What Are the Pros and Cons of Being in the Military?

So, you are on the verge of a new profession – the military. Whether you want to travel, don’t have enough money for a college education, are madly in love with the military theme, or just feel your calling, your choice is justified. The military is difficult but insanely interesting.

But before you go to boot camp, it is worth considering all the pros and cons of the profession, so that you don’t realize that the profession is not for you too late.

Benefits of being a military servant

• Guaranteed salary, free rent, and utilities

During the service, you will have the opportunity to live in a rented building in the city, which will be paid for with government money. The government will also allocate a certain amount to pay for your utilities. The soldier also receives an annual “clothing allowance” to update the uniform if needed.

• Assistance with obligations

According to the law, military personnel and sailors are entitled to civilian assistance designed to alleviate the financial burden during periods of military service. The SCRA law covers issues such as evictions, loan or mortgage interest rates, civil litigation, car rentals, life or health insurance, and so on.

But in order to get help from the state, you must confirm your service in the army. This can be done using the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Centralized Verification Service.

• Free college tuition

According to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, military personnel is entitled to free college education while being on active duty or after quitting their job. But if you still don’t want to study, after getting 10 years of experience you can transfer your GI Bill for either spouse or children.

• Paid vacation

The US Army provides each employee with 2.5 days of paid leave per month, which equates to 30 days of vacation per year. And of course, soldiers are provided with free vacation days upon request. That is, in total, you can accumulate up to 75 vacation days, which can be taken in one year.

• Discounts and free flights

Most companies give military personnel discounts on products or services. How can you refuse someone who serves his country?

Speaking of flying, soldiers can get around for free by simply checking in for a military flight. But this is subject to the availability of seats, of course.

• Traveling and learning about different cultures

If you join the army, you will also be able to travel to different countries. In fact, you will not always know where you will have to work in the future, often these are different countries.

But in this way, you can see a lot of popular places and get acquainted with the customs and culture of different countries.

• Free medical care

Military service is a traumatic matter. Therefore, the soldiers are provided with free medical care. Inverted ankle or toothache? The state will arrange everything.

• High social status

Service in the army is closely linked with the defense of the homeland. This is why society is often grateful to the soldiers for protecting their country.

It might not be superfluous to say that joining the military also makes men more attractive to the opposite sex.

This profession has plenty of advantages. Now let’s talk about things that might scare you.

Disadvantages of joining the military

• Danger of work

One of the main challenges is working in unsafe areas around the world. In fact, many soldiers give their lives during work in flashpoints. So, make sure you are really willing to risk your life for your country.

• Impossibility of dismissal at will

You sign a contract and whether you like the job or not, you won’t be released until you have worked out the agreed time. While there are ways to leave early, most involve jail or dishonorable kick-out.

• No freedom of action

If you are thinking of doing something grandiose, such as moving or getting married, you will have to ask permission from your superiors. They seem to always want to know everything about you and what you are doing.

This also includes grooming standards. You cannot grow a beard or cut your hair the way you want. The military has rules for everything related to personal grooming, from nail length to tattoos. By the way, the latter shouldn’t look out from the uniform.

• Rare meetings with friends and family

Since you will often have to work overseas during your military service, there are risks that you will pull away from friends.

Of course, you can make a Skype or Zoom call. However, this is not the same as spending time together in person.

• Long-term risk of mental problems

Soldiers often begin to suffer from severe mental illness. This is the result of very complex and often unpleasant special operations.

Wrapping up

As you can see, serving in the army has its pros and cons. In the end, evaluate all personal circumstances and only then take a serious, balanced decision. Hopefully, if you are considering joining the military, this article was helpful.