1. Patriotism, defending our nation, and a sense of duty. Military service is a time-honored way to serve others first. Walter Reuther is quoted as saying, “There is no greater calling than to serve your fellow men. There is no greater contribution than to help the weak. There is no greater satisfaction than to have done it well.” ( source ). This quote sums up what it means to serve. When you join the military, you learn the true meaning of service.
2. Membership into one of the world’s oldest clubs. Being a military veteran makes you an automatic member in one of the world’s oldest clubs. It is easy to share stories and recollections with other members of this special group of people, and can help you gain acceptance, join clubs, find employment, and gain other benefits. Being a veteran is something no one can ever take away from you.
3. Jobs in a down economy. The US has experienced a difficult economy over the last few years, including high levels of
unemployment , rising costs, and the outsourcing of many jobs. If you are looking for employment, consider the military, which continues to offer jobs for those who are qualified medically and academically, and who do not have an extensive criminal record.
4. Pay and benefits. A new second lieutenant starts at over $36,000 a year plus full benefits, not including added monthly allowances of up to $3,000, depending on where he or she is stationed. An enlisted person starts at around $20,000 a year plus full benefits, not including added monthly allowances of up to $1,500 depending on where he or she is stationed. Enlistment and re-enlistment bonuses can be over $20,000. After serving only 3 years, some nuclear trained enlisted members in the Navy receive bonuses of $90,000 for re-enlisting. Student loans can be relieved by up to $65,000 . The military is also one of the few places where you can get a full pension after serving 20 years or more. Military retirement can reach 50-75% of the average of your final three years base salary. In some instances, you can receive more than 75% of your base pay in retirement.
5. Full medical coverage for you and your family. Military members are immediately eligible for full health care benefits for themselves and their immediate family members as soon as they enter the service, and if you stay through until retirement, you and your family can take these benefits with you when you leave the military. These health benefits extend to immediate family (e.g. spouses and children, and sometimes dependent parents). You may also be eligible for
temporary military healthcare benefits after you leave the service.
6. Skills and training. The military provides advanced technical training in a variety of career fields and also offers opportunities for additional training when you are off-duty. Many military members are able to attend college that is often paid for by tuition assistance . You can use your training opportunities to advance within your career field, earn certifications or degrees, or prepare yourself to transition back into civilian life.
7. Leadership opportunities. Military leadership is a great way to get your resume on top of the pile for your next career. If you were to hire someone, would you want to hire someone with proven skills and experience and a degree, or someone right out of high school/college? Give me the experienced professional any day of the week! (More tips for creating your post-military resume) .
8. Travel opportunities and vacation time. The military has installations all around the world and pays for you and your family to get there and back. Your off duty time is yours and you are free to travel and see the world. The military gives you 30 days of paid leave per year, not including weekends and federal holidays. The military also has several resorts around the world, including the Hale Koa resort in Hawaii , Shades of Green at Disney World in Florida, and resorts in Japan, Germany, and South Korea. Most major military installations also have base lodging (military hotel), where you can stay on a space available basis for less than the cost of an off-base hotel.
Benefits After Leaving the Service
9. Education opportunities after you leave the military. The new GI Bill pays veterans who served at least 36 months a monthly living stipend and full tuition to pay for college, after they leave the military. Depending on how long the service member commits, this
Post-9/11 GI Bill can be transferred to spouses and children.
10. Buy a home with no money down with a VA Loan. The Veterans Affairs office offers veterans a way to purchase a home with no money down through the VA Loan . This makes it easier to purchase a home while you are serving, or after you have left the service!!
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