What Are the Benefits of Joining the Army After College?
The United States Army has the mission of deploying, fighting and winning the nation's wars on land. It consists of two main components -- the active component, composed of full-time soldiers, and the reserve component, which is primarily composed of soldiers who normally serve one weekend per month and two weeks annual training per year, plus any required training schools. These soldiers go to school or work in the civilian sector the rest of the year. Both components offer a great deal of tangible and intangible benefits to high school and college graduates alike.
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Compelling Career Path
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The Army offers a competitive career path with the potential for advancement, provided you meet the standards. For enlistees, the primary career path takes you up through the ranks of the noncommissioned officers. As you gain in knowledge and experience, you will likewise be afforded the opportunity to take on more responsibility and gain valuable leadership experience. After a long career of 20 to 30 years you can retire as a sergeant major or even Sergeant Major of the Army, as a well-respected soldier, with a pension for life.
Becoming an Officer
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College graduates may compete to become a commissioned officer. Commissioned officers start at the rank of second lieutenants, who are generally assigned the role of platoon leaders, in charge of platoons of 15 to 40 enlisted soldiers. They then progress to become company commanders -- perhaps the most rewarding and challenging leadership role in the Army. From there they rise through the ranks to become majors, lieutenant colonels, colonels and for some, general officers. The pay is higher in the officer ranks, but the responsibilities are greater too. You will gain a great deal of leadership and managerial experience very early in your career as an officer -- which are in high demand by many civilian employers as well.
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Health Coverage
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The military provides comprehensive health insurance to its soldiers and their families through TRICARE. There are several programs within TRICARE you can choose, though you can expect to contribute a monthly premium as well. Reserve component soldiers, including the U.S. Army Reserves and the National Guard, can also buy into the TRICARE system.
Student Loan Repayment Program
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The Army offers a lucrative Student Loan Repayment Program through the Army Reserves. Qualifying soldiers, provided they enlist in a shortage career field. Most career specialties qualify for a loan repayment of $10,000. But some critical shortage MOS's, or military occupational specialties, qualify for up to $20,000 in loan repayments. These payments go directly to the bank or college holding the debt. They are, however, reportable as taxable income.
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