Can you join the navy if you have a kid?

Answer 1

Yes and no - If you're a single parent, you're automatically disqualified from joining, unless you make arrangements for someone else to become their legal guardian. If you've got kids and you're divorced, it's okay if you have joint custody; if you have full custody, the single parent rule applies.

The bottom line is that the Navy (or the military in general) is a fluid organization, and there are no set rules for when you may or may not deploy. I've been in a situation where we had to emergency sortie (emergency underway as fast as possible) due to a hurricane heading up the coast; I had no choice but to leave my wife (pregnant in the hospital at the time), and my home (with pets) alone because I had no choice but to get underway. The Navy doesn't want to put anyone who is the sole legal guardian/parent in a position where they'd have to leave their kids alone if there wasn't anyone to take care of them.

For those that think missing a ship movement or deployment because they couldn't find care for their kids will get them sympathy, think again; missing movement or deployment is a serious offense that can get you court martialed.

Answer 2

Your kids can't join, but you can. The one restriction is that you cannot be a single parent; you must be married or you kids must have another legal guardian if you're single.