If you’re thinking of joining the Navy, you may be doing so to become part of our great fighting force abroad. However, did you know though that there are many other benefits of joining the Navy that will impact your entire life? Both you and your family members can enjoy many of the benefits of joining the Navy.
Economic Benefits Of Joining The Navy.
Sailors make a great contribution to filling our national goals, but bottom line, being in the Navy is a job. In a tough economy where unemployment is variable, the Navy is a guaranteed job with guaranteed pay raises. You seldom hear about downsizing enlisted personnel in the Navy.
Each January, sailors receive a small cost-of-living pay increase, while every two years they receive a larger raise based on their amount of time in the service. For example, a person ranked as an E?5 who has served for 10 years makes about $300 more than someone of the same rank who has been in the Navy for six years.
Meeting The Higher Cost Of Living
In addition to base pay, sailors receive a BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) and a BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsidence) to help offset food and housing costs. These rates are in line with local cost-of-living based on where the soldiers are stationed. If you are stationed in an area with a high cost of living, you’ll also receive a COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment). Many of these benefits are not taxed. CONUS COLA (cost-of-living adjustment for sale used within the United States) is considered part of taxable income, but a similar overseas COLA is not.
Healthcare Security With Tricare Prime
At a time when healthcare costs are mounting and our country is debating how best to meet healthcare needs for families, sailors are covered. They and their families have access to local military treatment facilities (MTF?s) through Tricare Prime or to participating civilian providers through Tricare Standard. Those who retire after 20 years of service can keep their Tricare Prime benefits for a yearly enrollment fee of $260 per person or $520 per family.
When sailors retire from active duty, they are eligible to receive pension for the rest of their life based on their rank at retirement and their years of service. After 20 years of duty, a sailor receives a percentage of his/her monthly pay, while 40 years of service guarantees a Navy retiree full pay. For someone who joined the Navy right out of high school and served 20 years, this means they get a monthly paycheck to supplement a new civilian career.
Meeting The Navy Requirements To Join
There are plenty of benefits for joining up, but do you meet the Navy requirements to join? Basically, you need to be 17, a high school graduate, in good physical shape, and able surpass a standard physical. The Navy welcomes both US citizens and permanent resident aliens with a green card. Those who sign up for active duty must be between ages 17 and 34, while reservists should be between 18 and 39.
An exciting new life could lie ahead for you in the Navy. To learn about the benefits of joining the Navy and the requirements to join, make a visit to your local recruiting office. The recruiter can help you lay out your future and show you how to get started. Being in the Navy can make for a great life.