After Military, Uncle Sam Wants You to Join the Merchant Marine

Seafaring service members may soon be able to transition to the U.S. Merchant Marine with less hassle and at less cost than currently required under an executive order signed March 4 by President Donald Trump. The order is designed to bolster the ranks of the Merchant Marine and increase job opportunities for transitioning troops. Under the order, the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security will, over the next year, identify all military training and experience that may meet merchant mariner credentialing qualifications and requirements. Members of the Merchant Marines can be called up for service by the Navy. They serve on civilian and federally owned merchant ships, supporting trade and military sealift operations. U.S. water transportation workers earn on average $65,700 a year, with many merchant mariners taking home more than that, according to officials. Read more about the order on Military.com.