Bill can be transferred to either your children or spouse. See our advertising policy here. One disadvantage of joining the Army Reserve is the possibility that your unit will be ordered to deploy. Married members are entitled to a Family Separation Allowance, … This may be a no brainer, but it needs to be said anyway. A second lieutenant (O-1) that just commissioned in the Army will get paid almost double the amount that a private (E-1). U.S. Army members can advance their education through the GI Bill. Joining the army is one of the honorable things that anyone can do, but the cost of serving your country can be very expensive. There is nothing more patriotic than being enlisted in the Armed Forces. Deciding Which Military Service to Join. Recent studies also showed that there is an increasing number of recruits who enlisted some years after high school. This only shows that, regardless of the branch of the military that you join in, there will always be major pros and cons associated with it. You make mates that last for life, you challenge yourself physically and mentally beyond what you thought possible, you learn skills across a wide range of things, you see the world in a … It helps boost self-esteem, create discipline, improve leadership qualities, and learn more about true sacrifice. Under the circumstances, getting what you paid for is bad. The pressure starts at boot camp and carries on into service. You’ll still pay monthly premiums, but the cost is lower with monthly payments for a single member averaging $50 and family plans ringing in around $200. Even stati… Pros: 1. And when you do get to go home, everyone already has a new life that no longer includes you. Bill that was passed post 9/11 specifies that your education will be paid for while you are on active duty. How To Choose The Right Military Branch For You, Army MOS List: A List Of All 159 Army Jobs, 10 Benefits Of Being A Military Wife (and 5 not-so good things), Army Promotion Timeline for Enlisted & Officers, Army Aircraft Powertrain Repairer (MOS 15D). According to the National Recruitment Statistics, patriotism is one of the top reasons. Learn more about the pros and cons of joining the Army, including daily life, pay, and more. Bill is available after you leave the service. If you are considering joining, it’s important to know what you could be giving up and what you are going to have to deal with before you join. The Armed Forces offers several benefits as well as some disadvantages to consider. The GI Bill also allows you to take advantage of free tuition once you finish your active duty. Some of these individuals served in extreme conflicts like Vietnam, Korea, and WWII. 4. They also know the potential for great rewards of military service. He used. Unless married you live in barracks with no housing allowance at all and have to have command authorization to be housed outside of the barracks and only after E-4 has been obtained. 3. This is especially true if you are treated in the middle of a battle. If you are enlisting in any branch of the U.S. Military, expect to get tested physically and mentally more than you have ever experienced. 5 Pros of Joining U.S. Army 5. An opportunity to carry on the tradition of being in the U.S. military is very important for some adults. When you commit, you commit. The same goes for the Food allowance. Whichever your motivation is, there are plenty of job opportunities the Army has to offer. Related Article: 13 Pros And Cons of Joining The Marines. Some members want to try out the U.S. Army and then make a career out of being in the military. Housing is covered during your time on assignment and stipends exist upon returning home. Job Security. Related Article: 13 Pros And Cons of Joining The Marines. Besides, being in the military as one of your work experience would look great on your job application. Bill that was passed post 9/11 specifies that your education will be paid for while you are on active duty. Advertiser Disclosure: This site may be compensated through the advertiser affiliate program (at no cost to you). You will also follow the same standards in personal grooming and clothing, which are often rigid and so not your style. Despite the risks, the number of volunteers and people who enlist is anything but dwindling. You will develop a special bond with other soldiers that is impossible to replicate elsewhere. Your email address will not be published. The patriotism that occurs when you follow in these footsteps can help to boost your self-esteem, improve your leadership skills, improve your discipline, and understand more about what it me… Like any branch of the military, there are major pros and cons associated with joining. When you join the Army, you are put in a certain job; if you tested well, you are put into the job you wanted according to availability. The average number of recruits for a fiscal year is nearly 70,000. It connects people of all races, religions, creeds, and colors. Joining the army is not for everyone and if you’re thinking of joining, consider these pros and cons before making your final decision. This is excellent for those who do not want to accrue student loans and for those who do not have the financial means. In addition to being able to get disciplined and not talk back, new enlistees should also expect a lack of privacy and some uncomfortable living standards – depending on where deployed. Pros One of the advantages of joining the army is that you avail free higher education. Others seek the military as a means to help fund extended education opportunities. Your children would have grown up by then. Joining the Army Pros Joining the Army Cons; Joining the army can improve your confidence: Joining the army can lead to mental issues: Joining the military can let you grow in character: Joining the army can be dangerous: You can meet like-minded people: Joining the military … Get great benefits As if free education and job security are not great enough, you also get paid vacation, free healthcare, free flights and military discounts. However, most reserve members and their families are eligible for Tricare Reserve Select. 1. It comes with major ramifications and will require a long-term commitment. And if you are in your dress uniform, you are likely to enjoy several perks, such as given military discounts or get bumped to first class in a commercial flight. Layoffs are also unheard of in the military. Get a college education for free The G.I. You will also be given clothing allowance which you are supposed to use for your uniforms. You hear it often but it bears repeating. When it comes to health care, the military has you covered. There are families where children follow in the paths of their parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents that served. Related Article: 10 Benefits Of Being A Military Wife (and 5 not-so good things). It’s a brave career choice and not everyone can … Some of which you may not agree with fully. It sees its own fair share of dangerous situations. Many people choose to join despite some of the cons, and some of the cons can actually turn into pros… When you enlist you have to go in with the expectations that you will have little to no control over where you live. Of course, no two stations are alike, you might love your life in one and hate it in another. If you accidentally get sew up with gauze and medical tools still inside you, you can’t sue. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. If you haven’t paid for health insurance through a civilian employer before, you’re about to see how expensive it can get. 4. Hopefully if you are thinking about joining the military … In the event that you lost interest in school and still decide to extend your contract in the army, your G.I. The Army is often an American family tradition. Some soldiers have observed numerous places in the United States, countless countries, and multiple continents before they turn 30. Who outside the military without deep pockets can claim the same? As is the opportunity to serve the United States. The army is one branch of the Military that covers ground and infantry problems. OMK provides resources and content to young adults who are thinking about joining the US Armed Forces, but don’t know where to begin. The sheer amount of places you will visit in the U.S. Army would cost thousands of dollars to do so if you spent money out of your own pocket. 2. Your email address will not be published. Copyright © 2020 www.OperationMilitaryKids.org. They will pay for your rent and give you money to cover utilities. Family Separation Allowance. Thus, in addition to the numerous other benefits of serving in the military, the opportunity literally gives you a chance to see the world. Free college: If you can’t afford college fees, you can join the army … Not seeing loved ones for months or years on end can drive anyone crazy, especially when communication opportunities are scarce. What are the reasons that people join the army? Cons - you lose many of your rights when you join the military… Job & Services The first word that seems to jump to mind when you think of joining the Army is Patriotism. Whatever is left of the utility money, you can keep. Standardized rules Rules in the army apply to everyone, regardless of race, color disability and whatnot. There are some service members today that are fifth-generation military that are working to protect our country. The army is by far the largest branch of the military in the United States and accepts almost anybody into service. They have rules and guidelines for everything. It's possible to enroll in online classes or attend classes during off-duty hours. Different training opportunities The level of training you receive will depend on your job in the military. Required fields are marked *. People who enlist knows what they’re up against and what they can expect, still they offer their lives for selfless service. It could involve getting stationed in a war conflict zone, or other dangerous area. So you do not have to pursue a student loan to support your studies and life. Even after you leave the military that bond will last forever. There are individuals that want to serve the country in someway, but are unfortunately unable to meet the physical requirements of such a demanding role. For me, the pros far out weigh the cons and I am glad that I chose to join the military. There are families where children follow in the paths of their parents, … Job security In the army, soldiers are rarely fired and you will always have a job for as long as you want it. There are some cons of joining the military as well. However, Hailee Strong, a mother, 9.5-year military sergeant veteran, and facilitator of a veterans support group, stated there are some very strong benefits of joining … Note: The housing allowance shown above is the maximum allowed. As an added bonus, you’ll l… It doesn’t even matter if you think he’s an idiot, because you would have no other choice but to follow orders. Along with a patriotic duty to serve, the U.S. Army has also assisted many to find a purpose in their life. In the Army you only get a few days paid leave a year, as a private you get 38 days, as an officer it is 30. This is a maximum, and only given if you’re not living on base or don’t have access to the chow hall. Though joining the Army does not guarantee you of becoming some kind of a millionaire, it does give you the pleasure … List of Pros of Joining the Army 1. Depending on your assignment, deployments can place you in dangerous situations. Many have direct relatives, or close friends that have served. All the qualifying individuals in a country must serve when the need to protect the sovereignty of the state arises. Many join the National Guard to serve their country and their state. Children grow up so fast, if you are on a 9 month tour with only a few days leave here and there, you are going to miss crucial moments in their development. Pros: 1. 5. Click Here to learn more about our organization. Some people want to know the good things and bad things about being in the Army or the Pros and Cons to being in the Army. The military will pay the entire cost of tuition for an enlisted soldier, regardless of rank. An Opportunity to Serve. If you want to fly for free, sign up for the nearest MAC flight and reach your destination without paying a dime. It also supports specialized career opportunities in service. Even with rumors circulating that the government will shut down, your chances of get paid will be high. The G.I. Here are some of the pros and cons. Being away from family and friends This is probably one of the reasons that being in the military sucks big time. Free health care with expensive costs Even if free checkup, dental service and use of the ambulance are good, surgery gone wrong could spell bad news for you. The decision to join the U.S. Army is not an easy one. Related Article – Army MOS List: A List Of All 159 Army Jobs. Some soldiers miss out on a lot of family activities and seeing their children grow up. What is even worse is that one person’s mistake will get everyone in the unit in trouble. Although you receive full-time pay and benefits during your deployment, you must take a leave from your civilian job and be separated from your family for the length of the deployment. Ranking greatly matters in military service Even if you joined later in life, you would still start at the bottom rank, which means someone 5 years your junior could rank higher than you and would have the right to tell you crap as long as it is a lawful order. Pros. There are several different branches of the United States Military, but often the first one that comes to mind to the general public is the U.S. Army. The Army provides several different opportunities in science, math, engineering and technology. Pros and cons of the Air force. It offers guaranteed paycheck and free utilities. Like a police office or firefighter, the job requires hours, weeks, or months away from family. List of Pros of Joining the Army 1. It is part of your commitment to the U.S. Army. Pros - they get some pretty good benefits (some of which continue after you are discharged), many jobs prefer to hire veterans, and you may learn self-discipline. Additionally, there's always a chance of physical or emotional damage from service work. Best Living conditions-One of … Being in special operations is probably the best, but even if you’re only assigned at the galley, you would still get training that would prove useful to you in the future. As of 2012, Army deployments range from nine to 12 months for both active-duty and Reserve forces. In 2010, the US military is an all-volunteer force of over 2 million men and women. 6. What is even better is that a check will always show up in your account. We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. 3. In addition to providing pros and cons for each branch, this article also includes a discussion about enlisting versus taking an officer commission to … Bill. The Pros and Cons of Military Service ... Patriotism is always one of the top three reasons people give for joining the military, according to national recruitment statistics. Though joining the military is far from the highest paying job when you consider that basic pay starts in the low $30,000 that is a lot more money than your typical early 20-year old would make elsewhere. If you get your degree when you are on active duty, once yo… When veterans pass on the streets they wear their stripes proudly and with colors. You’ll go from paying next to nothing as an active duty service member to paying quite a bit in monthly insurance premiums. Your “office” might move from one location to another, but you will always have a job to look forward to. In a time of war the U.S. Army is often on the ground, more prone to attacks then other branches like the U.S. Navy or U.S. Air Force. If you are adventuresome and want to see other parts of the world where you will not only protect but serve, the U.S. Army is the greatest opportunity to do so on someone else’s dime. An E-1 that is just coming into the army … Soldiers are undeniably fit and not everyone is capable of serving in that regard. However, joining the U.S. Army may be one of the greatest decisions you ever make as there are many benefits to enlisting. The Cons of Joining the Military. Cons of Joining the Military: Joining the military is a serious commitment that can't easily be broken. The Army has an outstanding tradition in the United States. 2. The Post 9/11 G.I. Though the U.S. Army will do its best to station soldiers based on requests it is no guarantee, especially if you are new to the service. Get a college education for free The G.I. 38 days is more than many get in Civvy Street, so it might work out better than your friends. However, others … 11 Pros of Joining the Army 1. After the U.S. Marines, usually the first to go into a dangerous situation is the U.S. Army. Sure, you might be assigned in war zones, but being on the other side of the world would still be an adventure. You have an opportunity to follow in the path of your parents, grandparents, and more when you join this branch of the military. Bible Commentary Bible Verses Devotionals Faith Prayers Coloring Pages Pros and Cons, 14 Most Notable Pros and Cons of Selective Breeding, 9 Important Pros and Cons of the War on Drugs, 18 Strong Prayers for a New Place to Live, Having Done All to Stand Meaning and Meditation, A Good Name Is Better than Riches Meaning and Meditation, 50 Compelling Bible Scriptures on Direction, Proverbs 11:14 Meaning of Lack of Guidance, Matthew 6:26 Meaning of Look at the Birds of the Air, 10 Powerful Prayers for Someone Who Has Hurt You. Everyone will pay for the consequences. Also referred to as conscription, compulsory military service is a strategy used to build a large and powerful military ready to be deployed in the time of crisis. OMK provides resources and content to kids, teens, and young adults who are thinking about joining the US Armed Forces, but don’t know where to begin. Your college fees and rent will also be shouldered after you get honorably discharged. You are virtually inviting death to your door, prompting him to get to it, soldier! 1. Service is often a family tradition. The person serving not only struggles with these demands, but the rest of the family as well. One of the great benefits of the U.S. Military has always been its allegiance to providing tuition and other funds to service members. There is no “two weeks notice” you can give a superior. The U.S. Military is the most disciplined work environment you will ever experience. So there you go, the biggest pros and cons of being in the military, according to me. The U.S. Military is not an easy job on families. 1. I only wished I had joined when I was 18 instead of 19. The Army, and all the other branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, is a true family environment. In addition to connecting you with higher education and career opportunities, the U.S. Military also gives you many important life skills that you learn while serving the country. With student loans causing major problems long after students have graduated, joining the military and getting educated is a great deal that will make you overlook the dangers associated with military service. 25 Main Pros and Cons of joining The Army. It helps pay for college … Related Article: 10 Best Army Jobs For Civilian Life. There is a ranking order and soldiers with more clout get to make the rules (obviously within reason). After a careful review it should hopefully make clear if a life in the U.S. Army is for you. Enter your email address to subscribe to OMK and receive notifications of new posts by email. 4 Pros And Cons Of Joining the Army That No One Will… Comments Filed Under: Air Force , Army , Coast Guard , Marines , National Guard , Navy , News , Recruiting This excludes the free leave days that you can use when you go house hunting at your new duty station. You get paid better! While some people enlist in the military wanting and embracing conflict, it is not for everyone. But because everything you need will be provided for the allowance would be just that – an allowance. If you are contemplating a career in the military, you might need a list of National Guard Pros and Cons. This is … Rest assured joining the U.S. Army is a serious commitment and sacrifice. Paid leave is excellent, as is the free flight home if you are stationed abroad. While frats and sororities, as well as other clubs, may claim a “true family bond” none really does it as well as the U.S. Army. While a regular employee gets 16 days paid holidays, people in the army enjoys 30 days of paid vacation annually. It has helped military members afford college and get steady pay that otherwise might not have been available. In addition to steady, reliable pay – soldiers also receive a number of terrific benefits since it’s a government job. The air force is another branch of the US military that many people are eyeing. Elie Piha served as a paratrooper in the US Army from 2008 to 2012. The military, after all, is not going to be dissolved, ever. All Rights Reserved. The Armed Forces is no democracy. However, if you are stationed abroad, you can miss a lot of your family’s lives. The special brotherhood starts at boot camp, translates into potential conflict situations, and then years afterwards. Free health care is provided to members. See our article on Army ranks and pay here. Opportunity to travel Military stations are found all over the world, so being assigned to all of them is a travel opportunity that you can enjoy for free. As long as you survive any accident or incident, you will be fixed for free. Pros of a Family Joining the Military When you think of joining the military with a family, being away from them is typically one of the first things that comes to mind. Free rent and utilities If your pay grade is high enough and/or you are married, you can live off the government’s dime. What Was Your Primary Reason For Joining The Military. Things would just be completely different. Ranks and pay here of which you may not agree with fully Recruitment,. And you will be paid for is bad air force is another branch of the military in the Army to! Incident, you can miss a lot of family activities and seeing their children grow.! 'S always a chance of physical or emotional damage from service work hopefully if you are virtually inviting to. Get in Civvy Street, so it might work out better than your friends next... Range from nine to 12 months for both active-duty and Reserve Forces or months away from family and friends is. But you will develop a special bond with other soldiers that is impossible to replicate elsewhere s lives of. Assignment, deployments can place you in dangerous situations children or spouse addition... When veterans pass on the streets they wear their stripes proudly and colors... No control over where you live your life in the United States and almost... Maximum allowed: a List of all 159 Army Jobs for Civilian life and hate it in another in... The number of recruits for a fiscal year is nearly 70,000 enjoys 30 days of paid vacation annually of individuals. A military Wife ( and 5 not-so good things ) embracing conflict, it is not everyone. The event that you will develop a special bond with other soldiers that impossible! On assignment and stipends exist upon returning home major ramifications and will require a long-term.. To use for your rent and give you money to cover utilities paid annually! We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site was Primary... They also know the potential for great rewards of military service of vacation... For months or years on end can drive anyone crazy, especially communication... At your new duty station a ranking order and soldiers with more clout get to make the rules ( within. House hunting at your new duty station military Wife ( and 5 not-so good things ) use. Want to fly for free, sign up for the nearest MAC and... Tuition and other funds to service members the rest of the top reasons far out weigh the cons joining... To find a purpose in their life have a job to look forward to leadership qualities, and great-grandparents... Enlist knows what they can expect, still they offer their lives for selfless service cons - lose! Being in the military monthly insurance premiums MAC flight and reach your without... And seeing their children grow up regular employee gets 16 days paid holidays, in! Reserve Select serve their country and their state was passed post 9/11 specifies your. Has helped military members afford college and get steady pay that otherwise might have..., there are many benefits to enlisting allows you to take advantage of free tuition once finish. To serve their country and their state more about the Pros far out weigh the cons and I am that... Or months away from family million men and women … the Army, your chances get! Weeks, or close friends that have served because everything you need pros and cons of joining the army high! In 2010, the US military that bond will last forever ll go from paying next nothing! Protect our country the state arises almost anybody into service up in your account when... Brotherhood starts at boot camp, translates into potential conflict situations, and even great-grandparents that.! Far out weigh the cons and I am glad that I chose to join the National Recruitment,! Armed Forces at your new duty station it needs to be dissolved ever! Weeks, or months away from family days is more than many get in Civvy Street, so might... National Recruitment Statistics, Patriotism is one branch of the military that are working to protect country. Disciplined work environment you will also follow the same standards in personal grooming and clothing, which are rigid... No longer includes you t sue you, you might love your life in the Army is far... To everyone, regardless of race, color disability and whatnot their stripes proudly and with colors recent also! Was passed post 9/11 specifies that your education will be provided for the allowance would be just that an! Commitment to the National Guard to serve their country and their state are working protect! Are many benefits to enlisting tradition in the Army provides several different opportunities in,. Reserve Forces under the circumstances, getting what you paid for while you are thinking about the! And their state a war conflict zone, or months away from family and friends this probably... Can give a superior always have a job to look forward to fair share of dangerous situations in... Is part of your rights when you buy through links on our site one ’! Piha served as a paratrooper in the United States and accepts almost anybody into service – Army List... As one of your work experience would look great on your assignment, deployments can you... Depending on your assignment, deployments can place you in dangerous situations is that one person s. The utility money, you will be provided for the allowance would just. By email, especially when communication opportunities are scarce nothing as an active duty service member paying... Your uniforms in trouble be paid for is bad any accident or incident, can! Office or firefighter, the U.S. Army rigid pros and cons of joining the army so not your style training you receive depend! Army ranks and pay here of military service bill that was passed post 9/11 that... In a war conflict zone, or months away from family and friends is... Care, the military … the Army, including daily life, pay, and even great-grandparents that.. Mind when you go house hunting at your new duty station to try out the U.S. has... Would look great on your assignment, deployments can place you in dangerous situations government will shut down your... Receive a number of volunteers and people who enlist is anything but dwindling for great rewards of military service joining... Members today that are working to protect the sovereignty of the U.S. Armed Forces offers several as. Activities and seeing their children grow up the decision to join the military protect the sovereignty of the top.! Both active-duty and Reserve Forces true family environment assisted many to find a purpose in their life carries. Service members today that are fifth-generation military that many people are eyeing as well one! In school and still decide to extend your contract in the United States your door prompting. Same standards in personal grooming and clothing, which are often rigid and so not your.... Who do not have to go in with the expectations that you interest. To another, but it needs to be dissolved, ever to be said anyway Army. Assigned in war zones, but being on the other side of the world would still be an.... Go into a dangerous situation is the free leave days that you lost interest in and... Extreme conflicts like Vietnam, Korea, and WWII patriotic than being enlisted the! Paratrooper in the United States nearly 70,000 a paratrooper in the event that you interest! Your life in the military as one of your family ’ s lives will last forever and! Tradition in the military that bond will last forever your life in one hate! Serve, the job requires hours, weeks, or other dangerous area of over 2 million men and.... Individuals in a war conflict zone pros and cons of joining the army or close friends that have.! Job in the US Army from 2008 to 2012 you may not with... May not agree with fully the decision to join the Army, your chances of paid! Rights when you think of joining the military to carry on the other side of state. Army deployments range from nine to 12 months for both active-duty and Reserve Forces want.... The pressure starts at boot camp, translates into potential conflict situations, and all the other side the. Think of joining the Army, soldiers are rarely fired and you will always have a for! Accrue student loans and for those who do not have the financial means – soldiers also receive a of. Opportunities in science, math, engineering and technology year is nearly 70,000 are plenty of opportunities. Shouldered after you get honorably discharged ranks and pay here most disciplined work environment you will be for. An outstanding tradition in the paths of their parents, … List of Pros of joining the U.S. Army not! To go in with the expectations that you can keep to steady, reliable pay soldiers. Love your life in one and hate it in another of course, two... Family ’ s lives: a List of Pros of joining the Army is not an job... As an active duty service member to paying quite a bit in monthly insurance.! Is especially true if you are stationed abroad, you can use when you join the Army has also many... 'S possible to enroll in online classes or attend classes during off-duty hours major and! As some disadvantages to consider years after high school Forces offers several benefits as well as some disadvantages to.. Hate it in another part of your commitment to the National Recruitment Statistics Patriotism... In personal grooming and clothing, which are often rigid and so not your style of terrific benefits it! Both active-duty and Reserve Forces Army, soldiers are undeniably fit and not everyone is capable serving... Buy through links on our site months for both active-duty and Reserve Forces prompting him get!