The opportunity to join forces like the Air Force, Army, or Navy is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. A chance to be a true patriot by dedicating your life in service to your country. Protect your country and its citizens from foreign and domestic threats and ensure national harmony. Naval forces are a vital part of any military system and are considered the backbone of a country’s marine defense. A navy is a specialized unit of the military that is in charge of safeguarding the waterways of a nation and using sea power to repel or diffuse threats from outside. They are tasked with monitoring and identifying illegal activities at a nation’s waterfront. Naval forces deploy military assets such as supplies, personnel, and weapons. Furthermore, they act as power projection, sea control, and nuclear deterrence.
Getting into such a service group is not a walk in the park. It requires focus, determination, and an unwavering will. To qualify, you must take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test (ASVAB) and score a minimum of 35 to enlist in the Navy. That is just the start, and then you must be physically fit enough to run 1.5 miles without stopping or taking a break. A person has to be able to complete numerous sets of both push-ups and crunches. All of this was done merely to enable enlistment in the Navy.
This occupation has benefits and drawbacks, just like any other profession today. Naval officers enjoy perks like good pay and travel around the world. Still, at the same time, they put themselves at risk of diseases like mesothelioma. Typically, it happens 20 to 50 years after asbestos exposure. This deadly, life-consuming cancer requires prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers and materials containing asbestos. Fortunately, many informational and supportive offline and online resources are available to mesothelioma navy veterans. As mesothelioma cases in the U.S. Navy increased, the government and military established specialized departments and platforms.
Here are some of the pros and cons of serving as a sailor in the Navy.
Pros
- Chance to travel the world
The Navy provides an amazing opportunity to travel the world for men and women of all ages. For people who have dreamt about traveling the world, joining the Navy can bring this dream to reality. There will be numerous missions and bases that you might be visiting during your deployment. They get a chance to visit exotic places worldwide and learn about various cultures, religions, and historical backgrounds. The Navy is the most pompous elite military branch in this regard. You will deploy at least once throughout a four-year enlistment. Your ship will undoubtedly dock at 7-8 different harbors during that one deployment. The Navy arranges historical and cultural excursions for each visit. You are entitled to 30 days of paid leave, excluding weekends and federal holidays. Apart from that, you have access to several resorts around the globe and military lodges that are cheaper than civilian hotels. Officers can avail of travel discounts, and at times they can jump onto a military hop and travel without any charge.
- Free quality education
The Navy enables people to achieve their goal of receiving quality higher education. This branch of elite military service allows individuals to get a college education at the expense of the military. Individuals can now study for free. Some other educational benefits include being able to study for your degree while you are onboard a naval vessel. So having the flexibility to take classes online and study while on duty is a great benefit.
- World-class training
The Navy is known for polishing its officers by giving them world-class training. Individuals are well trained in cutting-edge technology and are well versed in state-of-the-art equipment. Besides the above, all candidates are given proper leadership training and are taught how to maximize their potential to become influential leaders. During their basic training, discipline is instilled within each individual.
- Free and affordable housing
For junior enlisted sailors, the Navy provides very affordable housing and, sometimes, even free housing. They get accommodations on ships and in the barracks. For senior sailors, the Navy provides them with free housing on the base or gives them an accommodation allowance based on the cost of living in that specific area.
- Affordable healthcare
Enlisted service members and their families can enjoy benefits like free healthcare. It includes hospital visits, routine checkups, and physical examinations. For individuals that demand civilian services, discounts are offered. Healthcare coverage and medical insurance are also provided for officers. In the case of life insurance, they provide coverage amounting to up to $400,000.
Cons
- Strict requirements
Being able to qualify for the Navy is not an easy task. It requires an immense amount of hard work and dedication. To enlist in the Navy, you need a minimum score of 35 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test. If that is not tough enough, you must also meet all the physical requirements about an individual’s height, weight, and fitness standards. You have to be able to run 1.5 miles without rest.
2. Low pay
Most men and women who have served in the Navy at some point in their lives said that the monetary compensation is not good enough for the work they have to do. The pay is less when considering the number of hours you have to put in and the hazards individuals face on deck.
3. Harsh living conditions
The living conditions on a ship are very harsh. Sailors are placing their lives at risk for the sake of their country. Officers often get sick and catch diseases like mesothelioma; if they are lucky, the least they have to face is sea sickness. Apart from that, having to live in cramped-up spaces inside the vessel is not an easy task. It is no secret that navy ships are not roomy and comfortable. Living in overcrowded small spaces can lead to bad hygiene and depression, and anxiety.
4. Being away from loved ones
Despite all the perks, working this job requires you to give up other things, including your family. Being away from your family for such a long amount of time is a difficult task. People miss their loved ones, and it even makes them homesick. Such circumstances can push a person into depression and can also harm a person’s mental health.
Final thoughts
Joining the Navy is not an easy task and requires an unwavering will and complete dedication. You must overcome many hardships and hurdles. It is a test of an individual’s mental and physical fitness. For navy sailors reaping benefits and making sacrifices goes hand in hand.
