Joining the navy?

Question

i am thinking about joining the navy.
should I go ahead and do it?
what would be some of the pros and cons, besides the obvious potential of dying?

(i do have 2 little kids and a wife)

just wanted to add that although my wife is sad about the possibility, she does believe that it will be good for us to be away for a little while as that will strengthen the relationship (don't get me wrong, she loves me and i love her and she has been and will always be faithful as ever to me. that's not an issue.) and also that our kids would be proud of their dad being a soldier and protecting the country and also trying to give them a better life in the grand scheme of things. i am still undecided. i want to and yet don't want to be separated from my family at all, yet then i think that to achieve something bigger, something good--a better life, you have to make some sacrifices and this may be one of those times.

whylekyotee2003, i wasn't able to locate your email address.

could you please email me at [e-mail].

thanks a lot.

Answer 1

Don't.

Not because it isn't a good career; I was 21 yrs active duty (Marine).

However, during your first 2-3 years in the service your pay, allowances & housing are minimal and you will be separated from your family a lot. Starting a family after you've been in the service a while is one thing, but going into the service with a family already isn't something I recommend.

Answer 2

Well, I'm in the Air Force, but I'll try and give you an unbiased synopsys.

Pro: Free Helthcare for you and your immediate dependants (wife and kids), 100% tuition assistance for school while active duty, montgomery G.I. bill wich will help you pay for collage once you separate, food pay, housing pay (or free housing if you live on base), free technical training and a chance to see the world...if your into that kinda thing.

Con: your stuck on a huge metal boat in the middle of nowhere for God only knows how long separated from your family. Your owned by the government for however long you sign up for. You have to wear those white uniforms...(not saying the Air Force uniforms are any better...but I think they're better than the Navys). One word: Sharks.

In the end, the military isnt that bad of a life. Its more of what you make of it and what you choose to take out of it. As a 21 year old married with a kid on the way who owns his own house, theres no way that I could be where I am today without the benefits and opportunities that the Air Force has given me.

Email me if you want a follow up.

Answer 3

Like the other person said go with your gut instinct. You know if you are cut out for it no one else does. Isn't it great that you live where you can make the choice and not have it made for you? I am former Air Force so I can't relate to the Navy. Yes death is one thing but like they say you can die anywhere. Would like to thank you as a veteran for even considering a military career with the way things are going right now. Having a family does make a difference. What ever you decide to do, I wish you and your family the best. If you do decide on the military I would like to take this opportunity to thank you in advance. I am proud to be former military and would not trade the experiences that I've had for anything and if I had it to do all over again or could be active duty right now, I would! Peace2U & GoodLuck

Answer 4

well navy is the toughtest for people in married, because of those 6 months deploymant and lots of small 3 to 1 month deployman etc..
pros well u get good amound of benefit for u family, u family can access lots of facility in the base such as GYM, Health Care, NEX, lots of free service. also u get like BAH for dependent, military probbaly is the only job in the govermetn i know gave u extra money because u married or got depende(child suport etc..) well also other pro u might had better time to prepare what is the best thing to spend little time with u kids when u back and probbly u kid would see u as role model father.

cons: might spend alot time away from family especially sea command or u first few yeras. Navy is rapidly increase sea time and same time cut down people in the navy which also make it more diffcult to advance. Even with BAH extra pay u got u family is not much better than most average civilian job. Also since u away from long time guess who charge of u finance in u house gonna be u wife, u wife had to be a good ficiance planner not just a spender. AIrforce is much better choice than Navy for family man, because they don't go at sea, just base, which mean easier access communication, airforce has the best benefit for family member, i

Answer 5

I am in the Australian Navy and have been for 30 years
pros are; your boss isn't going to let you go, you have a job for life if you so decide, they look after you for everything and no matter what happens in your life you know that you are going have the Navy
cons are; time away (but its like a honeymoon when you do) being in forgien countries, doing as you are told continually etc

But being that you have a wife and kids already I wouldn't do it as you will have to decide between them continually as you will get grief from your wife (no matter how good she is) about the fact you are away ( by my stage I have already being married and divorced twice) and you start thinking more towards your career than your family. lots of luck

Answer 6

First of all, I was in the Navy for 4 years and was never on a ship. They treated me great. Most of the time I had my own room and was fed great. Just because you are in the Navy doesn't mean you will be on a ship. I personally wanted sea duty. That is the reason I joined. I did enjoy the hospitals I was stationed at, though.

Answer 7

Well bud....m,y best friend joined the Navy and he is in love with it he has 2 4year old daughters and a wife. He know the responsibility that he has to the counrty and he is glad that he can protect our country and its freedom. He knows that he has made the choice that best fits him and his wife is happy, sad and understand his decision and she fully supporst him 100%. Its a judgement call that you as an American Citizen, a dad, and a husband have to make. If it was my choice I would go with my gut instinct !!

MR. A

Answer 8

Dude, I have 26 years USN and am still in! I could have retired years ago, but... I like it... the people, the travel, and I raised two kids... both are adults now, so now my wife and I are stationed in Europe and enjoying it!!! The benefits (medical, housing, educational...) simply multiply your pay!!! All I can tell u is... I think it's a great idea to achieve that 'change of lifestyle" you are looking for.

Answer 9

well you can die any where, i was in the navy and i had a great time, i got to see a lot and enjoyed what i was doing, but it is tough with a family you can be gone alot, up to 6 months to a year from home. so i like being in the navy, but you will have to really discuss this with your wife. good luck

Answer 10

Join today! Your motivations are "Most Nobel" and the true patriots of this nation are found in olive drab and navy blue. One thing to keep in mind when you are at MEPS picking your rate choose something that has meaning in the civilian world. There aren't alot of job offers for a Gunner's Mate there are for an Electrician's Mate etc etc.... fair winds dude and welcome aboard