I am planning on going into the Navy. If you have served before, what is it like?

I did active duty as a MMW for 5 years on a nuclear powered submarine. I hated my job mainly because the leadership in my division sucks and so did my rate. Qualifications are vigorous, you'll get lack of sleep, deploying average of 300 days out of the year, working over 100 hours a week on average. But the good part to working on a submarine is that you get extra pay, you have a better chance to make rank, and the knowledge and experience you will gain. I recommend picking a rate you would enjoy doing. I heard from people that was prior surface but are now submariners, enjoy the surface lifestyle a lot more. It's easier, more relaxing, and on big ships you actually have mini stores and stuff. So if you want a challenge, than go submarines. But if I would have reenlist, I would have fine surface. Remember, you pick your rate, you pick your fate. Have fun!

Navy is a good branch! Expect to be out at sea a lot. Last I read the Navy is increasing sea time for their sailors. You will see a lot of the world though! Best of luck man.

I know of this great documentary about Navy life on board a US carrier. Check it out and you'll get a very thorough answer to your question! It's really great, i've watched 9 out of the ten.

It's called "Carrier" and you can find it on Hulu. Its a ten-part miniseries. Here's the link.

http://www.hulu.com/carrier

Think about your freedom... is it worth giving up if I was you I would think about if you are ready to be control for about 3 to 5 years. Don't give up that freedom unless you have been out of high school for about 5 years and you have a family to support... but even then be ready for alot of Stress.