Join the Military

In the past, this was often a backup option for people. But these days, with the training, experience, and skills, the Military is a lot different than it once was. Qualities and skills you gain in the Military can stay with you for a lifetime, and give you a leg up on a successful career.

 What It Is
 What You Get
 What It Can Cost
 Advantages
 Disadvantages
 More Info



What It Is

Many of us think we know what Today's Military is all about, but if we had to explain it to someone who knew nothing, we'd probably sound rather clueless. The Military is more than wearing uniforms, surviving boot camp, or working together in a team.

The U.S. Military has seven major branches: the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and their Reserve (part-time duty), the Air National Guard, and the Army National Guard. Though four years is common, your first active duty enlistment period can vary.

Today's Military is more computerized than ever, offering many more high-tech occupations than in the past. There are over 140 military occupations, enlisted and officer. To start to delve into all the U.S. Military offers, talk to a local recruiter or your high school counselor about how to contact a recruiter if you don't know.

More about Today's Military

  

What You Get

In Today's Military, you are constantly learning—as a student, an American, a team player, a friend, and as a human being. Few places can offer you such an education.

First off, you get a steady paycheck and a lot of extras such as free training in a job specialty, free medical and dental care, free gym and exercise facilities, free on-base housing (if available), and 30 days of vacation with pay. Then, after your tour of enlistment is over, you can collect up to $28,800 from the Montgomery GI Bill toward your education. There is also a range of other educational support programs.

Aside from all that, you are also playing an important role in something big and important in the world, something bigger than yourself. You will make friends for life, be a part of a community like no other community, and develop self-confidence and a strong sense of self. For most, the Military experience is something that sticks with you forever.

More about What You Get in Today's Military

  

What It Can Cost

The cost is just a commitment of time. And you'll actually get paid while you do it. You actually make a decent salary in the Military when you remember that the Military helps pay for your major living expenses.

And it doesn't stop there. You can collect a bonus simply for joining, depending on the service you choose and your job specialty. Also, you should be able to save money during your tour of duty so that you have a nice financial cushion saved for yourself by the time you leave. And of course you get free job skill training. Military job training schools are usually top quality and many even offer college credits.

  

Advantages

If you want to participate on a team, learn job skills, earn money for education, and meet some challenges, the Military may be for you.

On occasion, you'll probably get more responsibility thrown your way than you thought was part of the bargain—such as driving a 40-ton tank, a 35-foot rescue boat, or a 1,000-foot aircraft carrier.

You'll become an incredible team player, something you can "sell" to employers in the civilian world. And you'll definitely gain confidence and skills along the way. There's also the chance to travel—in the USA and sometimes around the world.

  

Disadvantages

The military is not for everyone. If you have a problem with authority, the Military is probably not the choice for you.

Not that people can't learn or change, but to be in the Military, you need to respect the authority of higher-ranking people, and trust that they are acting in your best interest. It is not something to take lightly.

There's also not a whole lot of wardrobe flexibility during the workday. You won't be able to wear jeans and a t-shirt on a Tuesday morning just because you happen to feel like it. But when you're off duty, you can slip back into your "civvies."

If you don't like to travel, that is also something to consider. Military units in all services can go on deployment away from homeports, bases, or airfields at any time.

  

More Info

To learn more about specific branches of the services, visit their Web sites, or call:

• U.S. Army, 800.USA.ARMY
• U.S. Marine Corps, 800.MARINES
• U.S. Navy, 800.USA.NAVY
• U.S. Air Force, 800.423.USAF
• U.S. Coast Guard, 800.424.8883
• Army National Guard, 800.TO.GO.ANG
• Air National Guard, 800.GO.GUARD

Or to learn more about the Services in general, consider these references:

• Military Careers
• Military FAQs

  

Related Resources

Find a local recruiter:
• U.S. Army
• U.S. Marine Corps
• U.S. Navy
• U.S. Air Force
• U.S. Coast Guard

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About all branches of service