Can Utahns Serve in the Navy from their Land-Locked State?

As Utah finished celebrating Navy Week, where they highlighted the importance of the Navy in Utah. I wondered, "Can you serve in the Navy in a landlocked state?" I remember being approached by an army recruiter as I was graduating high school and wondering if the Navy was an option.  

Well, it might surprise you that the Navy is definitely an option for Utahns. Here are a few ways that you can serve:

Naval Reserves: You can join the Naval Reserve, which has units located throughout the United States, including landlocked states like Utah. Reservists typically serve part-time and may be assigned to units focused on specific roles such as logistics, intelligence, or administration.

From Your Bathtub: This might not be an option yet, but I bet you could talk your recruiter into letting you build battle strategies while taking a soak. OK, that one might not float.

Navy ROTC: I knew about Army ROTC, but did you know the Navy has a program as well? If you're interested in becoming an officer in the Navy, you can enroll in a Navy Reserve Officers' Training Corps (NROTC) program at a college or university. University of Utah as an exceptional NROTC program.

Ratings: No, not movie ratings. The Navy offers job opportunities beyond those directly tied to sea duty. Many of these jobs are known as "ratings," and can be performed on land or at naval bases. Some examples include hospital corpsman, aviation technician, and information technology specialist.

While you may not see a naval fleet on Lake Powell, you can contribute to the Navy's mission and serve your country from Utah or any other landlocked state. It's all about finding the right Navy career path that aligns with your interests and abilities.