanes brought back from flight. These technicians may also be asked to volunteer as a part of the naval aircrew.
“[This position was offered] because of my physical ability, and I liked it because it is hands-on. I went for it because I couldn’t imagine myself doing paperwork behind a desk all day,” Henriquez said.
Her four years of NJROTC have offered Henriquez an advantage; she will be able to join the Navy as an E-3. Normally, people join the Navy as an E-1 and begin with an average salary of about $1,500 a month. However, she will begin at a slightly higher pay, averaging about $1,700. She also received a $5,000 signing bonus.
NJROTC has also helped Henriquez prepare for what the Navy might bring.
“[On our trip to Georgia], we were camping, and we had to keep our rooms clean like we would in the military. That showed me what it was going to be like,” Henriquez said.
Henriquez’s parents and friends reacted positively to her decision to joining the Navy Reserve. Henriquez knows she will be stationed in Florida but she isn’t sure in what part exactly.
Both her parents are Navy veterans who served as engineers on a ship for most of their career. They have always encouraged their daughter to join the military.
“[They] always wanted me to, but I would always say I wouldn’t do it. They were surprised when I told them,” Henriquez said.
The Navy Reserve also provides low-cost life insurance that gives their enlisted personnel up to $400,000 in coverage. Henriquez will be able to move up in her Naval career if she is ranked. The Navy allows members to enroll in the Navy Technical Training school. If a member completes this program, he or she may have more opportunities to advance in both the Reserve and their civilian career.
Before Henriquez begins her job in the Navy, she is required to complete Recruit Training Command, which is a nine week camp located in Great Lakes, Illinois. She leaves for the training camp on Sept. 7, and after she completes this she will go to A-School to learn about the tasks she must know to be an AMM.
“If [being in the Navy] is something you want to do, don’t let anybody influence you because they think it’s dangerous. It’s a steady job with a steady money flow,” Henriquez said.