Only 23% of qualified Americans 17-25 years old are eligible to join the military. Only 9% of them want to.
Only 45% of Americans trust the institution. Misinformation feeds this trend as 75% of 16-28-year-olds know almost nothing about the army.
Overcoming common myths helps you see the truth about what military jobs can do for you from the day you enlist to the day you retire. Read on to learn 5 terrific reasons for joining the military.
Patriotism and Legacy
Serving your country is the one reason for joining the military that has nothing to do with beginning a career. It’s more common amongst the 79% of army recruits who also have a family member who served.
Becoming a veteran is like joining an exclusive club. Passing that membership down throughout your family is a way to create a legacy. You can also honor that membership with mementos such as army challenge coins.
Travel
Joining the army is a way to see as much of the world as you possibly can. Traveling from outpost to outpost lets you see the entire world.
Joining the navy is the best option if you want to travel even more. You’ll go through the sea and get to places you may not be able to visit otherwise.
There are even military resorts to relax in on your off-time. They include the Hale Koa in Hawaii, Shades of Green at Disney World in Florida, and more. All of this travel will also help you build relationships that can last forever.
Transferrable Skills
All of the military branches offer transferrable skills that can be used for other jobs and industries. A few examples include:
- Government and contractors
- Construction and heavy equipment
- Personal trainers and fitness instructors
- Cybersecurity
- Customer service
- Logistics and operations managers
- Aircraft technicians
- Solar installers
Joining the military can also help you pay for college. The GI bill gives veterans who served at least 36 months a monthly stipend for up to 36 months of school while on active duty and 15 years after. You’ll even earn 100% tuition assistance.
Healthcare
Military members get full healthcare for themselves and their immediate families as soon as they enter the service. Temporary benefits continue after you retire.
Retirement Benefits
Military careers offer some of the best and earliest retirement packages. You can retire after 20 years of service in any branch.
The benefits include a pension based on your highest three years of base pay. You can also maintain full healthcare coverage.
More on Joining the Military and Other Careers
Joining the military is an honorable way to serve your country, but it also has other benefits. You’ll get to travel the world and see places you never dreamed of.
The skills you gain from a military career can be used in other jobs. You’ll also get help with college tuition.
The benefits are worthwhile, with one of the most important being healthcare for you and your family. You can also retire early with a generous pension.
Read the rest of our content for more tips on finding the best career for you.
