The United States Military

"We enlist for what we can give, not what we can receive. That's why we call it 'The Service. 'We serve others before we even think of serving ourselves." – Anonymous U.S. Marine

Joining the military is a big move. It's the biggest decision you could make in your life. To enter into military service is to answer a call of duty. It's a commitment to serve and protect the country. It's a responsibility to your family, friends and countrymen. If you make a choice to serve in the United States Armed Forces, it could change your life.

A military career also offers personal, educational, professional and financial benefits. The benefits should not be a factor in your decision to join the military. Yet, it is important that you understand what your service to the country will do for you in return.

Personal

Time spent in the military will teach you life lessons. Men and women who serve learn important lessons about honesty, integrity, duty and honor. You will see the world in a different way. The military builds on your core values. It makes you appreciate the importance of organization, leadership and teamwork.

Educational

The most well-known military educational benefit is the G.I. Bill. This gives active duty and veterans over $38,000 for:

  • Tuition
  • Books
  • Fees
  • Living expenses

These benefits are available while you earn your degree or certification, or attend trade school. And if you score well on the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT), you could increase the value of the G.I. Bill to as much as $71,000.

Once you have completed 2 years of service, you can use the G.I. Bill to cover the cost of your education while you are still on active duty.

Professional

The military provides training in 4,100 specialties, many of which have civilian counterparts. Knowing what job you want is only the first step toward getting it. The higher you score on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test, the better your chances of getting the job you want.

Financial

Base pay and veteran benefits are the same across services. But travel opportunities, job availability and promotion rates vary greatly. Make sure you tell the recruiter if you have ROTC, college or even Junior ROTC experience. Some services have programs that will allow you to enter at a higher pay grade than peers with no experience.

Your enlistment could also earn you up to $40,000 in signing bonuses. Some bonuses require an additional 1– or 2–year commitment. Most bonuses are for specific jobs and require solid ASVAB scores. Bonus levels change depending on recruiting needs. Ask a recruiter for details.

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The Military