Seven Reasons to Join the Military (and make it a career)

Back in 1976, I made the decision to join the Navy. I wanted to become a pharmacist at the time and was told I could get some experience and have the Navy pay for my schooling. When I got in, my career path changed and I ended up going through Nursing School instead, paid almost exclusively by the military. Twenty-four years later, I have no regrets about my decision to serve my country. As I researched this article, I realized that most “lists” are reasons not to join the military. I wanted to focus on the positive reasons however because for some, it can be a great job (or career) in these uncertain economic times.

1. Serve your country
Despite what side of the fence you find yourself on politically, we live in an incredible country with freedoms unlike any other. These freedoms were paid with a price however. Joining the military affords you the opportunity to serve your country and protect those freedoms.

2. Steady job
While the military does have its occasional RIFs (Reduction in Force), once you get in, you can pretty much expect a steady job which, of course, means a salary and leads to reason number 3.

3. Pay
OK, I am not going to try to tell you that the pay is great in the military. But in the 24 yrs I spent serving, I never missed a paycheck. Besides a salary, there are possibilities for extra money depending on your job, time served, and other factors. Each year there is a cost of living increase and occasionally an actual raise. There are also excellent promotion opportunities as well as time in service pay increases.

4. No Experience Needed
So you have decided to go find a job but everywhere you go, they are looking for experienced people only. Where do you get the experience? The military is a great source of on the job training. Whatever your area of interest, there is probably a job waiting for you with education possibilities that will prepare you for almost any civilian job once you get out.

5. See The World
It may seem like a cliché, but the military is a great way to see parts of the world you may never have the chance to visit. Whether is being stationed overseas or just using the military system to fly (almost free) to places around the world, the opportunities are there. I had the chance to visit Puerto Rico, Okinawa, Bahrain as well as taking flights to Hawaii and Guam.

6. Benefits
To me, this is one of the best reasons for joining the military.
Free medical care for you (and inexpensive) for your entire family Exchange and commissary privileges.
Inexpensive life insurance
A paycheck regardless of being sick or injured.
Educational benefits through the military where the military will pay most or all of the tuition.
Housing and food allowance
30 days vacation each year

7. Retirement
The retirement calculations have changed since I was in but it’s still a great deal if you end up making the military a career. I retired with 24 years of service and now receive 60% of my base pay for the rest of my life. I also am eligible for medical benefits at a very low cost for my wife and I, continued use of the commissary and exchange, discounts through MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) as well as discounts in a number of stores, hotels, etc.


What other reasons would you suggest for joining the military and/or making it a career?