How fleet size can affect naval career prospects and retention

A larger navy can offer more visible paths to senior NCO and officer positions. The comparison suggests that these opportunities help the US Navy retain people, alongside its recruitment pool and budget. Personnel in shrinking European fleets can instead face doubts about whether a naval career will lead to advancement. The example considers someone leaving in their late twenties after one or two contracts, rather than waiting until their thirties to restart a civilian career while supporting a family. Such career pressures offer one explanation for European ship designs that place particular weight on doing useful work with smaller crews.