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Frequently Asked Questions



If I enlist, how long would it be for?

Depending on the career you sign up for, your active duty term could last anywhere from two to six years. With certain exceptions, at the end of your enlistment, you can reenlist.

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Can I attend college while on active duty?

Definitely. Going to school is encouraged. The Navy will pay 100% tuition for all accredited classes. In addition to gaining knowledge, a degree can help you when it comes time for a promotion.

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What types of careers are available to me?

They range from mechanical, aviation, medical, legal, dental, electronics, law enforcement and photography to information technology, special operations and so much more. The Navy has more than 60 different career fields.

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What if I don’t know what I want to do?

No problem. Based on your personality and interests, we can help you select a career you’ll enjoy and the type of setting you’d prefer to work in. We have a couple of short, fun and simple personality and interest tests you can take.

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Where is Recruit Training Command located?

Recruit Training Command is just north of Chicago in Great Lakes, Illinois.

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What’s Recruit Training like?

Recruit Training sessions are eight weeks long. Roughly 75 percent of your time will involve classroom training and 25 percent will be spent on physical training. You can receive college credit just for attending the training.

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Do I get vacation time after Recruit Training?

Depending on your career, you could go directly to your “A” School for technical training. “A” School sessions vary in length, depending on the career you choose. After “A” School, you’ll get two weeks of vacation time (known as “leave” in the Navy). If you don’t attend “A” School right after Recruit Training, you will get a two-week leave.

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Can I travel in the Navy?

If you like to travel, you’ve come to the right place. U.S. Navy ships visit ports around the world. When you’re not on duty, you could find yourself off-roading in the desert, scuba diving in the Mediterranean or going to a Broadway show in New York City. Find out where you could be after a year or more of service.

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How much time off do I get?

You get 30 days of vacation time (known as “leave” in the Navy) each year. You can take it a day at a time or in blocks. Suppose you don’t take all your leave in one year. You won’t lose it. The Navy lets you accumulate up to 60 days of leave. Check out some of your Navy perks, including discounts at numerous theme parks.

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Does the Navy have a “buddy” program?

Absolutely. You and your friend can join the Navy at the same time and even complete Recruit Training together. If you both choose the same career, the Navy can go as far as sending you both to the same duty station.

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How old do I have to be to enlist in the Navy?

You must be less than 35, but at least 17 years old. However, if you are under the age 18, you must have parental consent. The Navy Reserve can accept applications from men and women up to 39 years old.

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Do I need a high school diploma to enlist?

Normally a high school diploma is required. You can join the Navy with a GED in certain, rare cases.

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Do I get to choose where I will be stationed?

You can specify whether you would like to serve in the Atlantic or Pacific. The Navy will direct where you go from that point. To get a rough idea of where you could be stationed after a year or more, as well as some of the perks you’d be entitled to, visit Who I Can Be.

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Is there a sign-on bonus for joining the Navy?

In some cases. All hard-to-fill careers (usually in advanced fields) come with a sign-on bonus. Contact a recruiter if you want more information.

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Do I have to be on a ship?

Remember, we are the Navy. Most of our careers are located on ships, but not all. The Navy has several careers that are land-based. Contact a recruiter for more information.

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If I don’t know how to swim, will the Navy teach me?

Yes. The Navy has certified swim instructors at Recruit Training to help you learn how to swim and pass your swim tests. In fact, someone will be there to give you a hand in almost any area where you need a little extra help. The goal is to help you successfully complete Recruit Training.

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Can I take my car with me?

After Recruit Training you can take your vehicle with you to your duty station or home port.

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Will I have to go into battle?

If the Navy is called upon and you are in that unit or on the ship directed to respond, you will go into combat. You will be performing the duties you were trained to do.

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Will I have to cut my hair?

The Navy does have grooming standards. That means if you’re a guy and you’re in Recruit Training, you’ll get a “buzz cut”. If you’re a woman, your hair will be cut to the bottom of the collar of your uniform. When you’re done with Recruit Training, you’ll be able to let your hair grow a bit.

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Will I get paid? If so, how much?

From the moment you enter Recruit Training, you will receive a paycheck on the 1st and 15th of each month.

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Can I sign up but hold off going through Recruit Training?

Yes. The Navy has something called the Delayed Entry Program (DEP). You can take care of all the paperwork and be processed into the Navy but delay getting activated for up to a year.

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