Should you Enlist in the Military? Making a rash decision about your life isn’t a good idea. Joining the military is a huge commitment and should be made for the right reasons. There are several great reasons to join the military and become a part of something truly special.
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If you’re thinking about enlisting, you should take time and consider why. Are you just doing it because other family members or friends enlisted? Do you really want to be a part of the military? Here are a few of the most common reasons to enlist in the United States military.
To Defend the United States
Probably the best and most noble reason to join the military is to defend the country. If you feel a calling to be on the front lines or behind the scenes while helping to fight for the rights of the American people, joining the military is probably or you.
Every other reason for enlisting is secondary compared to this one. True patriotism and service are only experienced when joining the military and fighting for your country.
No Chance of Lay Offs
While other companies may lay you off because of mismanagement, a down economy or some other reason, you’ll never get laid off by the military. In fact, even in the worst of times, the military will give you a job, if you qualify academically, medically and you don’t have a long criminal record.
Gain Training and Skills
The military will train you to do many different types of jobs, some of which you can do when you leave the military. You will also gain the ability to attend college, which will be paid for by tuition assistance, in most cases.
Leadership opportunities also come within the military, which can help when you go back to civilian life. Companies seek out veterans with leadership skills because they know the discipline they work with and how valuable they can be.
More than Average Vacation Every Year
Working at a new company as an entry-level employee, you may not get any vacation time until after one year. At that point, you’re lucky if you get more than two weeks of vacation time.
The military gives you 30 paid leave days per year you can use as vacation, sick days or just person time off. This doesn’t include the weekends or the many federal holidays you’ll get off each year.
Great Retirement Benefits
If you stay in the military for 20 years or longer and you become an officer, you will gain some incredible retirement benefits. Starting out at a young age, you could be retired in your 40s with plenty to live on, full health benefits and many other benefits. In addition, you can start a second career and your additional income won’t change the amount you receive for your pension.
There are a number of great reasons to enlist in the military. First and foremost, you should have an urge to fight for your country or at least a serious amount of patriotism. Past that, the pay, the benefits and the chance to gain skills and training may be enough to get you to enlist.