So you?re a high school senior or just graduated from high school and the job market is not what you had hoped? Worst yet, you?ve graduated college but the right job hasn?t knocked on your door yet?
If so, perhaps this is the time that the military may be right for you.
Number #1: Civilian Jobs Bleak. U.S. employers added 150,000+ jobs in December and the unemployment rate held steady at 7.8%. However, the jobs outlook for young people especially young black teens is bleak.
According to Generation Opportunity, which charts unemployment for Millennials aged 18-29, the general jobless rate for teens is 11.5 percent and a staggering 22.1 percent for younger black Americans.
Number #2: College Benefits. Did you know the military provides more funding for educational and leadership opportunities than any other institution in the U.S.?
Listen, we all know that GI Bill benefits are beneficial both while active in the military and after your enlistment. In the military, qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships; allowances for books and fees plus an annual stipend for living expenses. If you don?t earn a degree while you?re active, then you?re entitled to the Post 9/11 GI benefits. This includes full paid tuition for public schools and up to $18,077.50 per academic year for private school national maximum. Visit VA Administration online for more info.
Not only that, but you?ll also receive monthly housing money as well as money to cover costs of books and supplies.
Another college benefit worth mentioning is the ?Pat Tillman Foundation? that invests in military veterans and their spouses through college scholarships. These scholarships cover needs left unpaid by the GI Bill.
Number #3: You?re NOT getting any YOUNGER! Dare To Be Bold Time Is Now! My son recently graduated from college and loves aviation. There is no better time to open his ?wings? and sign up for a military flight program. Where else would he be able to fly high functioning aircraft all-the-while getting paid. Not to mention the best on the job training in the world! Bottom line, if you?re young and have dreams not yet fulfilled? this may be the best time for you. As we always hear, we?re not getting any younger!
Number #4: Free On The Job Training! Where else can you receive amazing free school and on the job training? I was told that the Navy invests approximately $2 million dollars for each BUDS (SEAL) recruit. The key here is to obtain a military career that translates into a civilian jobs post military. All to say, just don?t take any school or whatever the recruiter recommends. Do your homework. Plan ahead. Way ahead like the next 50 years or so.
Number #5: Benefits! And More Benefits! It?s no dark secret that health care costs continue to spiral northbound. While you?re serving, you & your family?s healthcare cost is zero! Housing allowances. Paid vacations. One of my favorites is if you take advantage of the college benefits and become a military officer, the prestige will carry over into your civilian career search. Employers crave and love the discipline & dedication that military officers bring with them!