While being a member of the military certainly has its own internal rewards, it also has some external rewards that can be pretty compelling.
Being a member of the U.S. military means that you get a substantial paycheck, equal to, in most cases, the salary a person in the private sector gets for those same jobs.
There are also allowances, which are not taxable, to help offset the costs of things not provided by the military. For example, military members who live off base generally receive a housing allowance that helps pay for housing.
In addition, there is an allowance for basic subsistence, or food, that is also in addition to regular pay.
A service member may get additional compensation if their duty is particularly taxing or dangerous as well.
But the pay is only one small portion of the benefits the military offers.
Being in the service also provides excellent training and career services. Many servicemembers get training that transfers to a great civilian job after retirement or discharge from the military.
Additionally, there are full medical benefits for all servicepeople, regardless of the condition.
Another very valuable benefit is tuition support. This may come in the form of tuition assistance, Montgomery G.I. Bill, College Fund Programs, and the Loan Repayment programs.
Each of these programs applies to different service members, but the bottom line is that every member of the military gets help if they continue their higher education. The military is a great way to get excellent training, and get an education as well.