In today’s world, there are many career options from which to choose. Some young people have aspirations of becoming doctors one day or even going on to receive a degree in medicine. There are others who dream of becoming engineers or architects and getting a job working in one of these fields when they get older. Still, others have a passion for the armed services and believe that military life is for them. A man or woman in the armed services has to be selfless and willing to put their life on the line at any given moment. It takes courage to sign up and serve your country, but it also requires a great deal of personal sacrifice. Many people wonder if joining the military is worth it in the long run, so here is a look at both sides of that argument.
Is the military worth it?
It’s a difficult question to answer. Military service is not for everyone, and it’s not something that anyone should enter into lightly. The sacrifices required of military families are considerable, and there are no guarantees that you will come home at the end of your service. If you are considering entering the military, I would strongly encourage you to talk to people who have served. They can give you a perspective that is difficult to find anywhere else.
What Do You Get Out Of Joining The Military?
- The benefits of joining the armed services are numerous. The U.S. military offers free education at all levels, free health care, and many other perks to anyone who is willing to put their life on the line for their country. In addition to that, veterans are also offered a wide range of benefits upon returning home from active duty service in the military.
- The sense of community is also a great reason people join the armed services. The army, navy, and air force all have programs in place that allow soldiers to socialize with one another during their time off duty as well as during any time they are deployed overseas or at home station in the United States.
- If you serve your country, you will be able to get paid for it later in life by receiving a pension or retirement benefits from the government after your time in service has ended and you have retired from active duty with 20 years or more of service completed under your belt. That means that if you enlist for four years, then serve for 20 years, you will be eligible for retirement benefits when your time as an active-duty soldier comes to an end.
- You can also get paid while serving your country by getting a college education through the GED program sponsored by the military itself or through tuition assistance programs offered by various universities around the country when you return home from serving in order to pursue higher education goals after leaving the armed forces (see below).
- Many people who join the military do so in order to pursue a college degree. The armed forces offer many opportunities for people who want to pursue higher education after leaving active duty service in the military. Through the GED program sponsored by the military, soldiers are able to earn their high school diploma and GED while serving their country overseas. In addition to that, tuition assistance programs are offered by various universities around the country through which soldiers can receive free tuition for pursuing a degree after leaving active duty service in the military.
Is The Military Worth It?
- Time
The military is a career that requires you to give up your free time. When you join, you are expected to prioritize your job and put it ahead of all other aspects of your life. You will be required to attend drills and training sessions, which can take up much of your time. You will also have to be available for any type of duty that may arise at any given moment. If you want a career in the military, then there is no question that it is worth it in the long run.
- Money
The military is a career that pays very well. You will earn a salary and receive benefits, which could make it an enticing option for some people. You will also have the opportunity to earn bonuses and even become eligible for retirement benefits after you retire. You will be able to make as much or as little money as you want to depend on your chosen career path, but the average salary is around $40,000 per year.
- Stability
The military is a stable career that rarely changes from day to day. If you are in the military, then you are pretty much guaranteed to have a job for the rest of your life unless something happens to you or your career path changes. A civilian job can change every year or so depending on changes in the economy and other factors that can affect employment levels in any given field of work. The military also provides a lot of stability and security that most civilian jobs do not offer.
Why People Decide To Join The Military
- They are Called to Serve Their Country
There is a sense of duty and honor that comes with being a member of the armed forces. You are called to serve your country, and this feeling is extremely rewarding.
- They Want to Make a Difference
Many people join the military because they want to make a difference in the world and make it better for future generations.
- They Want an Interesting Career
Many people don’t want to just sit at home all day, so they sign up for the military in order to get an interesting job with lots of responsibility.
- It’s an Opportunity for Personal Growth
Military members often have the opportunity for personal growth through their training and experience in their field of work. This can be very rewarding as well as motivating for those who want to continue on with their education after they leave active duty service.
- It’s a Great Way To Learn About People from All Over the World
Those who join the military see many different people from all over the world every day, which can be eye-opening and inspiring as well as a great learning experience when you are deployed overseas or working on one of several bases around America.
- The Benefits Are Unmatched
The benefits that come with being in the armed services are unmatched by nearly any other career option out there today, including medical benefits, retirement plans, and other forms of compensation that come along with joining these careers in today’s world has to offer.
Final Words
If you have ever considered joining the military, you may have wondered whether it is worth it. The reality is that there are some advantages and disadvantages to joining the armed services, and each person must decide if this is the right path for them. If you decide to add the military to your list of career options, you will want to make sure that you are prepared for the challenge and ready to make the necessary sacrifices that come with military life.
