Pros
If you retire from the Navy after 20 years, you will receive a lifetime pension, typically based on your final pay or a high-36 average, plus continued healthcare through TRICARE for you and eligible family members. You also gain access to base facilities, commissaries, and exchanges, along with potential VA benefits like disability compensation and education assistance. Additionally, retirement can offer a smooth transition to civilian life with veteran status advantages for jobs, loans, and other programs.
Cons
Certain duty stations in the military can be significantly better or worse depending on factors like location, mission, available resources, leadership, and the surrounding community. In the earlier stages of service, I genuinely enjoyed the military experience, the structure, camaraderie, and hands on work made it rewarding. However, as I progressed in rank and accrued more rank, the environment at some duty stations became increasingly challenging. Political dynamics, widespread poor leadership, and declining quality of life and care for sailors. Whether from long hours, bureaucratic obstacles, or limited support, it gradually takes a toll. By the 10 year mark, these factors overshadowed the initial satisfaction, making continued service less sustainable and impacting overall well being.