Is Supply Less Respected?

[gtown1]

Thanks everyone for helping me out with my SWO, Supply, and Intel question. I have decided to go Supply...waiting for my final select now. I was honored to be given the choice, but my non-tech degree (Int'l Politics) seemed to place me at a disadvantage for a SWO pin. Intel seemed like a continuation of what I've been doing in college as an int'l politics major: analysis, hypothesis, presentation, and repeat. So with a desire to try something different, but something in which I could still apply my educational background in, I've decided to become a chop...not just any chop, a chop in the US NAVY.

That said, are chops less respected than the other communities? I get the feeling that supply is seen as a 'wimpy' or less 'elite' group by the rest of the fleet. Am I wrong? Thanks.

 

[scoober78]

I was honored to be given the choice, but my non-tech degree (Int'l Politics) seemed to place me at a disadvantage for a SWO pin.

No...

That said, are chops less respected than the other communities? I get the feeling that supply is seen as a 'wimpy' or less 'elite' group by the rest of the fleet. Am I wrong?

Of course...We gave the chops on the boat all sorts of crap...but it was just that...crap. One of the best officers I've ever met was a Chop. Your crew's impression of you will be based on what you bring to the job...act like a "supply weenie" and they'll treat you like one. Act like an important component of the mission...which you are...and they'll treat you accordingly. Good luck...congratulations.

 

[Brett327]

No...



Of course...We gave the chops on the boat all sorts of crap...but it was just that...crap. One of the best officers I've ever met was a Chop. Your crew's impression of you will be based on what you bring to the job...act like a "supply weenie" and they'll treat you like one. Act like an important component of the mission...which you are...and they'll treat you accordingly. Good luck...congratulations.

You're wise beyond your years - great advice.

Brett

 

[Goober]

Exactly Scoober. And besides, that advice applies to whatever field/platform you choose (or chooses you). You could be the best pilot/NFO/SWO/whatever and be a dork/tool, and it wouldn't matter - the rep would stick. Some of the best squadron JOs I've met were AMDOs.

 

[insanebikerboy]

That said, are chops less respected than the other communities? I get the feeling that supply is seen as a 'wimpy' or less 'elite' group by the rest of the fleet. Am I wrong? Thanks.

I'll chime in with much of the same-same. The one and only chop I personally know was one of the best officers I've met. A senior O-4, he has his dolphins, surface pin, and gold jump wings. Great guy and taught me a lot, being an admin/logistics ENS, had a lot of interaction with him.

Two points from that, as scoober said, first, be a tool, get treated like a tool, be a good dude, get treated like a good dude.
Second, supply officers actually have a great deal of latitude in potential assignments. From the guy above, he had spent a tour on a sub, a surface boat, and a tour with the Marines. Not many jobs let you get that much of a varied career experience.

 

[snizo]

Agree with all - particularly scoober and insanebikerboy.

Chops have some unique opportunities. When you rotate, not only are you changing locations, you could be changing warfare communities. Supply officers are assigned to ships, subs, and squadrons, but also unique places like special ops, expeditionary logistics and medicine, cargo handling, etc. It doesn't make supply officers any better or worse than line officers - just different.

I've just transitioned over to the supply community, so if you have any questions, feel free to send me a msg.

 

[Sly1978]

Of the three choices, supply is not a bad way to go at all. Like has been said here, they are a vital part of completing the mission. Plus, I know a lot more happy Chops than SWOs. I think that in the end, you'll be glad to be where you're at. Congrats!

 

[insanebikerboy]

Plus, I know a lot more happy Chops than SWOs.

Ever notice how Chops always seem to drive a Jag/BMW/really expensive car? Can't be too bad of a deal!

 

[gaetabob]

from my enlisted experience, I learned to always be on the good side of the supply people...they're the one's that get things, so if they like you, they'll make it easier for you to get what you need. And to repeat what others have said, some of the best officers I've come across were suppos (the other good one's were aviation)...