JUNE 27, 2022 – Many people don’t know where to apply themselves after graduating high school. Some of them join the military for a free college education. They see this as an opportunity to earn and to travel the world. In any case, enlisting in the army is an important decision. One has to be ready to make personal sacrifices and face the harsh realities of service.
But, not everything is as bad as it seems. For every con about joining the armed forces, there’s a pro that evens things out a little. Some wanting to enlist think about it as a public duty to the country. Others see it as their family legacy. There are several things one should think about before joining the armed forces.
Pros Of Joining
Free College
Once your service is over, the government will pay for a college education. It’s one of the best things about joining the army. Servicemen save thousands of dollars on student loans and books. Of course, it doesn’t mean you won’t need essay editing help during your studies. But, the education will be paid for during active duty.
The army will also pay your rent after an honorable discharge. This is possible thanks to the Post-9/11 GI Bill. There are even more benefits if you decide to continue the contract. Say that you’ve lost interest in getting a higher education. As long as you’ve served 10 years in active duty, it’s possible to transfer the G.I. Bill to your kids or spouse.
A Steady Income
There’s little chance you’ll come out of the army with large earnings. But, there will be a check on the 1st and 15th of every month. Servicemen get paid even if there’s a government shutdown or any other problems. Those married have the option of the government paying their rent. Not only that, but you’ll also get money to pay utility bills.
If something is left after paying up, servicemen don’t have to return any of that cash. Those who join the army also get a “clothing allowance” for their uniforms.
See The World
Depending on your position, the military can send you somewhere outside the US. Plenty of money can be saved on tickets that could cost thousands of dollars. This is a perfect chance to visit places within the US and outside of its borders. You can experience many cultures, countries, and continents.
One might be lucky enough to visit Asia and Europe during their service. In some cases you can get stuck in dull places. The branch plays a big role in your traveling experience. Navy personnel can visit many places like South America, Australia, and Thailand. Each time they move, the military sends all their belongings to a new location.
Learn Training And Discipline
Joining the army involves a lot of training. Someone involved in active combat duty will have to do much more of it. But, regular personnel such as cooks and warehouse workers have less training. Whatever your position may be, you’ll get plenty of experience that will benefit your career. And that’s always a nice addition to a resume.
During the service, you’ll get plenty of physical training. This will improve your health and help develop good habits. Another important aspect of the military is the emphasis on discipline. It’s an invaluable skill that anybody can use in personal and professional life. Learning it will also make one better at time management.
Cons Of Joining
Being Far From Home
While traveling the world sounds like a good idea, it keeps you away from friends and family for a long time. Servicemen often miss out on important celebrations such as:
- Birthdays
- Weddings
- Holidays
It’s also challenging to contact those close to you due to different time zones. It’s not uncommon for soldiers to work even on days like Christmas. Returning home after a long stay overseas may cause interpersonal problems.
Some friendships fall apart because people have not seen each other for several years. It can also strain family bonds and marital relationships. You have the company of other servicemen, but many find staying abroad difficult.
Dealing With Bureaucracy
Signing up with the U.S. military means giving up your freedoms to its bureaucratic machine. Servicemen have to ask for a permit if they want to:
- Get married
- Sign up for college
- Visit a foreign country
These activities have to be approved by the military administration. Usually, this means going through volumes of red tape. As dull as this process is, the U.S. government pays your bills and sets the rules.
You Can’t Quit
One of the worst downsides of signing up is not being able to quit. You are obliged to complete the years of service agreed upon. One can get out of the military through a dishonorable discharge or serving time in jail. Both of these things should be avoided.
There’s also no way of calling in sick. Servicemen have to go to work and see a medical professional during specific hours. They can decide that you aren’t sick or injured enough to avoid work. If this happens, there’s nothing to do but return to your duties. If working under the weather is not something you enjoy, better avoid military duty.
No Control Over Your Station
The U.S. armed forces do their best to position soldiers based on their requests. But, this isn’t always the case. Those wanting to enlist have to understand that they can’t control where they’ll live. Be prepared to get stationed in an active war zone or a hazardous area. Of course, some applicants actively wish to engage in combat.
If you’re not enlisted in the marines corp or any soldier units, you’ll spend most of the time on the military base. But, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared for dangerous situations. The U.S. Army is often deployed on the ground. Joining the air force or the navy decreases the chances of getting into firefights.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many factors to consider before signing a contract with the military. Make sure to carefully weigh them before making a decision.