There are many people who serve their country every day. It is not a decision that can be made lightly because there are pros and cons of joining the military. Before you make the decision to enter the Air Force, Army, Marines, or any other branch, is important to understand what you are getting into.
The Pros of Joining the Military
There are a lot of pros for joining the military, and it’s all going to depend upon the branch that you go into as well as the specialty that you choose. In some instances, the specialty will be chosen for you, but as you choose to make a career of it, there are options for you to explore in order to seek out the areas that you pull the most pleasure from.
1. Ability to Serve Country You Live In.
You will have the ability to go in and serve your country. This is a pro for many people because they want to do something for their country and show that they are about the greater good. There is the possibility to travel to different parts of the world, and you may even be able to travel every four years, which is something that many people look forward to doing.
2. Work in Team Environment.
You work as a team in a team atmosphere at all times. Throughout boot camp, you meet people who you may end up being friends with for life because you have gone through the same experience. Once you have gone through your specialized training and you are stationed at a base, you are within a squadron, and this is your extended family for at least four years. As you move around across the country, you may even start to cross over and meet people that you spent time with in boot camp and specialized training.
3. Free Education.
Your education is paid for within the military. Not only do you complete specialized training after you have completed boot camp in order to teach you what you need to do for the rest of your military career, you are also given what is known as the Montgomery G.I. Bill. Once you leave the military, you will be able to use this bill in order to pay for a significant amount of your education. Even while in the military, you will have the opportunity to submit your coursework for reimbursement, and you will also receive ongoing training to continue to educate you on how to complete your job in the most effective way possible.
4. Get a Sign On Bonus.
When you join the military, there is the possibility for a sign on bonus, and this can add up to a substantial amount of money. You will get half of the money upfront and the other half will be split between the four years of military service, paid to you on your anniversary date.
5. Receive Monthly Allowances.
There are not a lot of monthly expenses when you are in the military. If you are active duty, you will be given a base housing allowance, food housing allowance, and your medical will be taken care of. Various discounts exist, allowing you to save money on going out to eat, enjoying recreation, and much more. Your uniforms are paid for, and you will find that there often is no reason for you to have a vehicle if you live on base, saving you even more money.
6. Extra Financial Perks.
When you go out of the country and when you are sent into a war zone, your pay is increased and you do not have to pay taxes. This can allow you to save a significant amount of money and use it towards once you are back at your regular station.
There are plenty of other pros for joining the military as well, and much of it is going to depend upon whether you are active enlisted or officer. Your pay can be substantial as you stay in longer, and the training that you receive can be invaluable. You will have the opportunity to serve your country in a way that not everyone can do, and this can train you to become a leader as well as an upstanding citizen.
The Cons of Joining the Military
There are some cons of joining the military as well. If you are considering joining, it’s important to know what you could be giving up and what you are going to have to deal with before you join. Many people choose to join despite some of the cons, and some of the cons can actually turn into pros.
1. Considered Underpaid.
One of the main cons is the pay. For the most part, the military is considered one of the most underpaid workers within the country. Of course, the pay can increase as you increase your rank, and those who choose to make a career of the military will often be higher ranked and have more time, which leads to higher salaries.
2. Lack of Stability.
Another con is that you are going to move a lot. Once you go through boot camp as well as specialized training, the military will decide what base you go to. While they may give you a list or you to create your top five or 10, there is simply no guarantee as to where you will go. You are also likely going to move every four years, which means that just as you get comfortable somewhere, you will be moved somewhere else.
3. Work in War Zones.
Active duty military are also going to be called for war zones. There may be instances where you have to go into the desert or into other areas in order to serve your country. While you are paid more during these times, you are away from your family and friends. You are also putting your life in danger. Most military personnel will spend at least six months outside of the country during a four-year enlistment.
4. Hard to Build Relationships.
Finding a significant other can be more difficult simply because you are not allowed to date within your unit or your squadron. There are strict rules on inter-military relationships, and those who are officers cannot intermingle with enlisted, and it could result in losing your job if you chose to do so.
5. Distance From Family.
There are going to be times when you are deployed where you have to be away from family. You may miss birthdays, holidays, and even the birth of your child. It can be difficult, but it can also be rewarding, and it is important to know the cons, as well as discuss the cons with the rest of your family.
6. May Do a Job You Do Not Like.
It is also important to understand that you may not get to do exactly what you want to do when you sign up for a military branch. For example, many people join the Air Force assuming that they are going to be a pilot. Realistically, the military will train you based upon how you scored on the ASVAB as well as where they need you. This means that you may end up going into the military to be a plane mechanic, a security officer, a logistics manager, or even working food service.
7. Must Follow Rules Even if Disagree.
There are stringent rules within the military and everyone is expected to follow. If you are not a person who likes to follow the rules, the military is probably not a place for you. However, it can teach you discipline and this is what many people look forward to when they join.
Making the Decision
Once you have explored all of the pros and cons for joining the military, it is important to make the decision. Is it right for you? What branch are you going to go into? One of the easiest ways to help you make the decision is to go in and speak to a recruiter from the branch that you are considering. This will allow you to have a serious question and answer session and learn more about what is waiting for you.
Remember that it is not for everyone, but there are a lot of pros and they can outweigh the cons. You may want to go in for the minimum of four years, or you may decide to stay in and make a career out of it. Regardless, everyone goes through the same initial steps, and it can be the best decision that you make in your life.
