When deciding on what branch of the military you want to join, it is very important to fully understand what each do and the typical jobs that you’ll be doing. The Navy is in charge of projecting the United States sea power across the entire world. They protect the sea lanes and deliver supplies and men to areas all over the world. The Navy is a vital part of the military system in America. There are plenty of great benefits to be enjoyed when you join the Navy, but understanding the drawbacks is just as important.
Pros of Joining the Navy
Education
The Navy allows you to earn a college education, at their expense. While you are enlisted in the Navy you are allowed to attend classes, even while on ships. The Navy will pay for nearly all of your college education. Education benefits are one of the strongest pulling points for joining the Navy.
See The World
Most branches of the military will allow you to travel and see the world at some point, but the Navy is absolutely superior in this category. While in the Navy you will travel all over the world and spend times in port at places like Thailand and South America.
Military Discounts
Just about every single business in the country provides discounts to members of the military. This is a small reward and token of appreciation for your service to the country. The military also has a special flight program that you can sign up for to have free air travel.
Lifetime Bonds
Spending months at a time on a ship with the same people will inevitably breed friendships like no other. The fellow servicemen that you spend that time with will become like a second family to you.
Benefits
The military provides it’s soldiers with some the best benefits out of any profession. Completely free health care, housing allowances, moving costs covered, and education are just some of the benefits received. Also very impressive retirement and pension benefits are given with enough time of active duty.
Cons of Joining the Navy
Frequent and Long Deployment
The Navy, unlike other branches of government, is always deploying sailors into the ocean. This is because a constant presence is needed at all time to monitor this ocean channels. Due to this fact, the sailors in the Navy are very frequently away from home and on the ships, during times of peace as well as times of war.
Cramped Quarters
It is no secret that ships are not very roomy, especially military ones. You are spending up to 8 months at a time, this may lead to bad hygiene, the spreading of illnesses, and other problems associated with crowded living areas.
High Requirements To Join
The Navy requires the highest ASVAB, the aptitude test standard given by the military, in order to join. They also only accept a very small percentage of people without a high school diploma. Only 4% of people that apply, who only have a GED are accepted into the Navy.
Make Your Own Decision
Joining any branch of the military is a big and courageous choice. When making the decision on what branch to join it is important to ask yourself what you are trying to get from your military career, how long you want to be active, and what you want to accomplish while you are serving. Each branch has their own unique benefits and drawbacks, you have to decide for yourself which one is right for you!
