Crossroads
Financial
The Navy is all about security. Financial security.
When the economy goes bad, if you’re in the civilian sector, you’re going to get laid off. That happened to me several times when I was a civilian. That won’t happen to me in the Navy.
The Navy has paid 100% of my college tuition. (I’m a few credits shy of my bachelor’s degree. After I get that, it’s on to Officer Candidate School.) My health care is covered. I receive food and housing allowances. My pay raise last year was certainly better than what I received when I was a civilian. Of course, when you get promoted you also get a boost in salary. I was promoted my first year; I’m shooting for another advancement in the next few months.
If you’re a hands-on type of person, the Navy can accommodate you. If you’re more of a thinker, like I am, the Navy can set you up. I am in a high-visibility position — Flag Yeoman for a two-star Admiral in charge of an entire carrier strike group. I handle things like correspondence, pay and personnel issues and different types of administrative tasks. Not bad for a guy who entered the Navy not all that long ago.
I intend to retire from the Navy. With benefits and security better than what I received as a civilian. I sleep very well at night.
– Walter Lee
Petty Officer Third Class, Yeoman
