Now and again, potential enlistees consider common Military myths to be true. It is important to take a closer look at these misconceptions if you have any interest in joining the Military.
First, get your free military careers info here.
Is My College Career Over?
Some people believe they have to choose between the Military and college. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Military encourages service members to chase after a college degree.
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Did you know that qualified members of the Military can receive up to $70,000 towards the cost of tuition? The Military also offers accredited courses through several hundred universities across the United States. With educational programs like these, enlistees have the option of attending college before enlisting or taking courses while on active duty.
Military Pay vs. Civilian Pay ? Is one better?
Just like any career, some military jobs pay better than others. When you compare Military to civilian pay scale, you might just be surprised. In addition to this, the military offers a comprehensive benefits package.
For some Military positions, an enlistment bonus is available. This bonus is awarded for choosing a particular field of military service.
For example, there are several National Guard jobs that offer a cash bonus:
| ? Special Forces Weapons Sergeant |
| ? Special Forces Engineer Sergeant |
| ? Special Forces Medical Sergeant |
| ? Air Defense Tactical Control Operations Center Operator |
| ? Signals Intelligence Analyst |
| ? And many more?most for critical skill positions |
The Guard in every state has the ability to provide bonuses to soldiers upon becoming an officer. As this is unique on the state level, check with your local recruiter for more bonus information.
And what about retirement? After serving 20 years, you can leave the Military behind with full pay. Most cannot say the same about their civilian job.
Can Women Enlist?
The Army Nurse Corps (established in 1901) and Navy Nurse Corps (established in 1908) were first to introduce women to the United States Armed Forces.
In today?s Military, women are every bit as important as men. Did you know that roughly 95 percent of available positions are open to both men and women? The only jobs closed to women are Direct Combat positions and some Special Forces positions, such as those with the Navy SEALs.
Women make up approximately 15 percent of the United States Military.
Military Training is Difficult
Military training will test your limits, both physically and mentally. However, this is for your own good. The training that you complete in the Military will prepare you for a life time of success and a prosperous future. Your on the job training will assist you in obtaining a civilian position when the time comes.
True or False: The Fail Out Rate of Basic Training is Astronomically Large
False! Basic Training is difficult but this does not mean you are going to fail out. Approximately 90 percent of people who attend Boot Camp make it through with success.
Although Drill Sergeants have the reputation for being hard on recruits, the goal is to prepare them for the future. In short, they want every recruit to succeed based on what?s best for the Military and the soldier.
Be honest: did you ever believe any of these myths to be true? Now you know the real truth.
I have heard a lot of bad things about the military and people on power trips. Mostly little men with little man syndrome. I’m sure it doesn’t apply to just their height alone. One of the most disconcerting issues I have heard about in the military is medical treatment for veterans and military personal. It seems there are many veterans who are very unhappy with the medical care they receive. Especially the soldiers who were exposed to agent orange and other chemical weapons in the Persian Gulf War. I knew a guy personally that was dying from his conditions and in his 30s and it seemed the military would do everything to deny that the chemical weapons he was exposed to at war were the cause. Is this true?
Brandon,
There were various chemicals used during the Vietnam conflict, namely Agent Orange, to kill trees and foliage in order to clear out suspected Viet Cong hideouts. They were sprayed over areas of terrain via helicopters. The most common cases were pilots of these aircraft who handled the chemicals. To my knowledge these weren’t used during the Gulf War (there’s not exactly much foliage in Iraq/Kuwait).
It was tragic that these chemicals were used without researching the effects of exposure, and the Department of Defense has taken measures to ensure it doesn’t happen again. As far as medical assistance, I know one of these pilots personally, and the VA provides him with the medication he needs to control the chemical’s effects.
Hope this helps clear up your concerns.