I have spoken with hundreds, maybe even thousands, of people and have heard many different reasons why they join the military. Whatever the reason or reasons, as long as it’s doing something positive with your life, it’s a good reason. Below are the top 5 reasons I believe the military could be your best option:
1. Get educated (or continue your education) – The #1 reason people join the military is for the educational benefits. Not only does each service offer accredited college level training for most career fields, but each service also offers more than $39,000 in Montgomery GI Bill education benefits. In addition the military offers up to $4,500 a year in Tuition Asiistance. So why wait any longer to start your education, let the military pick up the tab! Individual service recruiters can give you the skinny on their unique programs.
2. Training – You can’t do much without a skill nowadays, and skills require training. You can receive that training in hundreds of different job specialties. In the military, you will get training and a paycheck while sitting in class. The civilian world offers training but you have to pay for it, and once it’s over you have to try to find a job. The combination of training and experience in the military gives you an advantage later on in life.
3. Benefits – 30 days of paid vacation in your very first year! Find a civilian job that does that! Great pay, free medical care for you and your immediate family, free housing, free electric, free meals. And to top it all off you can start collecting a retirement paycheck after just 20 years of service. Talk with family and friends to see if any of the companies they work for have benefit packages that even come close to what the military has to offer. There are more benefits too. Talk with your local military recruiter to get the complete run-down on all the benefits the military has to offer.
4. Travel – Many people dream of traveling the world but few ever get the chance. In my military career, I have had the opportunity to travel to Italy, Germany, Switzerland, England and Saudi Arabia. If you want to get out and see the world the military is a great place to start. The U.S. Military has installations all over the world. Of course some military jobs will offer more travel than others, so check with your local military recruiter to find out which jobs travel the most and get started seeing the world!
5. Service to your country – Finally, people join the military to serve their country. If you come from a long line of military men and women you may feel it's your duty to continue the tradition of serving. Or you may be the first in your family to feel the need to serve your country. Either way your not alone, many people just want to give back and do their part for this great country.
The reasons to join the military are endless. It's important for you and your recruiter to sit down and discuss your reason for joining. Your recruiter can show you how the military will help you reach your goals. It all starts with you, figure out what you want to do and make it happen.
