Top reasons cited for not wanting to join are the possibility of injury or death, and fear of developing PTSD or other psychological problems. But the pool of young people who meet the basic standards to enlist in the military is also shrinking.
What are 4 pros to joining the military
- Enlistment bonuses of up to $50K.
- High quality, low or no cost health care.
- Better rates on home loans.
- Retirement and pension plan options.
Why leaving the military is so hard?
The military provides a sense of purpose, well-defined roles and hierarchy, camaraderie, honor and mission – things that can be hard to find or define in the civilian world. So when our veterans transition out of the military, it can spark a loss of identity and meaning of life.
Is it worth it to join the military
Some of the most popular benefits of joining the US military is the job training, educational assistance, steady paycheck, health coverage, and housing benefits. See a full list of the benefits here.
Who Cannot join the military
If you have three or more convictions related to driving while intoxicated, drugged, or impaired in the past five years before joining. If you are convicted for five or more misdemeanors. If you are unable to pass a drug or alcohol test, or if you have current charges pending against you.
Why are so many people leaving the military
Effects of deployments on family or personal relationships — 51.9% Impacts of Army life on significant other’s career plans and goals — 48.3% Impacts of Army life on family plans for children — 47.2% The degree of stability or predictability of Army life — 43.6%
What is the best age to join the military
- Coast Guard: 31.
- Marines: 28.
- Navy: 39.
- Army: 35.
- Air Force: 39.
- Space Force: 39.
What age do Soldiers retire
—Unless retired or separated earlier, each regular commissioned officer of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force covered by subsection (b) shall be retired on the first day of the month following the month in which the officer becomes 64 years of age.
What is the #1 reason people join the military?
To find purpose. Some people join the military because they want for a sense of purpose. Being a part of something bigger than yourself and feeling like you are contributing to something good is a common reason to join the military.
Is it a crime to quit the military?
Any person found guilty of desertion or attempt to desert shall be punished, if the offense is committed in time of war, by death or such other punishment as a court-martial may direct, but if the desertion or attempt to desert occurs at any other time, by such punishment, other than death, as a court-martial may
Is military life hard
Military life results in uncertainty and breaks in routine, which can cause family members to experience high anxiety, depression, PTSD and long-term mental health and wellness injuries. Many spouses feel it will hurt their military partner’s chances of promotion if they would seek help for stress or depression.
Does military life change you
Military rejuvenates your sense of optimism and passion to achieve lifelong goals. It is undeniable that military service changes you for good and makes you want to be the person your society, colleagues, friends, and family members can be proud of.
Is it risky to join the military
It can be a dangerous job
Depending on where you’re stationed and the position you hold within the military, you could potentially be exposed to highly dangerous situations—even if you’re not in active combat.
Are soldiers paid well
Base pay for a new enlistee comes out to $20,340 per year, but they’ll earn more as they gain experience and rank. Most service members also receive allowances for housing, food, uniforms, and job-specific bonuses, many of which are not taxed.
Can you live a normal life in the military?
Being part of the Military doesn’t mean giving up a social life. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. From recreational facilities on base and special entertainment to sports leagues and discounted leisure travel, military personnel often maintain very active social lives.
Is there a decline in people joining the military
The U.S. Army. fell short of its 2022 recruitment goal by 25%, and recently cut its projection for its total force for this year by 10,000. U.S. Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth said at the CNBC Work Summit on Wednesday that it’s become harder for the military to compete for recruits.
What stops people from joining the Army
Being in the Army can be challenging both physically and mentally. Therefore, a history of health problems or the presence of health conditions that usually don’t affect your everyday life, can mean that you’re not able to join, or you might have to wait to join.
What are the cons of military service
- Separation from loved ones.
- No quitting military service.
- Rank.
- Physical appearance and grooming.
- It’s not about you anymore.
- Physical fitness standards.
- Free healthcare.
- Education requirements.
Does the Army accept everyone
You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien. You must be at least 17 years old (17-year-old applicants require parental consent). You must (with very few exceptions) have a high school diploma. You must pass a physical medical exam.
Can you join the Army but not war?
Noncombat military jobs that don’t see combat typically include those in the information technology, health care, engineering, education, human resources or finance fields.
How long should I stay in the Army?
How long is an average term of service? While total length of service commitment varies based on Service branch need and occupational specialty, a first term is generally four years of active duty followed by four years in a Reserve unit or Individual Ready Reserve (IRR).
How long do soldiers go away for?
The average military deployment is typically between six and 12 months long. However, deployment lengths vary greatly from branch to branch, are situational and depend on several factors specific to each individual service member.
What to do after you leave the military
- Prepare for a gap.
- Pay down debt.
- Figure out your next job — and your next salary.
- Prepare your resume for a civilian job.
- Learn about civilian benefits.
- Secure your life insurance.
- Learn about VA disability.
- Update all of your insurance policies.
Do you age faster in the military?
Much like dogs, it is said that servicemen and women age at seven times the rate of civilians while on active duty.
Is 22 too late to join the military?
The age range for joining the military is quite large: 17 years old on the low end and up to 39 on the high end. Some military groups and officer training programs decrease the age limit; those groups tend to favor a younger candidate.
How old is the youngest military
The youngest of these enlistees was a 12-year-old Texas boy named Calvin Graham, who was decorated for bravery and for injuries at Guadalcanal. Calvin Leon Graham was born on , in Canton, east of Dallas. He was one of seven children in a troubled family that faced many hardships.
Can you retire after 5 years in Army
An officer who has completed 5 years qualifying service (actual) and is eligible for retiring /invalid/ special pension or gratuity of any type will be granted retirement gratuity equal to ¼th of the reckonable emoluments for each completed six monthly period of qualifying service subject to the maximum of 16 ½ times
Can you retire after 4 years in the Army
How long do I have to serve in the Army to get a pension? You must serve for at least 20 years to qualify for Army pension benefits. After 20 years, active-duty Soldiers can start pension pay at any age they chose. Army Reserve and Army National Guard Soldiers can start pension pay after turning 60 years old.
Is 20 years in military worth it
In fact, it’s a tremendous asset with significant value. For the average retiring officer (let’s say an O5 with 20 years), the military pension amount is valued at well over a million dollars.
How long is basic training
Your Ten-Week Introduction To The Army
In the first phase of Basic Training, or the Yellow Phase, you’ll start to adapt to Army life and learn about discipline, teamwork, Army programs, traditions, and more.
What does the military teach you
Military service teaches and cultivates leadership skills. Individuals learn to: Take responsibility for self and actions. Make sound and timely decisions.
Why is it good to have military?
The Military Ensures Our Freedom and Safety Around the World. From the battlefields of the American Revolution to the front lines of Eastern Europe, American service members have been ensuring the freedom of America and its allies for centuries.
How long do you go to jail for leaving the Army
Desertion carries a maximum punishment of dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay, and confinement of five years. For desertion during a time of war, however, the death penalty may be applied (at the discretion of the court-martial).