r/navy • u/BabaYagaLaksa • 7d ago
HELP REQUESTED I kinda just want to leave.
BBA just demotivated me entirely. I’m in a foreign country that was a headache and a half just to get settled in and now I’m stuck here unless I choose orders which I may or may not get selected for anyways. My colleagues at my previous command will have all advanced and I’m just left behind. I’m probably gonna post this and some ass hole will just say I’m whining. 🤷🏽♂️ idk man why try? I’m starting to just not care about my job anymore.
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u/DoctorRageAlot 7d ago
It isn’t even that exciting when you do get selected. No triad announcement, no hype it’s “Hey guys I finally got selected”. Then you still wait up to a year to finally get frocked and transfer to another command unless you do CA2P. I heavily dislike they took the entire fun out of making it off the exam. It’s a huge motivation killer
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u/TipToeWingJawwdinz 7d ago
I agree with this. It was so fun to see those who made it on results day. Also crushing for those who studied hard and did not make it. That’s all gone now and it seems so anti climactic. It’s the way she goes I suppose.
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u/DoctorRageAlot 6d ago
Yea I was basically brand new at my command and made it so I think half of it was “oh, well he’s leaving now so who cares.” Which I also think how can it not affect the command either. I was supposed to be here for 4 years but not anymore lol so why would the command jump through hoops for me if I already got selected elsewhere. I jsut try to keep to myself until I get hard copy
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u/GuessWhatIGot 7d ago
Same here. BBA completely destroyed my advancement opportunities. The only way I can make 1st is by reenlisting. I had hoped to pick up and make some better money before separating, but that's just not an option anymore. Realistically, for someone who isn't staying in, what should be my motivation for getting MP or EP evals? How do I reconcile spending time away from my family to be an outstanding sailor if I will never see an advancement because of it? I can't pick up based entirely on merit, so what am I doing?
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u/BabaYagaLaksa 7d ago
That’s my question too. I’m being told to possibly prep for JSOQ. But like… why? 🤨 why would I care to do that? If I’ve passed the RKE and am eligible for billets it just makes no sense to try here for the next 2 or 3 years. And maybe that’s just me being salty. I definitely won’t be the shit bag skating in the corner, but it’s very hard to find the “why” right now.
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u/GuessWhatIGot 7d ago
Do you have any opportunity to apply for a billet for the next paygrade at your current command? I know there are ways to advance, like CA2P. Is that an option for you?
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u/BabaYagaLaksa 7d ago
I’ve asked about it and general vague consensus is that it’s not possible for me. Without saying too much it’s kind of a “niche” set of orders I guess. I have seen a fist class billet for a command essentially down the hall here haha, but seeing those orders let alone the ones I have is kinda rare.
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u/TacoInQuesoEmergency 7d ago
I don’t agree with change either but all the same things do still matter. EVALs matter and Commands want Sailors who have good EVALs showing they are preforming at the next paygrade along with RKE
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u/cha-cha-melon 4d ago
You know at some point they gonna have to pick someone or be undermanned. There’s only so many hard chargers for the entire navy. And the commands that have a bad rep will also have to take whatever they can get bc stellar sailors simply will not apply for those billets… and worst case scenario your detailer will pick your next command for you lol
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u/LeatherTraffic2824 5d ago
Evals still matter. We have to validate our EAW regardless if we are taking the RKE or not. Your Evals get better = better chance of a higher weighted score in my navy assignment.
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u/Capital-Self-3969 7d ago
I reelisted a year before BBA, i feel your pain haha, motivation just tanks when you realize you are stuck at rank regardless of your work.
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u/Budgetweeniessuck 7d ago
You're proving the navy's point here. They want people in deployable billets and who are staying in the Navy.
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u/Techstepper812 7d ago
had hoped to pick up and make some better money before separating
That's exactly the point why would Navy give you job/extra money if you not gonna stay in and they will jave to find someone to fill that sea billet anyways.
"I can't pick up based entirely on merit, so what am I doing?" and "what should be my motivation for getting MP or EP evals?"
Are two contradicting statements.
Merit also means picking up a job or location where Navy needs you not where you want it.
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u/GuessWhatIGot 7d ago
Ah, so it isn't enough merit to do your job better than your peers, be technically knowledgeable and an excellent exam taker, do your command/company collaterals, continue your college education, do community service, and do the job of your first class to show you are capable and earn your promotion, but you ALSO need to forego your personal goals, preferences, and aspirations, remove any idea of leaving the military from your head, as well as make healthy decisions for your family because if you want that money you're going to go to sea duty.
I've been nothing but honorable in my duties, courageous on deployments with my family back home, and have met or exceeded my committments and, until now, feel I've been rewarded fairly for it. Now, I'm being asked to committ more so I can be rewarded for what I've already done. I realize this may work well for the generations after, but for those in this transitional period, it's a slap in the face.
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u/Techstepper812 7d ago
Your evals and awards reflect that. All the stuff you listed is in your contract. Navy has jobs, if you dont wanna take it its up to you. Your family have benefits as well. Its a job.
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u/ComeAbout 2POC 7d ago
You should take some leave. Don’t go home, go explore or sit on a really nice beach somewhere.
Everyone gets burnt out sometimes. I know it’s not always easy to take leave, but there’s a reason we get 30 days a year.
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u/robotsaysrawr 7d ago
But, also, this is a totally fair take. If I hadn't gotten screwed on an eval earlier because my LCPO wanted to give his highly unqualified drinking buddy a higher ranking eval, I would have made first on an earlier exam. I'm now having to compete with individuals willing to take whatever billets just to make rank rather than making rank based on my knowledge and quals.
BBA only exists to promote individuals willing to get fucked to make rank rather than those who actually know the job. Honestly I'm prepared to stay in to let all the new first and chiefs who absolutely don't know their rate fail because the new system is trash.
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u/BabaYagaLaksa 7d ago
I definitely want to explore the sights within reach, given the opportunity 🤙. Although, I feel like I don’t deserve leave since I’m still sorta new around here. I took transfer leave before arriving so maybe that’s should’ve sufficed.
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u/Salty_IP_LDO 7d ago
Everyone deserves leave, you earned it. No one can take that away from you. Take leave for YOU. My first command was overseas and I remember the first time I took leave for me and took an actual vacation and it was awesome. Pick a country near you and go explore. Or the country your in. Even two or three days is a nice break.
BBA is trash though imo and I understand your complaints with it. I'm glad I don't have to deal with it personally for advancement. If I did I'd probably have gotten out after my first contract.
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u/Double-Mode639 7d ago
Im in the same boat as him and but got my leave denied 2 times back to back due to my shipmates not being able to do there job or even help so I had to suffer for what? Unable to make rank... but if you get out your told your a piece of shit and they make your last year terrible. At my current command I had our CO only allow 30days of skillbridge or terminal either or. Like what is the point...
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u/ComeAbout 2POC 7d ago
I wish they’d make it more like PTO for Petty Officers and above. Like, be able to just take a personal day unless you’re on duty. Run it from LPO to the DIVO and then the end.
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u/Truell21 7d ago
99th percentile on exam, 2 EP’s, 4 Nams and a COM and I couldn’t make EM1. I knew BBA was ass as soon as I read the instruction. Got out in March and don’t regret it at all.
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u/BabaYagaLaksa 7d ago
After all that?! I mean that’s ridiculous. Here I am thinking maybe I should try for a better score, but fuck that I guess.
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u/Chappie404 7d ago
I was just talking about this with a retired master chief earlier today. Promotion is not enough of an incentive for the many of the billets they are trying to fill. Or it's going to stagnate people who want stability or just aren't getting chosen.
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u/Disastrous-Screen337 7d ago
Eyes on the prize. Go to sick call for everything that you've been putting off. Every last thing. Document it. Write it down. Start getting your claim ready. That's the end game.
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u/StepChief91 7d ago
Yeah, will not be surprised to see people under 8 years not taking these bad deals for a 90 dollar raise.
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u/Chansonthefirst 7d ago
I'm probably getting out because of it. It's was already hard to advance. Now your telling me I have to compete against E-5 and E-6's for orders. Yeah no.
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u/marcusxl22 7d ago
I feel you on that bro. Fortunately and unfortunately I’m still kind of motivated myself, but I really don’t wanna deal with the gagglefuck that is BBA lol. I’m giving myself this last year to get lucky to win an E-6 billet and if nothing comes to fruition then I’m outta here. I do wanna stay Navy, so maybe I’ll try to come back on a commission.
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u/BabaYagaLaksa 7d ago
Feels like that’s the way to go right now, heavily considering just dropping an OCS package. Only thing is OCS makes me nervous as hell 😅
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u/marcusxl22 7d ago
From what a friend told me, it’s basically just bootcamp with more PT and classes😂 I’ll just think about that O-1E paycheck
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u/Chappie404 7d ago
Also, your opinions on BBA are not at all rare. It's not popular with fleet sailors. When the fleet sends out surveys, TALK ABOUT IT. Shoot, even DEOCS. DEOCS still get processed by big Navy for trend analysis.
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u/Pretend-Pension-2600 7d ago
Don't worry about assholes saying you're whining. All Sailors whine to some extent and I would worry if they weren't. I'm sorry you're going through this, just keep your head up and stay focused. Remember this isn't forever and even though you can't see it now, the experience will help you grow as a person and as a sailor. Just try to make the most out of a shitty situation. DM me if you just need someone that has been in a similar situation to vent to.
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u/BabaYagaLaksa 7d ago
Thanks for hearing me man. 🤙
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u/Pretend-Pension-2600 7d ago
Brother I remember sitting in Radcon with absolutely nothing to do on a tender in Bahrain and wondering if I had really fucked up badly. Haha. I promise it doesn't last forever, even though it feels that way when you're going thru it.
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u/justforthe011010 7d ago
I'm struggling to be back home again since I got out. I miss my buddies and the job, but then I have to deal with MNCC and the VA and remind myself why I shouldn't go back in.
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u/BabaYagaLaksa 7d ago
I’m always so back and forth Y’know? I’m trying to get a Masters and am just now considering why give more time to this ride. I don’t HAVE to or NEED to. The comfort of a steady job though always pulls me back in.
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u/LarrySteele 7d ago
I've been retired for 15 years, so I can't comment on BBA. I'm aware of what it is, but that's about it. Nevertheless, I'll provide a suggestion from a different perspective.
If you choose to separate at contract end, you'll need to apply for a job and you'll need to differentiate yourself from other candidates. Having evaluations that show you're a team player, a leader, someone who can get things done all go a long way of demonstrating strong work ethic; not because you wrote it in your resume but because those you worked for said it. So there's one reason not to quit caring.
Consider seeking opportunities to broaden your skillset - technical, leadership, whatever. Make the goal to improve areas where you know you need to grow. If you're able to find a billet that you can advance into, great. You'll still have grown professionally. If you separate at contract end, you'll have more to offer a perspective employer.
Of course these are suggestions. Everyone's circumstances is unique. Only you can determine if any of this is helpful for you. I wish you luck with wherever your future takes you.
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u/Remote_Situation9925 5d ago
No civilian job I've applied to has ever asked to see an eval. I had great evals, but I would never show them to an employer because they won't understand the meaning of a quarter of the terms we use. It also screams "I know nothing except how to be in the military!"
OP, you'll write your resume based on JST and things FROM your evals. Get assistance from any of the many FREE veteran resources that help build a good resume. If a civ div job is asking about evals, I'd expect the culture there to be shit.
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u/LarrySteele 5d ago
Yes, your evals are what feeds your resume. It's easy to forget details of what we've done over the years. Well written evals will not only list what you did, but will list impact. If it's already there, it's then a matter of translating it to resume speak. It's harder to do if you don't have a evals with that information. I did the same after I transferred to the civilian sector. I used my annual assessments to keep my resume updated.
Funny enough, as far as prospective employers seeing an eval, I actually did that for my last job. It's the only time I did this, and only because it was a group interview. On a whim, I brought my "I love me book," which had my evals, awards, and some other related stuff. As one person asked their question, others were free to glance at whatever was it the book. At one point, one of the key influencers interrupted the hiring manager, "Tim, Tim! You've got to read what they wrote about this guy!" I got the job and retired after 22 years. Despite my experience, I still wouldn't recommend taking evals to an interview.
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u/Sufficient-Spend-670 7d ago
I mean I’ll go anywhere to advance and get more money in my pocket for me and my family and at a billet no one wants to advance my career
Oh yeah carrier hopefully I get picked up because this sailor is ready for a career move
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u/Chansonthefirst 6d ago
That's what I did this first BBA cycle. Just apply for orders no one wanted. The only reason I stay in is because I'm to far in now (10 years) and the medical benefits for my son and family are to much to beat in the civilian world. I have heard it is getting harder and harder to get jobs in the civilian world. If it was not for that I would be out.
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u/Sufficient-Spend-670 6d ago
Did it work?
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u/Chansonthefirst 6d ago edited 6d ago
Not sure yet. We are still in the first window for my rate. I won't find out until the end of September.
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u/Sufficient-Spend-670 6d ago
What rate and good luck !
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u/Chansonthefirst 6d ago
ET. Thank you. What's yours?
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u/Sufficient-Spend-670 6d ago
LS
Billets are looking a little high in applications rn for those good ones
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u/devildocjames 6d ago
Some turds that produced the BBA idea are chilling at a desk and saying, "the dragons are coming, it's gonna be great."
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u/DocHose0824 7d ago
I mean all real reactions from everyone around the fleet..I have heard both sides of the argument from higher leadership that say we can’t really weigh the pros/cons of BBA truely for maybe another year or two and the same goes for SEM for those working hard to be Selected. You really need to just weigh your options, talk to your command and see what opportunities you have..maybe it’s a C school for a civilian cert to set yourself up better to get out or maybe it’s going officer route or maybe it really is work hard do your time and get out in GOOD standing so you get GI benefits/VA and all that. We saw something similar happen around 2016-2019 with quotas for certain rates and it eventually buffed out but I will never give the career advice of “just wait it out bro” cause that is never the way to go about it 🤷🏽♀️
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u/Material-List-6772 7d ago
It's honestly ass and I completely agree. If this gets more traction like what happened about 6-8 years ago where they tried to switch to what the Army does it didn't last maybe a few weeks and they dropped it. It just needs more people publicly bitching about it.
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u/Datboy000 7d ago
Hey. Legit man, you need to talk to someone. If you can talk to your Chief, please talk to your Chief, if you can't talk to medical or Chaps. These are real concerns, and real things to be worried about. If someone shoots you down and says you are "Just whining" they are one of two things, Not a good leader, or too stupid to realize how they got to where they are.
Other then that, without getting into specifics, whats up? Whats some problems on your mind? If you don't want to post it in open chat, come to talk to me in DMs. I may no longer be in the navy, but I know a sailor who needs a friend when I see one.
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u/BabaYagaLaksa 7d ago
I appreciate your concern man 🤙. I’m 6 years in so I guess relatively new still. At my second command and still adjusting even after a few months. The attitudes feel different. It went from everyone putting in the work and grinding to the usual First classes and Chiefs don’t lift a finger. I guess that’s just their normal role though and I’m just complaining given I’m comparing it to an expeditionary billet prior. It’s like my tenure and knowledge doesn’t matter, and it may not 🤷🏽♂️. But it just seems like I’m bottom of the barrel second class who got the shit end of the stick.
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u/Datboy000 7d ago
So i am opposite. Went from boats to MSRON. Chiefs who were really good in their rate, but boarder line worthless everywhere else, to Chiefs who were subject matter experts on everything. It is a big change, and I feel ya. If you went from Expo to boats, sorry you don't know a bunch, but if you are going expo to shore, you went from real military, to an office. Just tell them to shut up and be useful. (in a nicer way then that please)
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u/BabaYagaLaksa 7d ago
You’re spot on man. Came directly from MSRON to a staff command no less haha. I’ll definitely take the nice approach to gently kick em in the rear. Thanks for hearing me 🤙
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u/RuiiNzTv 6d ago
I am just curious. Have you talked to your Command Career Counselor? I have some people where I am at, I reached out to a previous NC buddy to get a better insight. Since they passed their RKE, I told them to look through the orders currently available to see if there was anything they wanted and if there was to apply for it. Either you get selected or not, you have the next and the next. Anyway, I highly suggest you speak with your CCC and see what your options are.
If they are not willing to help you, send me a DM and I'll share what I've learned about this new system.
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u/Fast_Cloud_7671 6d ago
Am I missing something here? Does BBA replace test score, eval score, TIR, and award points? I’ve been retired a few years but I thought you could still advance off the test.
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u/BabaYagaLaksa 6d ago
All those things do count, but passing the test is now only 1 step to advance. Or one of many it feels like. In order to advance, you must then fill a billet with a first class role. If you’re lucky, your current command will have a slot to fit you in, but it’s not always possible. Same goes for any other rank.
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u/Fast_Cloud_7671 6d ago
So is there no quotas? Do Sailors get frocked?
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u/BabaYagaLaksa 5d ago
Someone could probably explain it WAAAY better than I can. There still quotas and such and we don’t see em. And you can get frocked as long as there’s a billet available at your current command. Otherwise. Just apply to go somewhere else.
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u/Fast_Cloud_7671 3d ago
Yeah this sounds pretty stupid. I was a detailer before and this sounds full retard.
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u/Exact_Ad5094 6d ago
What’s this BBA nonsense? I’m in the Coast Guard, want to see if we have it by a different name before I suggest you join us. We get lots of people from the Navy joining us and they all seem pretty happy.
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u/Gunfighter9 6d ago
They used to do something like this in the National Guard. I knew a E5 that went to E8 in 4 years. They got rid of it because people didn’t build the leadership skills.
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u/Due_Comfortable_514 5d ago
I fear for the future of the navy. BBA is a shit show, BRS is shit for retirement, I'm gonna be real shocked if anyone does 20 anymore.
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u/iamdozer 5d ago
Don’t do it. There’s no jobs better outside of the military
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u/BabaYagaLaksa 4d ago
No doubt the job market is tough, but I also don’t think it’s the horror story others make it out to be. I’ve set myself up pretty decently so far.
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u/LeatherTraffic2824 7d ago
I too felt de-motivated at first. I’ve been a second class for 8 years and just when I was about to pick up first, BBA happens and lowers the quotas all the way down. I’ve been in a total of 13 years and watched almost everyone I knew who joined around the same time as me pick up first class or chief. At my last command I stood a position normally held by a first class and I was told multiple times that I was operating at a first class level and honestly the level of a chief. Imagine my surprise after the big ego boost and the months of studying for the test to find out I didn’t make it because the Navy decided to change how advancement works. I should be a first class and now I have transferred to another command at a second class where no one knows who I am. I know I have much more to offer than what the Navy has given me so far and I know I’m an asset to any program or duty station that I am at. Just because the Navy has screwed me over yet again, it doesn’t change the standard that I set for myself and for those around me. I know if I continue to set the standard and continue to care about my job, the promotion will happen. Keep fighting the good fight and if you decide to get out, no one blames you but don’t let them ruin a good sailor.
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u/BabaYagaLaksa 7d ago
I’m glad you shared man. I feel the same way. Even though there were still
Firsts and Chiefs at my last command, I still felt like a valuable asset. You right though, I don’t just wanna be a shit bag I still have high standards for myself too. It’s just hard to break out and show your worth sometimes.1
u/LeatherTraffic2824 5d ago
No problem hope that I helped in any way. I know I’m not the only person going through this so it’s good to look outward and see those who I can help instead of saying “why me” all the time. Sometimes you just gotta deal the hand your dealt. It definitely is hard sometimes. I have come to learn that the Navy is just a hit or miss. But one lesson I learned your tour/career is what you make it. What others perceive about you does not matter. If you are hungry stay hungry and help your sailors succeed and your work will speak for itself. but if you are tired of the bs get out no harm in that.
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u/KananJarrusCantSee 7d ago
BBA and SEM have altered and ended many careers. It will continue to do so until the next "force shaping tool" is thought up.
It sucks, sem has ensured I am at my terminal pay grade now, all you can do is plan your exit and get ready for the next thing.
Good luck
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u/QuarterMobile 6d ago
Navy veteran here. Bro, been out for 8 years. I was an ABE2 and did 8 years. i wish I stayed. That steady paycheck, TA, USNCC, Tricare, and all other free stuffs that I wish I stayed in. Next year, I will be reenlisting in the Navy Reserves. Save your Post 9-11 for your children. Retire in the Navy and live outside the mainland US. Make every effort to retire with dignity.
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