How to Join the Navy

The U.S. Navy offers opportunities to serve the nation aboard ships or at naval stations around the world. Many of the skills learned in the military service can be transferred to civilian life.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• GED Study Guides
• Academic Counselings
• Computer Desks
• Internet Access
• Career Counseling
• Pens And Pencils
• Spiral Notebooks
• Computers
• Internet Explorer

1. Understand that the Navy expects every sailor to be dedicated to the mission of national defense, even those serving in noncombat roles.
2. Discuss enlistment with parents or older family members who have been in the Navy. Listen closely to their personal experiences.
3. Remember that you will be devoting four years to an assignment away from your family, friends and home.
4. Consider whether you want to join with a request for special training or to join and accept the Navy's choice for your military occupational specialty.
5. Understand that Navy duty can require you to spend several months at sea.
6. Visit a Navy recruiter.
7. Ask for literature.
8. Ask questions and take notes.
9. Make sure you can establish rapport with the recruiter. The recruiter wants to fill a quota with good recruits, but you can get solid answers to your questions if you persist.
10. Make sure you clearly specify your desire to seek assignment to a particular military occupational specialty.
11. Ask your school counselor or the Navy recruiter to schedule you for the Armed Service Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.
12. Remember that you will undergo a physical examination, take a drug screening test and be subjected to a criminal background check.
13. Make no legal commitment until you're absolutely sure of your decision to join.

Tips & Warnings

• The Internet is an excellent resource to learn about Navy history and opportunities - and to keep in touch with your family once you're in service.
• You can profit from Navy service by doing your best every day and by treating military life as an adventure.
• The U.S. government offers opportunities for higher education while in the Navy and after being discharged.
• If you're not prepared to make a four-year commitment, consider the Reserves or the National Guard.
• The Armed Service Vocational Aptitude Battery test is available in its computerized version only at a Military Entrance Processing Station. It takes from 1 to 3 hours to complete there, and results can be available immediately. You must score at least 31 out of 100 to be eligible. Higher scores result in better opportunities.
• Some Navy specialties, such as those relating to nuclear power, require a six-year enlistment.
• All military services continue drug screening throughout active service.