Is the Navy underrated and unappreciated?

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 21:23:51 -0500

When you think of the services you think of the Army. From GI Joe to GI Jane, the image is Bivouacs and an Abrams Tank. But who is in the field most of the time? Who is on crowded ships for extended periods of times? The Navy travels around on ships and they are heavily involved in wars and combat. They can be like sitting ducks and on Aircraft Carriers a virtual airport.

I have a CD about the Navy and it shows just how active and how dangerous the Navy's job is. They may not be boots on the ground but they are boots on deck and very vulnerable as Pearl Harbor suggests.

What's your take? Is the Navy under-appreciated? I want to make this abundantly clear, this is not about minimizing the efforts of the other branches but my brother was Navy and when he saw my dorm, he was speechless and then said, "You Air Force people have it made". LOL

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2015 9:34 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 21:34:46 -0500

I think they are more misunderstood then anything else. Maybe the planned sequel to Top Gun will help bring the spotlight back.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2015 9:39 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 21:39:27 -0500

I love the Navy!

In The Navy music video at end credits from Down Periscope

Can you handle 'corny'? I guess you might not get it unless you actually were "in the Navy". I was for 5 years from Oct88 to Oct93. 3 tours to Persian Gulf. ...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2015 11:10 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 23:10:05 -0500

I love the navy. It will forever be "my branch" since they were first. It bothers me when soldiers bash on the navy.

Response by PO2 Kelly Sturdivant made Feb 2 at 2015 12:18 AM

PO2 Kelly Sturdivant — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 00:18:22 -0500

Remember it was the Navy who brought the marines from the ships to the beaches during the World Wars. The Navy won the wars out in the Pacific Ocean. We play our part

Response by PO2 Steven Erickson made Feb 2 at 2015 1:36 AM

PO2 Steven Erickson — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 01:36:41 -0500

As a sub service veteran, I know that my branch is "out of sight - out of mind". It used to bother me, but now I know that's to be expected.

I can proudly say that while my overly-comfortable boomer brothers (poke!) were quietly hiding, ready to unleash the hell of nuclear weapons upon any who would do the same to us, the USS Permit and the rest of the attack boats were out there, tracking our adversaries' missile subs, ready to kill them the instant they launched a weapon at our homes.

I know the typical Marine or Mech Infantry soldier didn't know we were out there, but I knew they didn't need to know.

Is the Navy disrespected or ignored? No way. Does every E-5 in uniform need to know what every other E-5 is doing? Obviously not.

One of the things I love about RP is the chance to learn what's important to the Gunnys and Tops and Tech Sergeants. And maybe they'll learn something from us Petty Officers.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2015 2:23 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 02:23:37 -0500

And don't forget, the Navy isn't all on ships. There are lots of Doctors, Corpsmen, Chaplains, and Religious Program Specialists and even a few Surface Warfare Officers that serve in the trenches right alongside the Marines. Then there are the Seabees, the EOD techs, and many others that rarely, if ever, see time onboard ship.

Response by SPC Lukas Jones made Feb 2 at 2015 2:52 AM

SPC Lukas Jones — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 02:52:53 -0500

I think each branch under-appreciates the others. Even the Coast Guard is considered to be the red headed step child of the military, but having taken a motorcycle safety course on a Coast Guard Station, I saw how much work they also do keeping our boarders safe. The fact is, each branch serves a separate purpose. Take the Air Force, they used to be just a branch of the Army before it was decided to make them a separate branch as their domain was deprecate from the Army's. No branch should be underrated! We are all brothers and sisters in arms!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2015 4:09 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 04:09:42 -0500

I think from a military perspective, no. From a civilian standpoint, when they think military they think Army or Marines. They often forget the Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, etc. It's unfortunate but if you ask me, the appreciation of your brothers and sisters in arms matters ten times more than that of any civilian.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2015 4:13 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 04:13:37 -0500

Yes, I think the Navy is overlooked. But the Coast Guard is the most overlooked and underrated.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 2 at 2015 11:50 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 11:50:22 -0500

I think a lot of folks just forget about them.

Having been on ship with them, they work ALL THE TIME. There is just constant maintenance that has to be done on those floating monstrosities, and sailors are doing it.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2015 11:51 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 11:51:27 -0500

They are easy to make fun of, but we could not be the best military in the world without them.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Feb 2 at 2015 11:54 AM

LTC Paul Labrador — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 11:54:28 -0500

Since most of our conflicts have been in relatively land locked countries, yes the Navy has not necessarily been featured on the front pages (well except for SEALs, but that is a whole 'nother discussion). Right now, while the Navy has a key strategic role, it is not very well known outside of those "in the know". However, if a conflict with China or Russia were to ever occur, the Navy's role would come immediately to the forefront.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2015 3:28 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 15:28:20 -0500

I think the Navy as a service is premiere if not preeminent. I believe as a service it receives the respect it has earned.

However, break down to the individual sailor against other services members the distinction starts to get a little blurry...

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Feb 5 at 2015 4:06 PM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 16:06:03 -0500

Is the who underrated and appreciated?

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Feb 5 at 2015 4:09 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 16:09:09 -0500

I'll tell you this, the SEABEES are very appreciated by every combat arms unit that'd been engaged in FID....they were huge in getting pumps up and restoring services in Hit and Ramadi, Iraq....made a huge impact on our mission - VERY appreciated!

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2015 5:00 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 17:00:16 -0500

Not unappreciated or under-appreciated. We just like to make fun of you more than anyone else because of your uniforms.

The most unappreciated or under-appreciated in my opinion is the Coast Guard.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2015 5:20 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 17:20:20 -0500

I like those river boats. I think if I went in the Navy, that would be the job for me!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2015 5:35 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 17:35:04 -0500

hard to take those white uniforms seriously or those blue uniforms, cannot imagine if a sailor falls in the water

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2015 5:59 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 17:59:09 -0500

The problem is really that the last 20 plus years this nation hasn't had a real enemy. Yeah we've been tangled up in these little low-intensity wars (yanking your chain) with little crappy countries so the Navy hasn't had a real mission. Mark my words, the Navy will shine and be recognized if and when we ever face a real foe. Russia, China, somebody with a Navy that isn't just patrol boats and re-purposed dhow's...

Modern Naval warfare isn't like the battles of WWII with battleships blasting away at each other. It's worse, you don't see your enemy face to face, he's over the horizon and he is launching missiles at you.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2015 6:04 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 18:04:55 -0500

That clown, second from the right, in the picture on your OP. He needs to square away his cover! smh

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Feb 5 at 2015 6:27 PM

SFC Collin McMillion — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 18:27:25 -0500

I carry tremendous respect for every member of the armed forces as long as their service was honorable.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2015 6:52 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 18:52:51 -0500

I served 7 years in the Navy as a Gunners Mate! Wish I would've stayed. Would've retired in 2012. Their job is quite dangerous as well as having extra duties such as fire fighting parties, damage control parties, other watches to stand and boarding parties to assist in interdiction ops to boot.

Response by CWO4 David Zimmerman made Feb 5 at 2015 7:29 PM

CWO4 David Zimmerman — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 19:29:10 -0500

We are always "on watch". Anywhere in the world in 24 hours or less. Having served on nine (9) ships and completing 19 deployments in my 30 year career, we were always on call to be early deployed or extended on your current deployment depending on the global situation at the time. So in a sense, yes, we were unappreciated and a bit underrated. Why were we being extended over or six or eight month deployment? Why were we relieving THAT battle group early. We just say "AYE- AYE SIR" and listen up for liberty call. I would happily do it all over again. IN GOD WE TRUST, everyone else we monitor.

Response by CPO John Sheuring made Feb 6 at 2015 11:26 AM

CPO John Sheuring — Fri, 06 Feb 2015 11:26:28 -0500

I had trouble deciding which way to go on this answer. What won me over on the final answer rather simple, unless you live close to or on the coast of a ocean, the Navy is not the first thing when you think of what military bases are close. I live only 20 miles from Fort Bragg and all I see or hear is Army. When I go to the VA, it is full of Army and I feel like a fish out of water, no pun intended....well yes a little. There seems to be more presence of Army and Air Force bases than Navy and most of the news is about...Army. Nothing against you guys and gals.....but I sure wish there were more Navy people around me. What is even more rare than the Navy, is to find a Crypto person close to me.
However, I will say this, I have enjoyed talking with all branches of service and respect all branches of service. I love to hear stories from many of the Army people that I see around me and when I visit in Fayetteville, NC.
And, as I am sure many on here remember, before 95 there were a lot more military bases and locations before the first cuts and closures to bases.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2015 9:43 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 21:43:08 -0500

61% believe so. The issue is not decided and Mr One Million SFC Mark Merino found some hanging chads. Hmmmm

Response by CWO3 John Smith made Feb 8 at 2015 6:05 PM

CWO3 John Smith — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 18:05:28 -0500

While the Navy is a military service, equally important is that it is a service of profesional seafarers and mariners who hold that in common with their civilian counterparts. As a retired sailor, I feel a kinship with my military bretheren and also with all who go down to the sea in ships. Since what we do is primarily at sea, others may have have uninformed misconconceptions. "All I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by".

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 8:53 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 20:53:02 -0500

As I see it, the largest service largely doesn't use the naval services for much...US Army repectively, however, the smallest service, the US Marines relies on the US Navy extensively for medical, for transport of personnel and equipment, as well as other services (UCMJ), I think only the US Army and USAF would suggest the US Navy Is an insignificant military service. They are a very significant military service and suggesting otherwise is counter-productive to good order....I wonder out of your survey of the SM that replied, how many are Sailors...how many were Soldiers. Because it is my belief, Marines are largely under-rrpresented here on RP, and no Marine in their right mind would vote that they are underrated/insignificant.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 9:00 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 21:00:45 -0500

This is not an issue in the Marines or Navy...

Response by A1C Gregory Beckham made Feb 8 at 2015 11:50 PM

A1C Gregory Beckham — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 23:50:01 -0500

They are totally over-looked. I stayed in contact with some high school buddies in the Navy, and we practically had the same job. Except I had my own bed, got to enjoy my car, freedom, and being able to travel about the state I was stationed in. Meanwhile, He's literally sharing a bed (Hot bunk, I think it's called), has money, but can only enjoy so much on a ship where there is no true silence, let alone the fact that if anything happens, combat wise, they're practically stranded on the ocean for days until help arrives.

Major 'nads on the Navy. To be honest, I kind of chickened out and joint the Air Force instead... (Not bashing the Wild Blue Yonder, mind you)

Response by PO1 Kevin Shell made Feb 12 at 2015 7:42 PM

PO1 Kevin Shell — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 19:42:43 -0500

For the record, one the Navy is one of the oldest branches if it was not for the Continental Navy there would not have been a United States and two GI Jane was a movie about a female Naval Officer that wanted to be a Navy SEAL....just saying

Response by MSgt Michelle Mondia made Feb 12 at 2015 10:12 PM

MSgt Michelle Mondia — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 22:12:05 -0500

I think the coast guard is the most underrated...

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Feb 12 at 2015 10:16 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 22:16:51 -0500

Never felt Underrated or Undervalued. It was a Great Way of Life for 21 years and I will never forget those I served with, Even those Chiefs that I butted Heads with. Respected them All. I don't Miss $10,000 and or 10 yrs if you screw up. I don't miss carrying a briefcase full of Classified Material all the time. I don't miss PMs on Firefighting Equipment.

Response by MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2015 10:27 PM

MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 22:27:53 -0500

SEALs, Aircraft Carriers, and Battleships?

Nah. I appreciate and respect the Navy plenty.

Response by PO3 Paul Anderson made Feb 13 at 2015 2:10 PM

PO3 Paul Anderson — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 14:10:33 -0500

I feel it is overlooked because its capabilities are not well known. I think most military members from other branches appreciate what the Navy brings to the table. Except for the "new guys" but nobody listens to them anyway :).
Their force projection is amazing...need to get a foreign leaders attention? Move a Carrier Battle Group closer and they will answer the phone on the next call.
Have a humanitarian crisis/natural disaster? i.e Haiti. Same battle group can provide freshwater,security, medical, food, transport, infrastructure repair (comms,mechanical,electrical,etc)
One carrier group can fly hundreds of sorties a day supporting the good guys on the ground and most carrier pilots have balls of steel
Many people think big ships = cruise ship not the case. As someone else stated: Most Sailors work all the time . Working in a noisy 100F+ machinery space with supersized equipment is not a safe "cruise ship" environment. Haha
Just because we are currently "unrivaled" doesn't mean the WWII type danger won't come back (we had it during the Cold War).
I think it is a combination of all our branches capabilities(many overlap) that make us strong. All deserve and get respect from fellow service-members. Many civilians see our sibling rivalry as a lack of respect for each other. Not true we just have thicker skin and can dish it out as well as we take it.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2015 2:17 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 14:17:53 -0500

I watched my brother do Naval ROTC and have an exciting educational experience at a top-notch Ivy League, followed by numerous adventures, courtesy of the Navy. I hold the Navy in high regard, and they were my first call when I was a civilian.

I don't see them as under-appreciated, or any other service for that matter. If anyone is under-appreciated, it's likely to be the Coast Guard.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 15 at 2015 6:21 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 18:21:19 -0400

It's not the Navy's fault this is not a naval war. They are relatively unseen as they patrol oceans with their tactical and strategic capabilities.

Response by MAJ Bryan Zeski made Apr 15 at 2015 6:32 PM

MAJ Bryan Zeski — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 18:32:06 -0400

I encourage my kids to join the Navy if they want to join the service. Especially if they are unattached (no wife/kids), the Navy gives them the opportunity to travel and see the world on someone else's dime. (Sorry taxpayers).

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 6:35 PM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 18:35:34 -0400

I wouldn't say that we are sitting ducks. We have learned our lesson. The carrier strike group is a force to be reckoned with.
WRT being under-appreciated or underrated it's not a big deal. When something flares up the first question I suppose is "Where are the carriers?".

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 7 at 2015 2:55 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 07 May 2015 14:55:49 -0400

The branches who have the most KIA and WIA will get most of the publicity. It's human nature.

Response by CPO Stanley Dowling made May 7 at 2015 4:14 PM

CPO Stanley Dowling — Thu, 07 May 2015 16:14:01 -0400

nothing wrong with those uniforms, so why do they want to change them?

Response by Lt Col Timothy Parker, DBA made May 7 at 2015 4:32 PM

Lt Col Timothy Parker, DBA — Thu, 07 May 2015 16:32:15 -0400

Having served in several joint commands I learned that whenever the US has an urgent need the President will ask 2 questions - where are the carriers and where are the Marines?

Each service has an important role which is separate (in most part) from the other services. Each brings a set of immense capabilities. I think most realize the impact of the US positioning a carrier off the coast of some nation that is not playing nicely in the sand box. I assume a special ops team (SEALS) has been in that country prior to that more than likely.

So, I don't think the Navy is unappreciated or under-rated, at least by those of us who understand the Navy's role within the services. I also suspect the rouge nations with a carrier off their coast agrees with me. Just my humble opinion.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 4:43 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 16:43:08 -0400

I believe the Coast Guard is over looked more than the Navy. They do a lot of good for the country and should be given their due from other branches of service for doing so... One team, one fight!

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 4:42 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 16:42:37 -0400

Yes, I believe we as sailors are overlooked because our war is on the water. I wish the Navy was really recognized more because we play a major role in the safety of the world since 80% of the world is made up of water.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 5:06 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 17:06:15 -0400

Not intended to be selfish or in considerate but of my 6 deployments 5 were on the ground and three of which right next to our army counterparts.

Response by PO2 Kevin LaCroix made May 7 at 2015 5:07 PM

PO2 Kevin LaCroix — Thu, 07 May 2015 17:07:58 -0400

Other than SEALs and Fighter pilots, most of the Navy is under appreciated and unknown.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made May 7 at 2015 5:42 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Thu, 07 May 2015 17:42:14 -0400

I'd have to go with the overlooked box. But that doesn't necessarily mean something bad. Our assets are way out of sight so there isn't much prime time video to push out there. About the only thing you see is stock carrier launch footage; some of it showing aircraft that left inventory 10 years ago.

Some of the Navy is really buried. I'd get "What's a Seabee?" all the time. When I explain what the Bees do because there isn't Pixie Dust that creates bases in badlands, the questioner generally says that makes sense.

Anything not of direct relevance to a person is ignored. That's just how we're wired. Even as a senior civilian with the Navy, people were surprised that we provide disaster relief as well besides helicopters. I had engineers doing assessments and running emergency construction in Haiti. The newsies just couldn't believe the Navy was doing that. It got more interesting with some of the support I tossed in for Fukushima. Again surprise the Navy actually had people (Certified Health Physicists) that could assist on issues like radiation meets body.

The Marines really know who Seabees are as we are tied at the hip. We'd do anything for them. I remember many times the Bees had more firepower in the rear areas than the Marines. That was by design as nothing is more lethal than a Marine Rifleman. That asset you push forward.

Response by MIDN 2/C Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 6:27 PM

MIDN 2/C Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 18:27:57 -0400

I personally believe that the Navy is overlooked and under appreciated due to the fact that ship vs ship warfare is viewed as "primitive" in today's war. However, if tomorrow we enter a war with a nation who has a formidable navy, that viewpoint will change because society will see the updated ship vs ship warfare which is very up to date with today's technology.

Response by PO3 Richard Freitas made May 7 at 2015 8:39 PM

PO3 Richard Freitas — Thu, 07 May 2015 20:39:24 -0400

Being from the Vietnam era and having served aboard an aircraft carrier in the Tonkin Gulf (USS Coral Sea CVA-43), I always felt that the other services looked upon us as an easy-going yacht club. We drew combat pay but I got the impression that the "ground-pounders" thought we never deserved it. I feel all who serve in the military are brothers-in-arms and deserve the same respect.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2015 8:43 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 May 2015 20:43:06 -0400

We might kick sand but we do spend a lot of time out to sea defending the World's waterways. It take's a special person to do months on end aboard a ship or a sub.

Response by PO1 Sean Reynolds made May 7 at 2015 8:57 PM

PO1 Sean Reynolds — Thu, 07 May 2015 20:57:48 -0400

Most civilians don't really ever think of the Navy from what I gather. True the Army guys are sent into the sandbox for a year at a time; however, the majority of people don't know the time leading up to work-ups and world events prior to a cruise can eat up 6-7 months away before you do your main cruise.

Plus now days when you hear Navy people automatically thing SEALs, God love'em and I take pride we worked with them, but how many people don't know the behind the scenes of pilots, aircrew, and the "glory" jobs.

So I would have to say the Navy is underlooked at unless there is a hurricane or mass evac of somewhere coastal.

Response by PO2 Daniel Samayoa made May 7 at 2015 9:21 PM

PO2 Daniel Samayoa — Thu, 07 May 2015 21:21:08 -0400

The contribution of U.S. Sailors is sorely under appreciated. Civilians are obsessed with the Hollywood image of the Marines, and the how "Smart" Airman are supposed to be. Sailors have the courage to regularly deploy into war zones, smart enough handle a floating computer we call a U.S. Navy Ship, and have the work ethic to clean a metal ship floating in salt water.

Response by SN Gs Crable Sr. made May 7 at 2015 9:26 PM

SN Gs Crable Sr. — Thu, 07 May 2015 21:26:28 -0400

In previous decades, they were often referred to as the taxis of WW-2. last year there was a great recruitment commercial for the USN, showing U.S. ships as global protection and the watchdogs of freedom of over 7 continents... very powerful- very impressive.
Even as a lowly deck seaman, in the peacetime Navy, I always knew I was still part something much greater than myself. As an avid student of British and American naval history, I'll never run out of excellent and interesting reading material, and being a part of it once connects you to the stories in a way no civilian could ever relate to. Maybe I'll add a suggested reading list sometime.

Response by PO3 Michael James made May 7 at 2015 9:33 PM

PO3 Michael James — Thu, 07 May 2015 21:33:44 -0400

Maybe overlooked when "war stories" are shared over a few beers.. however, for the most part I did not see it as an issue.. Tons and Tons of supplies off loaded at various docks, you receive smiles and thumbs up, Hill 618 to be taken by 09:00, ooops what happened to hill 618 .. Naval Gun Fire Support !! Medevac's ?? Well, the fifth Marine Division was really happy to see us.. Dry bunks, Hot Food, Medical attention.. We even have laundry !! Heavy Equip. used for beach clearing, and troop transport, LCC-11's, to carry our Marines to the beach.. better than swimming.. No if we stop and think about it.. each branch of the military works with each other to accomplish what we are sent to do.. For the most part we are all part of a team effort, and we are pretty darn good at it.. and its THANKS to all of us !!

Response by PO2 Damaris Puig made May 7 at 2015 9:51 PM

PO2 Damaris Puig — Thu, 07 May 2015 21:51:25 -0400

At least from my point of view it is, coming from a small town overtime my parents ask me about the military, they specifically say how's the Army treating you. And just today I had a guy say oh cool your in the Army, a complete stranger at that, but I guess most people figure well they're in the military so they're Army.

It is true as well that it is the one branch that can be in any place at one time, no other service can unless they tag along with the Navy.

Response by PO3 Mike Binning made May 8 at 2015 12:19 AM

PO3 Mike Binning — Fri, 08 May 2015 00:19:22 -0400

Yes many time Navy Vets are looked over in the civilian world especially. It has been my experience at least that those folks at companies looking to hire veterans only look at Army and Marine applicants. As they are the only ones who can handle stressful situations. Yet the stress felt by many sailors underway, is just as much as those guys "on the lines". Think back to the Stark in the late 80s'. Most civilians have no clue what it is like for the sailors on the flight deck of a carrier, or for that matter those guys working below decks or within the skin of a ship in CIC or the Main Engine room. I have heard more than one interviewer during the interview slip and say "oh you were just in the Navy". Sad but true.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2015 6:52 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 May 2015 06:52:47 -0400

Under-rated or under appreciated...take your pick, but it is only our own country that sees it that way. There is a reason no foe has dared to engage The United States Navy in open combat since WWII.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2015 11:05 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 May 2015 11:05:16 -0400

I have done two IA deployments to Afghanistan as a US Navy Reservist. We you talk to the general US population all they think about when the words Iraq or Afghanistan come up in conversation is all those soilder.
I know from what I have read and briefs I have been in that the US Navy is covering a lot of billet the US Army was to fill with soilder, but was not able to.

Response by CW3 Craig Linghor made May 8 at 2015 11:27 AM

CW3 Craig Linghor — Fri, 08 May 2015 11:27:48 -0400

The Navy has a NCIS show in several cities and growing:)

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made May 8 at 2015 11:35 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Fri, 08 May 2015 11:35:19 -0400

Army and Air Force: you got 30% of the Earth. Don't worry, the Navy/Marine Corps team has the rest covered!

Had to take that swipe because I'm in a coffee deficit.

Response by TSgt Christopher D. made May 8 at 2015 2:27 PM

TSgt Christopher D. — Fri, 08 May 2015 14:27:03 -0400

I have great respect for the US Navy and its sailors.

The US Navy is the only branch of the Armed Forces authorized as a standing force by the US Constitution. The US Army was never intended to be a standing Army, and evidence for this is discussed in Article 1 Section 8.

Specifically, the military responsibilities (and limitations) on the Congress include:

To declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and make rules concerning captures on land and water;

To raise and support armies, but no appropriation of money to that use shall be for a longer term than two years;**

To provide and maintain a navy;** Without a time limitation on the funding as mentioned above regarding an Army, it is plain to see the founders intended for our nation to be primarily defended by a Navy.

To make rules for the government and regulation of the land and naval forces;

To provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the union, suppress insurrections and repel invasions;** Try checking out the US Code to find out who "the militia" is.

To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the militia, and for governing such part of them as may be employed in the service of the United States, reserving to the states respectively, the appointment of the officers, and the authority of training the militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;

I have a very good understanding of the capabilities of the Naval Battle Carrier Group, our fast attack subs and our boomers. It is one of the most powerful military elements on the face of the earth.

Response by PO3 Timothy Moore made May 8 at 2015 9:14 PM

PO3 Timothy Moore — Fri, 08 May 2015 21:14:55 -0400

Not by me, I was on aircraft carriers I know what it's about. A floating city with it's own airport, you can't suffer from cranial rectal inversion and live.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 8 at 2015 10:33 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Fri, 08 May 2015 22:33:50 -0400

I am aware of the U.S. Navy's long, proud, and honorable history. I think no ill will towards the Navy.

Response by SPC Nathan Freeman made May 8 at 2015 10:39 PM

SPC Nathan Freeman — Fri, 08 May 2015 22:39:52 -0400

Pearl Harbor happened before we had the technology to know they were coming fast enough and our carriers were out to sea. They spend a lot of time out to sea but unless they are seals, or Seabees, or corpmen, they rarely are in danger from the enemy. Ships have their own dangers. I have some friends who were in the navy and they said their basic training basically was on how to put out fires. Combat arms was not part of the training for the average seaman.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2015 11:04 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 May 2015 23:04:01 -0400

I may be Army but I am very proud of our Navy. Im in the Navy League and have worked with Naval Sea Cadets for many years. (Former cadet myself!) Ive gotten to ride aboard Navy ships on many occasions with the Sea Cadets and also I was a college instructor a couple times aboard Navy Ships. I was riding a Navy LHD with the sea cadets from San Diego to San Francisco when the cadets along with the crew were manning the rails during Fleet Week and I could hear the crowd cheering as we passed under the Golden Gate Bridge! I never had a more teary eyed dose of patriotic pride in my life! Anchors Aweigh!

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made May 9 at 2015 12:52 PM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Sat, 09 May 2015 12:52:59 -0400

Even the Airborne can't do this!

Response by PO3 Shane Thompson made May 9 at 2015 3:23 PM

PO3 Shane Thompson — Sat, 09 May 2015 15:23:34 -0400

I think most of America really has no clue about the real scope of duty that every branch has. I feel that they only know what a talking head on a TV shows them. I think people pick out what they see as important parts of each branch and forget that it all works as a whole and that everyone must do their job in order for it all to work.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2015 9:25 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 May 2015 21:25:53 -0400

I think most troops recognize the contributions and hardships associated with the U.S. Navy. That's why they're always above the Air Force on the inter-service rivalry totem pole at the VFW...

On a more serious note, I think the Navy has received less attention in recent years because we've been fighting largely ground wars for the last 50 years. The Navy also hasn't faced a real credible threat since the Cold War. Most people don't picture Sailors in Iraq or Afghanistan outside of corpsmen and maybe seabees. If the Navy was fighting at the same level as the Army and USMC I think public opinion would change. In the meantime the squids still receive my respect for what they do. I'll take sleeping on the ground over a cramped bunk any day of the week.

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made May 10 at 2015 11:27 AM

PFC Tuan Trang — Sun, 10 May 2015 11:27:23 -0400

Every branch is deserve to be respect, i think is just some media or people bad mouth about the navy.

Every branch make up a big family, without 1 there be none.

Response by PO2 Tim Kimbrough made May 10 at 2015 2:55 PM

PO2 Tim Kimbrough — Sun, 10 May 2015 14:55:58 -0400

Had being in the navy, people don't realize that yes, we do have boots on the ground. Seabees build bases in hostile territories, Corpman are with marines as there medics, gunners mates help with armories and of course patrolling the seas. I think that people don't really understand the navy unless they've been there I personally respect all branches of military but will fight as brother and sisters.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 4:44 PM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 May 2015 16:44:05 -0400

Although I'm hardcore Army, i believe they are underappreciated.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 11:26 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 May 2015 23:26:48 -0400

The Navy is so overlooked you missed that GI Jane was a Navy movie

Response by CPO Jerry Smith made Jun 5 at 2015 9:30 AM

CPO Jerry Smith — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 09:30:15 -0400

I look at the picture of the sailors on the Aircraft Carrier and think it must be the Hollywood bunch of sailors. Things hanging out of pockets, sunglasses, a hat way to high on the forehead. My God what happened to the Chief's that took care of their men and women.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Jan 12 at 2016 11:26 AM

Capt Tom Brown — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 11:26:37 -0500

Can only speak for myself based on personal experience that service in the Navy often is as dangerous. challenging and hard as that found in any branch, even the MC. I have nothing but super respect and admiration for the Navy and all member regardless of duty station after having seen them in action in combat in WestPac when it was basically day on stay on regardless of watch schedules. People who feel that duty at sea in recent conflicts is somewhat safer than being down range or running through the jungle after the crafty Cong, should read a few historical accounts of WWII sea battles to see just how dangerous it can when the enemy has a real navy and goes head to head with US.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 12:29 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 12:29:26 -0500

I think that this is not an accident. Ever since the alleged scandal with the Air Force Missilers, we have more and more rhetoric against the services. Add to that hazings, allegation of rape and a host of other things, means there is a concerted effort to divide and conquer the miltary.

Finally, for those do not agree, just remember the attack upon Pearl Harbor. And the fact that the Navy is essentially, an army at sea, whose members are sitting ducks. I commend and appreciate them, out!

Response by AN Wayne Lambert made Jan 12 at 2016 12:32 PM

AN Wayne Lambert — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 12:32:09 -0500

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2016 3:29 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 15:29:55 -0500

As a child, all I grew up knowing was Army and it remained that way for quite a few years. Being in the Navy now, I can see the difference we make across the globe. I'm working in a shop where I'm constantly sending gear to commands abroad, some within the states, some as far as Japan. I don't think the commonfolk quite understand that without our Navy, it's likely we would not have won as many battles as we have. We may not even be speaking the same language at this point.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Jan 12 at 2016 3:51 PM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 15:51:33 -0500

Drilling right down to your brother's observation, I remember more than once someone passing on the old saw that when the Air Force established a base, first they built the Clubs, then housing, the the BX and Commissary and when they ran out of money, went back to congress for the money to lay down runways.
Like all such "stories" there was some validity since, during my time at least, you would always find better facilities at an AFB than any of the other services. Whether it was because the Air Force was the junior service having been ripped out of the Army, and therefore had newer facilities, or the powers that be in the Air Force decided to upscale their bases, I don't know. I do know that if I was on a flight away from home plate, I would always opt to stay on an AFB rather than one of the other services bases because they were generally nicer.

Response by SGT Aric Lier made Mar 27 at 2018 7:12 PM

SGT Aric Lier — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 19:12:13 -0400

nobody cares