What are the risks and benefits of joining the Navy these days?

Pay = GOOD.

Benefits = EXCELLENT

Training = OUTSTANDING (depends on your ability and motivation though)

Risk = depends

In your situation I would definitely consider it. You should shop all the military recruiters, though. They all pay the same, but if it was me I would make Coast Guard my first choice.

You will start at about $1400 a month, and this will quickly rise if you put some effort into it. Try to get into some kind of specialty area that will be useful to you when you get out. There are many, many technical areas such as electronics, diesel mechanic, aircraft mechanic, nuclear power, etc. etc. The training is the very best you can get anywhere, and your experience will be respected and extremely valuable in the civilian world.

I know that $1400 a month sounds kind of sucky, but it's guaranteed and you WILL be paid every single month without fail. And your cost of living is zero. They will provide food and housing. And clothing. And medical care. You have to pay for your own booze.

The combat question is not easy to answer. Yes, there are situations in which you can get yourself killed. You should try to avoid those by going into a specialty that does not make you a target. Big ships are pretty safe. Little boats that go into bad places are not. The Navy also has some ground troops that do dangerous things. Don't ask me why. Even the Coast Guard has gotten into some of that, so be cautious when asked to volunteer for special missions. Even if they offer a bonus. On the other hand, at your age I thought that getting shot at was pretty exciting. ( I knew that I was immortal.) Honestly, I had a pretty good time in Vietnam. But then I didn't have to crawl around in the mud and kill people either.

You can also retire after 20 years. With your retirement pay and your excellent training and experience, you will be in great demand. You can get a job ashore and earn another pension if you want.

Supposedly, the military is becoming extremely interested in providing psychological care to the many victims they have created. If you complete your degree you could get into OCS and be an officer and probably use your specialty. Or they might let you continue your education, although not right away. You should probably talk to a recruiter about all of that.

You get benefits for you and your family, like heathcare, etc.... if you are married. Plus yourfuneral is payed for if you die there or years after. Pay is decent but not great. The experience is worth EVERYTHING. There are mnay things you can do in the navy... Cook all the way to a SEAL. Take a test and see how they place you. You will enjoy it :-D

When you get back you will generally get a full ride to a college of your choice... being resonable.

I doubt they ever get attacked. The news/papers/internet never talks about Naval ships being attacked. They are more like cheerleaders now adays anywho.