The Huttig news., 1917-04-07
YOUNG MEN IN THE NAVY.
John F. Berns, Chief Yeoman, U. s. Navy,
 Tells lis Story.

and the many advantages and benefits derived from service in our navy It would be impratioable to even attempt to enumerate all the benefits and advantages of naval service here, so try only to set forth a few details regarding the future held out to young men.
 Much has been said and written regarding the gates of opportuni- ty that have recently been opened so widely for the enlisted man of the navy to attain the rank of com missioned officer, either thru ap- pontment to the navy academy at Annapolis from the ranks or by working his way upward thru the various grades of petty. officers and warrant officers. The opportunities in this respect are pratically unlim- tied. A young man is offered ey- cry inducement to study and pre- pare himself for future pos tions. Officers and petty officers are al ways and even anxious to help those under them in their studies, and regular classes are formed on board ships to assist those am bilious for advancement.
 Now in every walk of life there are some fthere must be- who do no4 reach the top no matter how great the opportunity This does not necessarily mean that they do not apply themselves or that they lack ambition. We cannot all be- come president. We are not all fitted for so high and responsible a position. So it is in the navy as well as in civil life some are not altogether fitted for the highest po sitions; their place is probably somswhere part way up the ladder What about this element in the nayy9 l say most emphatically (and any other man-o -Warman will tell you the same1 that the na w offers men of this kInd a far better future than ninety-nine out of any hundred commercial insti- tutions in civil life.
 1 will cite my own progress, which is not by any means extra ordinary or even unusual, and some of my prospects for the future as an example. l enlisted at the age of eighteen with the pay of an ap- prentice seaman, $1z.6O month My present pay, as chief petty officer on second enlistment. is $84.OO, plus all expenses except clothing How many positions in civil life equal such an increase in only six years, beginning entirely without experience. 1 know my pay is certain, is not affected by strikes, hard times or sickness, and in case of the latter, doctors bills do not worry me as 1 am entitled to free medical attendance and medicines.
 As to the future 1 will say first that there is nothing whatsoever to prevent me from applying for examination for warrant rank at any time choose to do so, but herein we will consider only my prospects on the supposition that do not make even another single advancement. Every four years Con each reenlistment) 1 can ex- pect an increase of $6.62 in pay, besides bonus of four months pay in one lump sum. If care to remain in active service for thirty years will retire at three-fourths of my total pay, plus $l5.z5, or $lO3.O4 steady and sure income for the remainder Of my life. This at the age of only 48, when most men have ten or more years of the daily grind to look forward upon.
 Should l choose, instead of re- maining in active service for thirty years. to transfer to the naval re- serve force (which is practically