Pros
- Immense level of responsibility given early on, doesn't happen in civilian world - Can take lots of pride in your profession, duty - Job security, good compensation / benefits - Travel the world for free and do adventurous things - Depending on your job and Command, there are some very sweet deals; though you're on the hook sometimes to deploy at a moment's notice, a lot of times you get repaid in ample time off without using up your "leave" (vacation days)
Cons
- Methods used for position assignment (orders) is archaic compared to civilian world - Performance evaluation and feedback system very lacking, promotion is too dependent on flawed system - Right place / right time phenomenon is too common; not even the #1 guys are guaranteed good deals; poor performers get paid equally as good performers - Feedback from bottom / peers not usually asked for or valued - Career progression is somewhat silly for some specialties (e.g. pilots have to do a sea tour that doesn't involve flying) - Navy sending people with specialties (e.g. pilot) to Afghanistan w/ boots in the sand to play Army soldier; frustrating and not what many people signed up to do