No. That isn’t how it works. You get the $1700/month PLUS your housing allowance, food allowance, clothing allowance and any special pay, sea pay, hazardous duty pay, etc. that you are entitled to. How you choose to spend it is up to you. However, if you are living on a base you will be given a reduced rate for housing and food since those things are already provided to you. If you think about it though, once food, housing, health benefits, clothing, etc. are covered what else do you have to pay for? Whatever that “what else” is for you is what that $1700 is for.

They were probably factoring in the cost of all of your benefits as well. $1700/month is just the basic pay. On top of that we are paid Basic Housing Allowance, Basic Allowance for Subsistence and clothing allowances. Plus the cost of our free medical and dental plans and any money that the military gives to you in tuition assistance.

Yes, I am. I have been in for 7 years now and I am currently a recruiter. Good luck and congratulations! Navy Nuclear Propulsion is a great career path.

Yes. During bootcamp you don’t get to wear the skirt but once you get to the fleet you are allowed to wear either/or.