Career Potential

In today’s competitive work environment, any advantage your students have will move them ahead faster and easier. America’s Navy can give students the edge they need — education, training and real-life experience.

The Navy trains its personnel for hundreds of high-growth positions in more than 60 career fields. While they’re enlisted, Sailors learn about leadership, responsibility and new technology — all valuable skills that easily transfer to the civilian workplace.

Learn more about Career Potential in America’s Navy.

Learn more about Careers and Jobs in America’s Navy.

College Financing

The Navy places a high value on education. Challenging missions and a high-tech work environment demand Sailors who are highly capable. That’s why all recruits must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, and all those entering the Navy as Officers must have a college degree.

The Navy encourages all personnel to pursue their education by offering:

• Money for college
• Ways to pay off student loans
• College courses on ships and bases
• Educational benefits through the Post 9/11 GI Bill

And joining the Navy doesn’t mean giving up on plans for a master’s or doctorate. The Navy needs highly educated individuals for critical research, strategic planning and other vital activities.

Learn more about Education Opportunities in America’s Navy.

Learn more about Post-Graduate Opportunities in America’s Navy.

Experience Life

Sometimes the best education comes from the real-world experiences. America’s Navy has a global presence with more than 100 ports of call, giving your students the opportunity to see firsthand how other people, cultures and countries live. It’s an opportunity that most people only dream about, but the Navy can put this kind of life-changing experience within reach.

Learn more about where your students could travel in America’s Navy.

In Their Own Words

“I knew exactly what I was looking for, and the Navy was able to give it to me. Actually, I got more than I was looking for. I am now a journalist working in the public relations field. In addition to producing brochures and press releases, I am designing Web pages and practicing photography. Because of all my experience and the Navy training I have received, I am just shy of getting my bachelor’s degree in journalism. I plan on earning that very soon.” – Mathew Chabe, Mass Communication Specialist, Second Class

“I guess you could say I came from humble beginnings. I had only been out of West Virginia twice in my life. Dad was a disabled coal miner. Mom was a housewife. I was the youngest of 10 kids. We were dependent on welfare and Social Security. Despite all that, I did well in school and wanted to become part of the Navy nuclear power program. I was hungry to succeed. And I knew I could do it. Since I’ve been in the Navy, I have earned a bachelor of science degree in Nuclear Engineering and a master’s degree in Management, with the Navy picking up a good portion of my tuition. I have traveled to more than 35 countries in Europe, Asia, South America, the Middle East and all but six of the 50 states. Where else but in the Navy?” – Travis Goodwin, Supply Corps Officer, Lieutenant Commander

“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. 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, Yeoman, Petty Officer Third Class

“I come from a small town in Texas. Since I joined the Navy, I have traveled the world. I’ve become a certified EMT (Emergency Medical Technician). And because the Navy helped me with my tuition, I will have my bachelor’s degree in business administration and medical technology in a little over a year. Joining the Navy was probably one of the best decisions I ever made. My parents – my dad especially – are very, very proud of me. When I go home to visit, even my friends’ parents tell me how proud they are of what I have done. I intend to retire from the Navy. I love it.” – Kelly Bell, Yeoman, Petty Officer Second Class

“My life changed February 19. I enlisted that morning. That was over 10 years ago and life has been great ever since. As an Ordnanceman (loading bombs on aircraft), I have traveled around the world. I intend to get involved in real estate when I retire. The Navy even paid for my education so I could get my real estate license. My immediate goal is to make it into an Officer’s program; I would like to become a Chief Petty Officer. I was always the black sheep of the family. I wasn’t into school (studying wasn’t something I liked to do). I got into trouble. Now, my mom makes scrapbooks with the newspaper articles I send her about the places I have been while on liberty during deployments. She is very proud of me. The Navy didn’t get me to where I am today. I did that. What the Navy did was give me the opportunity to succeed.” – Jeffrey Campbell, Aviation Ordnanceman, Petty Officer First Class

Resources

Learn how the Navy seeks the best and the brightest at the Navy Recruiting Command Web site.

Get the real story about what the Navy is like for young people…from the mothers of Sailors at NavyForMoms.com.

Visit the Navy Fact File.