Highly dependent on job, but if you're a SWO: You'll hate your life but people will respect you - Surface Warfare Officer US Navy Employee Review

2.0
14 Apr 2011
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good benefits, respect from civilians, pretty good pay if right out of college, exciting, opportunity to travel, looks good on a resume, good leadership experience for someone so young, probably the easiest route to become a CO/XO

Cons

Extremely little free time, Dog eat dog mentality, high stress, extreme discrepancy between quality of senior leadership, too much politicking, not enough sleep, murky job roles

Explore other reviews about US Navy

5.0
27 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Sense of belonging and service to country

Cons

May work weekends or long hours depending on duty station

5.0
3 Jun 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

It is what you make out of it. You'll have good days and bad days. It's all dependent on your leadership. That can make or break the command. Medical is free, but can take a while to get seen. You'll meet a lot of new people and could travel around the world depending on your duty station. Education benefits and training.

Cons

Medical can take a while to get seen, unless it's an emergency. If you're single, the pay isn't that great, but you don't have to much to worry about for bills if you live on base. If you're on sea duty billet, your work life balance will be terrible.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All