Joining The Army
Six Questions Answered About The Army ? Know Before You Go!
With over one million active soldiers, officers and reservists, there are many different things about the Army that make dedicated citizens want to join this particular branch of the armed forces. If you’re interested in a joining the A, a career in the Army may be your key to a successful future – for both you and your family.
Here are some interesting facts about the Army that you may not have known:
? The Army is the oldest branch of the United States military
? The Army has been actively protecting America for over 237 years
? Both the Army and Army Reserve have over a half a million active personnel each
? In 2007, the Army changed their long standing uniform in favor of high-tech uniforms that come equipped with digital camouflage patterns that can disguise soldiers wherever they are – woods, deserts and even developed urban cities.
? The term “G.I.” stands for Government Issue.
We Have The Answers To The 6 Most Common Questions Asked About The Army!
Whether you’re interested in joining the Army as part of your dedication to protecting the freedom and liberties of your fellow countrymen, or you’re doing it as an investment in your future, there are a few things to consider about the Army that are important in determining which path you take in your career. Here, we answer 6 of the top questions people have when considering a path in the armed forces.
1. How long can I commit?
Joining any branch of the armed forces requires you to commit to years of service. Do you want to serve two years and eventually go back to civilian life, or are you looking for an Army career? Figuring out what your goals are, whether they?re short or long term, can help you make a decision about the Army.
2. Am I looking to serve in the military full-time or part-time?
There are two ways to serve your country when joining the Army: You can sign up for Active Duty or the Army Reserve. There are a few differences between active and reserve duties that you should know about. The Army requires one of the following commitments from their soldiers:
? Active Duty – You will be required to serve in the military full time for a length of anywhere between 2-6 years. Active Duty soldiers are required to deploy for an average of 12 months at a time, and are given two two-week periods of leave time in which they can travel home to visit friends and family.
? Army Reserve – Joining the Reserve allows you to serve your country without having to give a full time commitment. Reserves typically commit themselves for a period of 3-6 years. You will be required to spend one weekend per month training for your Reserve duties, as well as an additional two week training period in which you will have to report to yearly.
3. Am I considering a career opportunity in the Army?
One great thing about the Army is the amount of Army careers and opportunities available. While active duty requires that you start out as an enlisted soldier, you should really consider where you want to go from here. Do your goals include becoming a warrant or commissioned officer, where you successfully train and lead units during their missions? Or do you see yourself landing a position in Army administration or education? Clearly defining your goals for the future can help determine which military careers and jobs are right for you.
4. Can joining the military increase my likelihood for receiving an education?
If there is one thing about the Army that may be more important than any other benefit available to enlisted members, it’s the access to high quality education. The armed forces provide service members with the ability to attain degrees in various fields. In addition to on-the-job training and ROTC programs, the Army provides financial compensation that allows members to further their education by enrolling in the college or university of their choice. This opens the door to a number of career opportunities that may not have been within reach before joining the armed forces. Active members aren?t the only ones who benefit, either. There are many veteran college options for those who have served their time and returned to civilian life.
5. What benefits are available to me after joining the Army?
The Army offers all of its soldiers a variety of benefits for enlisting. These benefits are available during active service and after retirement. Just some of the lucrative benefits for military personnel include:
? Financial compensation for education, housing, special duties and more
? Access to a credit union and financial services
? Healthcare
? Vacation time
? Family services and support groups
? Childcare options
? Employment assistance for veterans
6. How much military pay can I expect to receive?
This is one question many people have about the Army. They want to know how much they stand to receive after committing their life for a number of years. While the amount of military pay differs from soldier to soldier, most members of the Army can expect to receive a starting basic pay amount of $1,379. This is just the starting point, however. After factoring in the numerous benefits available for active duty and reserve soldiers, the total compensation becomes much higher.
Have more questions about Army jobs and opportunities? Click here to visit our Army Jobs page and learn more about the types of jobs you can hold in the Army, and the types of jobs your military education and skills may qualify you for after returning to civilian life.