When you also include all medical and housing benefits, it's really not as bad as people think. You don't have to pay crazy insurance prices, so that's a pay bump, if in housing you don't pay any bills (unless they charge utilities, even then it's not as much as in town), so pay bump there.

Sure, some days suck, some leadership sucks, but overall, the Navy does pay pretty well when you really break it down.

Coming off the streets, you get medical/dental, food, a roof over your head, clothes to wear, 30 days of leave per year, college, etc. You are well taken care of in the Navy.

I retired after 20 and now I have a pension and disability. I didn't love every minute, I almost separated once, but I'm glad I stayed in and I'm really glad our kids are joining because it's a hell of a lot better than the civilian sector, especially if you're in the service industry. The only issue is you can't quit without major consequences.