Understand, I’m just speaking from the point of view of a navy mom here. Son got out of the navy in Dec, 2009. He is now in college finishing up the degree he started before the navy. He says entering the navy was a decision he will never regret.
He told me that boot camp was tough, but he fared better than some of the other recruits because he was a little older. (he was 21 when he entered whereas most were 18 and 19 and entered right out of high school The oldest recruit in his division was 32. The older guys are more emotionally ready. Physically, yes it is tough, but in a good way. The hardest time he (and we as his parents) had were the weeks of isolation. The first few are the hardest. You are allowed little contact with family, but that is a good thing. Yes, you get yelled at - a lot! but that eases up as you learn all the basics and learn the military mindset. Every man on a ship has to be able to depend on each other. It truly is teamwork. By the time graduation comes around - 8 weeks later - you are transformed. You are probably in the best shape you will ever be. Our son gained a self-confidence that I had never seen in him before. It was a very good experience for him, and we were so proud.
He was stationed in Japan for three years. Where they send you depends upon the needs of the navy, not your desires. You basically belong to the US government and ‘momma navy’ as we navy moms called it! You may be on a ship in the Persian Gulf - just guarding oil wells - or on the flight deck in the 7th Fleet in Japan. Depending on your rate, you could be down in the bowels of the ship or in an office. Our son was actually talking about going to officer school, but has since abandoned that idea, but he is majoring in Asian Studies and hopes to return to Japan someday.
Basically, some love it and some hate it - as with all military branches.
Good luck as you make your decision!
Thank you :)