The Advantages of Joining the Military

The Advantages of Joining the Military thumbnail
Many programs exist that benefit members of the military.

The decision to join the military deserves intense consideration. Such a life-changing career path affects not only the person enlisting, but also his entire family. While the risks appear obvious, the advantages of joining the military may not be as clear. There are numerous benefits to a career in military service.

  1. Building Character

    • According to "USA Today," the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States inspired numerous young people to enlist in the military. Defending the United States and maintaining peace on American shores are activities to which servicemen and women can dedicate themselves. Through hard work and discipline, cadets are taught respect, leadership, responsibility and integrity, according to West Point Military Academy.

    Loan Programs

    • Both the federal government and most states have military loan programs. These programs feature low interest rates for military personnel or veterans. Current and former military personnel can apply for loans for mortgages, education or for starting a small business. Some states also have loan programs for soldiers with poor credit.

    Signing Bonuses

    • The Army offers enlistment bonuses, according to Military Advantage. The amount of the bonus depends upon several factors. For example, bonuses vary depending upon the branch of the service, education level of the recruit, previous professional experience and duration of the enlistment term. Some recruits may receive bonuses of as much as $40,000.

    Educational Aid

    • The military has become a popular option for young people seeking financial assistance toward their college education. The Department of Defense reports that some service members could receive $70,000 or more in education benefits. The GI Bill offers money for such expenses as books, tuition and housing costs for students. The GI bill most often gets used by veterans who have retired from military service.

    Career Skills

    • Many skills acquired during time in the armed forces become valuable assets in the private sector. This means soldiers will have greater career opportunities after leaving the service. For instance, the military widely uses computer technology. These systems require training on complex software and hardware applications. These skills easily translate into private businesses, which seek to employ knowledgeable individuals for their computer needs.

      Additionally, the military has earned a reputation for implementing and observing the highest level of security measures. Private sector companies seek skilled individuals who can help protect their invaluable data. In this day of computer hackers, former military personnel with experience in cyber-security could find themselves in demand.

Related Searches:

References

Resources

  • Photo Credit military jeep and helmet 2 image by Stanislav Halcin from Fotolia.com

Comments

You May Also Like

Related Ads

Featured