On Duty

Women In the Navy


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What’s it like being a woman in today’s Navy? Challenging. Exciting. Rewarding. But above all, it’s incredibly empowering. That’s because the responsibilities are significant. The respect is well-earned. The lifestyle is liberating. And the chance to push limits personally and professionally is an equal opportunity for women and men alike.

Take on a role that defies convention

The notion of a “man’s work” is redefined in the Navy. Stereotypes are overridden by determination, by proven capabilities and by a shared appreciation for work that’s driven by hands-on skills and adrenaline. Here, a woman’s place is definitely in on the action. And women who seek to pursue what some may consider male-dominated roles are not only welcome, they’re wanted – in any of dozens of dynamic fields.

Train to become anything from a Sonar Technician (Surface) who conducts underwater surveillance to an Electronics Technician who knows the way around a nuclear propulsion power plant. Learn to operate guided missile systems as a Gunner’s Mate or lead security details as a Master-at-Arms. Launch a cutting-edge career in the field of aviation, as an Aviation Warfare Specialist, an Aviation Structural Mechanic or one of several other specialties in this area. It’s all possible.

Other high-impact positions currently in great demand include:

  • Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician – Locate, identify, diffuse and dispose of various forms of explosive devices – conventional, nuclear, chemical and biological
  • Diver – Perform underwater salvage, repair and maintenance, submarine rescue and support to Special Warfare and Explosive Ordnance Disposal communities
  • Aviation Rescue Swimmer – Perform aviation rescue operations over land and in an open ocean environment
  • Builder – Construct everything from buildings to bridges to runways and install finish work

Find jobs that fit almost any interests

No matter what type of job you’re after, there are countless opportunities available to you as a woman in the Navy. Pursue anything from Information Technology to Intelligence. Public Affairs to News and Media. Health Care to Human Resources. Whether you’re mechanically inclined, into computers, geared toward problem solving or eager to take charge, you can find a fit for your interests.

No prior work experience is typically required. The Navy offers all the training you’ll need. A willingness to learn and ambition to succeed can take you as far as you want to go.

Navy opportunities provide skills that can set you up for life – in and out of uniform. And along the way, you’ll have the chance to make a difference, whether serving the cause of freedom or helping contribute to the Navy’s ongoing humanitarian efforts around the globe.

Grow as a person – And as a professional

Besides equal pay for equal work, you can also look forward to the opportunity for personal development in the Navy. Take advantage of the chance to learn, grow, advance, serve and succeed right beside male counterparts – sharing the same duties and the same respect. Enjoy access to superior benefits compared to what’s offered by most employers and generous educational opportunities that can help you earn a degree.

The Navy stresses education as an important part of personal development and requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Enlisted careers and Officer careers are both readily available to women.

  • Enlisted careers stress more hands-work with state-of-the-art equipment that’s unrivaled in the civilian sector – in everything from construction to law enforcement to special operations. Training may be accepted as college credits at accredited colleges and universities.
  • Officer careers, which require a college education, present leadership opportunities in various career fields – from nuclear propulsion to health care. Some Navy programs even allow you to earn money while attending school.

Navy life — it’s what you make it

Spending time with family and friends. Going shopping. Getting all dressed up for a night out. As a woman, you’ll find there’s ample time for all of that in the Navy. Time when you’re off-duty. Time for the everyday things and the “girly stuff.” What you do as a woman in uniform may not be considered typical, but the life you lead outside of that can be as normal as you want.

The Navy opens up a whole new world. There’s the thrill of traveling the globe. The unique experience of living aboard a ship or being stationed in interesting places like San Diego or Hawaii. And there’s access to exciting recreational activities – plus a whole family of fellow Sailors to enjoy it all with.

And keeping up with family and friends is easy. The Navy provides mail services, computers and email access so you can stay in touch when away from home. Considering the exciting places you’ll visit, different people you’ll meet and new skills you’ll learn, you’ll have plenty to share.

See what it’s all about

Want to hear firsthand what it’s like being a woman in the Navy? Watch the stories of real Navy women now.