Think about it. Basically, you are locked in a tin can with a nuclear reactor, high voltage equipment, dozens of explosive torpedos, and enough nuclear warheads to destroy several small nations. Then, they sink you in 500 feet of salt water ON PURPOSE.

Satellites, surface ships, aircraft, and other subs are searching for you. There is no place to take cover. Taking a direct hit in an attack means a certain, violent death, with little to no chance of your body ever being recovered and given a decent burial. You have a responsibility to do your job perfectly, without error. Many times, even the simplest mistake could mean death for you and your comrades. Both individually and collectively, you have a tremendous responsibilty. Talk about stress!

Your entire personal space consists of a tiny locker and the rack you sleep in, which has a privacy curtain. There is no view, no sunlight, and no stepping ouside for some fresh air when off duty. You must step lightly and close doors gently, so as not to give away your sub's position. There is no telephone or mail as on a surface ship. Radio silence must be maintained always.

You have no active communication with your family. Their only communication to you consists of a "family-gram" transmitted once every five weeks, which must be 50 words or less. Actually, your name must be the first word, and their name the last, so it's really only 48 words. Naval Intelligence checks it for crypto and hidden code, and if your wife says something like, "Aunt Suzy isn't feeling well," they'll call her and ask how close you are to Aunt Suzy. If they think it'll cause you any stress or worry, they'll delete it from the message.

Your only luxury is the food, which is the best in the entire military. You eat things like prime rib, lobster, and filet mignon, all expertly prepared. Submarine cooks receive special culinary training, and some have went on to be staff chefs at the White House.

I learned this from a friend who was one of my high school classmates. She married a submariner a few years after graduation, and he remained in the Navy for 5 more years afterwards. She said it was very tough, but they made it. But, many *don't* make it. Submariners are the highest divorce rate in the military.

Thermionic