My brother’s a nuc sub guy (enlisted), and I was just talking to him about whether he would stay in for 20. He said that at 20, he will have an option of leaving with 40% pay plus a big bonus or 50% pay. Is this standard? Nobody’s mentioned this sort of choice being available. What’s the magnitude of that bonus? It better be pretty big…
Yes, it’s now standard for those entering the service after August 1, 1986.
The bonus is $30K at the 15-year point. You must decide at the 15-year point.
Here’s a link with lots more info:
A couple more considerations. First, do you want to get married and start a family. The Navy lifestyle is not always conducive to this. Unlike the other services, where you’re stationed in one place and aren’t likely to leave unless your unit is called for duty (like right now), a Navy ship can and often does leave for six months at a time. So, you have to consider whether your wife can handle your affairs in your absence. (Don’t laugh. I’ve known many sailors whose wives ruined their credit and forced them into bankruptcy and worse.) You also have to consider the impact on your kids.
The other thing to consider is the quality of health care for dependents, and the ease of accessing it. Sure, it’s free, but in some places, it’s lousy. In some cities, like Norfolk and San Diego, your family may have to go through the military-run clinics and hospitals. It can take weeks or months to get an appointment in the appropriate clinic. In some cities, especially those in non-military cities, Champus is a joke. Contrary to popular belief, doctors are not required to take it. There is the possibility of large medical bills should your wife become pregnant (unless she has insurance through her job).
Robin
Oh, but y’all do do something important: You sign red tags and pass the coffee to the operators on watch. Oh, and you sign the logs, too. 
[sup]Sorry, just couldn’t resist![/sup]
Who are the O-gangers, OPS?
I was on a carrier, first in Reactor, then in OPS. I’ve never heard of O-gangers. (A-gangers, yes, not O.)
I think it just dawned on me… Officers??
More specifically, submarine ossifers.