In turbulent economic times, there are few things more important than having a stable job. A military job is one of the most certain positions available, backed by the government and in high demand.

Most people are surprised at the wide variety of Navy jobs available. Just about every civilian job has a counterpart in the US Navy. But unlike civilian jobs, jobs in the military offer stability, comprehensive health benefits, housing allowances, food allowances, free education, and the opportunity to travel the world.

In this article, we'll take a look at the top 10 Navy jobs available to officers and enlisted personnel. For those who assumed that a career in the Navy meant swabbing decks, what you're about to read may come as a surprise! 

Rank: Enlisted & Officer

Accountants and financial specialists are in demand, both within the public and private sectors. As a US Navy finance specialist, you will be responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of shipboard accounts. You may be required to oversee payroll preparations, handle travel expenses and reimbursements, and help maintain supplies and resources vital to your ship's functioning. Navy jobs in the finance and accounting fields are also excellent preparation for a later career in the private sector, where your experience handling money and maintaining supplies will serve you well in a wide variety of civilian jobs.

Rank: Enlisted

When most people think of Navy jobs, their mind immediately goes to science and technology. And while the Navy certainly is focused on science and technological advancement, there is much more to the service than that. As an arts & photography specialist with the US Navy, you would have the opportunity to work with some of the most advanced visual equipment in the world. You might be asked to prepare official US Navy photographic stills. You might also be asked to document combat as a Combat Cameraman. You might help prepare images for a media briefing. The possibilities are endless.

Rank: Enlisted & Officer

The US Navy Civil Engineer Corps is responsible for many different engineering and maintenance tasks throughout the fleet, the country, and the world. Navy jobs in the Engineer Corps will give you the opportunity to work directly with the most advanced construction technologies and some of the most massive projects ever constructed. In addition, a civil engineering degree combined with experience from US Navy jobs is a great start to any civilian career. 

Rank: Enlisted & Officer

Navy submarines are vital to America's defense and the US Navy's strategic deployment. As a submariner, you'll be called upon to help maintain these resources as a dedicated and capable sailor. It is one of the most intense Navy jobs, requiring resourcefulness and skill that is recognized within the US Navy and outside in the civilian world.

Rank: Enlisted & Officer

As a human resources specialist with the US Navy, you will have the opportunity of a lifetime to help a fellow sailor get the most out of his or her experience. This is one of the most rewarding Navy jobs, allowing for plenty of one-on-one interaction with the men and women who help keep our country safe. Your duties will vary, but you will always use your knowledge and expertise where it is needed most. For instance, you might be asked to recommend Navy jobs and specialties to new sailors. You might also be asked to help retiring US Navy sailors navigate retirement and entry into the private sector. Whatever your assignment, your knowledge of career counseling and Navy jobs will provide you with valuable skills in demand both in the private and public sector. A good career counselor can find a place in many different companies and public entities. 

Rank: Enlisted & Officer

As a nuclear specialist, you'll get the experience of a lifetime with some of the world's most advanced nuclear power technology. Navy jobs in this field demand a high level of technical expertise, but you'll be using that expertise to help maintain the US Navy's nuclear systems. Your skills will be used in many different projects, ranging from new development to improvement of existing facilities. Outside of the US Navy, jobs will love the responsibility you carried and the technical expertise you gained in your nuclear work. 

Rank: Enlisted

As a telecommunications officer, you'll be responsible for ensuring smooth communication between the thousands of vessels and bases in the US Navy fleet. You will also learn to decode and encode classified material, working with some of the most advanced encryption technology in the world. You may also be asked to help maintain communications systems, including the creation and reading of blueprints and other technical documents. Few other US Navy jobs offer this much opportunity for learning and sharpening your system installation and maintenance skills. With the increasing globalization in today's world, private companies and public entities alike are in need of telecommunications specialists with the skills and experience to maintain complex networks

Rank: Enlisted & Officer

No US Navy jobs list would be complete without the addition of special operations. The Navy SEALs are legendary even among elite combat units, known for their abilities of stealth and strong, swift attack. But the US Navy jobs in special operations don't end there; you'll find other specialties like Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and the US Navy Divers. But no matter what subfield of the Special Operations you choose, you will without doubt be tasked with completing some of the most dangerous and complex missions in the Navy. Keep in mind that the selection process for the US Navy Special Operations is very intense due to the highly demanding missions that these sailors complete; you will have to apply, and you may very well need to reconsider as you advance within these Navy jobs. However, after being in the US Navy special operations force, you will be a very valuable asset to employers. They will know that you are one of the country's finest.

Rank: Enlisted & Officer

Working with intelligence and communications guarantees a fast paced US Navy jobs experience. You will be on the frontlines of global issues, responsible for tracking and maintaining intelligence that comes in from a wide variety of sources. You will learn every aspect of intelligence work, from the initial identification of targets to the more sophisticated reporting and analysis. You will learn specifics about foreign threats, and you will use your knowledge to help defend your country. Your work will be exciting and vital to the security of your country. In the private sector, potential employers will know that your US Navy jobs required incredible technical skill, but also incredible personal strength of character to complete. You will be excellently qualified for a range of the most in-demand professions, both private and public. 

Rank: Enlisted & Officer

Inside the US Navy and out, information technology is one of the hottest and fastest growing fields. Working on the frontlines of the Navy's information technology and information warfare units will give you great experience, whether you are new to the field of information technology of have held other Navy jobs in the discipline before. Information warfare US Navy jobs take the battle to the internet. It is widely recognized that the World Wide Web is a new battleground, and that the fights of the future will largely take place in cyberspace. The US Navy is pioneering technology to make sure that the US wins that fight, influencing our enemies when necessary while always protecting our own interests. 

Whether you are just out of basic or a civilian looking at joining up, you will find something exciting and interesting within the US Navy jobs. There is such a wide range of opportunities, with dozens more than could be listed here. This article simply mentions the 10 top US Navy jobs as a subjective opinion; it is by no means a complete list. If you have specific interests that you'd like to explore, you should look more deeply at the full range of US Navy Jobs available. In all likelihood, there is something to fit your unique interests that will give you excellent experience in the field of your choice.

But no matter how diverse the career offerings in the US Navy, Navy jobs all offer one great benefit in common: the opportunity to work with the men and women of the Navy. You'll be a part of an elite fighting force with strong morals and closely held values. In addition, you'll be working alongside some of the brightest minds in science and technology, as well as some of the most brilliant strategists and cryptologists in the world. You will also be able to travel the world, seeing incredible things on foreign and domestic soil, all while being compensated for your time and expenses.