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10 Steps To Joining The Military

Step 2: Decide if you're ready

Civilian Comparisons
Military life is like civilian life in many ways: for the most part, you work a regular job, have to keep your life, bills, housing, car and other things in order. You will work with other people, have a boss, and have to exhibit initiative if you want to get ahead.

On the other hand, the military lifestyle carries much more responsibility. There is always threat of heading to a combat zone, risking your life. You must be on time to work - there are no "getting stuck in traffic" excuses - or face punishment. You must consistently be well-groomed, live up to working and presentation standards, and talk to others according to specific rules. You usually do not have the option of saying "no" and just quitting when you feel like it. After all, you are charged with protecting the United States. If you fail, the security of the country is at stake.

Here is a table of some common aspects of life that would be important no matter what you choose to do. In general, civilian life offers more money. But there is a catch: you must first spend more to get yourself educated. You must spend more to travel, stay in hotels, find a place to live, move your things, and pay for health care. The responsibility for you is held entirely by you, whereas in the military, many things are taken care of: for example, health care, insurance, and housing. Many things are either substantially cheaper or free in the military: look at travel and education. Finally, the pride that you will have by serving your country is a tremendous feeling that can matched by few jobs elsewhere.

Let's have a look at some military-civilian comparisons:

  Military Civilian
Pay Basic pay, special pay. With tax advantages, pay is comparable to civilian sector pay. Usually higher than military pay. However, there are usually no tax advantages.
Health Care Several options, including full coverage that you do not pay for. Depends on employer. Often you must pay your own, or pay partial amounts & co-pays.
Housing Provided by military. If you live off base, the military provides a Basic Allowance for Housing, tax free. Your responsibility. Usually you cover all costs.
Insurance Comprehensive life insurance, all free. Employers may or may not have insurance plans.
Education G.I. Bill, branch college programs, graduate education for officers... there are endless possibilities Your responsibility. You pay for all of it.
Travel Most likely you will travel to several spots through deployment. In your spare time there is also Space A travel (links), as well as great deals for military members. Many choices, but you pay out of pocket for all of it.
Vacation 30 days guaranteed vacation per year. Varies. Most employers start you at 10-14 vacation days per year, with little increase until you have worked several years.
Work hours Vary. Occasionally work weekends. You are on call 24 hours, 7 days a week. Full-time jobs are usually 35-50 hours per week.
Opportunities for advancement Excellent! You are challenged by your leaders and peers. The choice is yours if you would like to advance or not. Vary widely. In small companies you may not have much opportunity. In larger companies, you may have opportunities, but often have to work much longer hours.
Retirement Most can retire after 20 years of active duty service. In some cases, you may retire after just 15 years in service. Varies. Most employers will require you to work 35 or more years before retirement.