12 Advantages and Disadvantages of Joining the Navy

Being in the military service elite groups, such as the Army, Air Force and Navy, is a truly a special experience to show your love for the country. But despite the nobility and prestige that come with it, there are also important considerations you should look into before making a decision to be part of a life-changing call of duty.

When choosing which branch to join, you should first fully understand what it does and what it requires from you. As for the Navy, it is a vital part of the US military system that is in charge of protecting the country using sea power against threats from all over the world. Of course, there are plenty of great perks you can get from joining it, but also keep in mind that it also has its own share of drawbacks. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of joining the Navy:

List of Advantages of Joining the Navy

1. It offers quality and free education, as well as training.
This branch of the US military allows you to earn college education at their expense, paying nearly all of the tuition. When enlisted, you can attend classes even while on the ship. Aside from this, the Navy also offers world-class training to its sailors. Using cutting-edge equipment and technology, this branch prepares enlisted men and women to maximize their potential of becoming influential and important leaders. Moreover, the Navy always makes it sure that their enlisted personnel and recruits are ready to take on their roles and responsibilities.

2. It provides sufficient financial support for families of members.
Navy personnel are often earning higher salaries that they would anywhere else, which entails that they are able to provide a higher level of financial support to their families. You see, their salaries are designed to ensure that even when they are away from a long period of time, their families’ quality of living would not suffer.

3. It offers travel opportunities.
Like other branches of the US military, the Navy will allow you to travel and see the world at some point, but it is definitely superior when it comes to this area.

4. It provides cost-effective health care.
When you become a Navy personnel, you will no longer have to worry about your health care expenses. As you can see, there will be a wide array of medical services offered to you, as it is in the Navy’s best interests to make sure the health and strength of their officers, giving you the perk of taking advantage of this philosophy.

5. It allows members to enjoy military discounts.
Keep in mind that almost all businesses in the country are offering discounts to members of any military force, which is done to show a token of appreciation for their patriotic services. Plus, the military has a special flight program for members to sign up and enjoy free air travel.

6. It promotes lifetime bonds.
Having to spend months at a time on a ship with the same individuals will allow you to build friendships like no other. Your fellow servicemen would become somewhat like your second family.

List of Disadvantages of Joining the Navy

1. It involves frequent and long deployments.
By enlisting in the Navy, you can expect being separated from your loved ones for long periods of time on your deployments. Depending on your contract, you could be in for tours of duty that can last up to 3 years. Unlike other branches of the US military, the Navy always deploy sailors into the ocean because of the need to monitor certain ocean channels at all times. In fact, you could be away even during times of peace.

2. It requires a lot of time to be spent at sea, which is bad if you are seasick.
While spending long periods out at sea could serve as an advantage for other people, there are some who cannot bear with it, especially if they are seasick or just afraid of being too long at sea. As the Navy bulks of its travel by water, it is best to consider your physical capabilities carefully before applying.

3. It involves trainings that are too rigorous and challenging for an individual.
Many people note the difficulties recruits will have to undergo during months of training to become a full-pledge Navy personnel. Like in other military branches, trainees will have to wake up early and get into physical training that may not be fitted for them, not to mention that there are no special treatments here, even if you are a female. Not only this, but it also imposes high requirements to join. Remember that the Navy requires the highest aptitude test standard of all the US military branches in order for people to join.

4. It can put you in cramped quarters.
It is no secret that ships, especially those used in the military, are not very roomy. And as you spend long periods of time in these quarters, you could be at risk of bad hygiene, illnesses and other problems associated with crowded and shared rooms.

5. It places lives at risk.
Normally, servicemen are already risking their lives by wearing their uniforms in places where there are inherent hostiles. And in the Navy, there are even a variety of issues that could occur at sea that can lead to injuries or even death.

6. It is not a job that one can just quit.
Being in the Navy is not like the typical 9-to-5 job and requires a minimum of 10-12 hours of work each day. Most importantly, quitting will not be easy, as you should complete the training and service or you will face sanctions.

Joining any military branch is a big and courageous choice, and making a decision on which to join requires asking yourself what you want from and accomplish in your military career. As for the Navy, it definitely has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, which you should carefully weigh before you will know whether it is the right one for you or not.