Army Enlistment Benefits
The United States Army has many enlistment benefits for soldiers and their dependents. If soldiers are college educated or high school graduates, their pay usually reflects their education levels. It is well know that many people also join the U.S. Army to help pay for college and to avoid incurring debt from their student loans. Overall, the U.S. Army provides many benefits that soldiers won't find in civilian jobs.
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Basic Pay and Living Allowances
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Basic pay is based on rank and experience and increases with promotion and time spent in service. In addition to basic pay, the Army pays a clothing allowance to upkeep uniforms. Food allowance is paid to the soldiers who live off base or do not have regular access to a dining hall. Housing allowance is paid to soldiers who live off base and those who live on base live in housing at no charge. Cost Of Living Allowance (COLA) is paid to soldiers who live in expensive areas in the United States or abroad. Any costs for relocation for soldiers and their families are also paid by the Army. Separation allowance is paid to soldiers who are sent to an area where their family cannot accompany them.
Health and Life Insurance
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All soldiers and their families are eligible for health insurance. Most healthcare is provided at military treatment facilities on base. If soldiers are overseas or in an area where healthcare is not available on base, the Army sets up a program in that area where they can receive healthcare. Soldiers can purchase life insurance at a minimal cost from $10,000 to $400,000.
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Vacation
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The Army provides 30 days of vacation time every year. In addition, many soldiers are off on weekends and national holidays except for certain types of jobs, such as police officers, deployed soldiers or other jobs requiring around the clock operations. There is a provision for sick days for soldiers who are sick or injured.
Bonuses
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There are many different bonuses given to soldiers in the Army. Some bonuses are for paid civilian experience or specialty training. There are re-enlistment bonuses as well as bonuses for joining in some types of high demand jobs, such as Middle Eastern translator. Soldiers should check with their recruiter to see if any special skills they have qualify for a bonus.
Education
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The Army puts a lot of money toward education. There are several different ways of obtaining an education through the Army. Some education assistance is through the Montgomery GI Bill and Army College Fund. Soldiers can pay for their education under the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC), too. There are many other ways to attend college by serving active or reserve duty. Various programs are in place to help soldiers attain degree, whether it is through distance learning, online or attending a college or university.
Other Benefits
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The Army offers relocation assistance which will provide information about housing, schools and recreation programs. It offers financial services, such as classes for money management and how to eliminate debt. Legal services are provided free of charge, including the preparation of wills or tax preparation. On base there are daycare facilities, a commissary (a grocery store), Post Exchange (PX) a large department store, restaurants and anything you would find in a regular community. Families can put their children in sports and fitness plans, purchase discounted tickets to entertainment events and get assistance in travel plans.
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