Is Joining the U.S. Military worth it?
I'm 16 and my parents are always saying that if my grades don't improve they are sending me to military school. Lately however I have been wondering if joining them is really worth it and, if so what branch? My Father served in everything except the marines but he never gives me a straight answer when I ask him. before someone says "it's just like the video games!" I already know that it is almost nothing like them. So if someone could give me an honest opinion on the U.S. military being worthy of a career and what branches would be recommended over others like the Air force, Navy, Army, Marines. All feedback that has to do with the subject will be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance P.S. m grades are Cs and Bs
Do you think the 20-year retirement plan for military is fair?
I mean, yes it lets you retire at a younger age than any other profession in the world........ but: A vast majority of veterans don't stay 20 years. Due to the dangerous nature of the work and separation from family; a 2-decade military career just isn't the norm. Most serve one tour of duty and then leave. you know that Navy Seal who shot Osama Bin laden? he retired after 16 years of service, and what does he get in pension? nothing. I mean, he still gets social security when he turns 67.....but no military pension, no 401k, nothing to supplement it. They get a "thrift savings plan" which is not employer-matched. Do you think the pension system should be reformed in a way where it gives people a smaller portion for fewer years of service, rather than being an all-or-nothing deal?
Pros and Cons of making the military a career?
There is no short answer to this question. As a recent Navy retiree here is the way I see it: PRO -Complete job security -Excellent training (that is worth college credits) -While in your training phase you get paid for going to school -90,000$ for college -VA mortgage guarantee -Seeing the world -Attaing an air of maturity and reliability that will benefit you the rest of your life. -The respect of the American people, despite their political affiliation - Excellent medical benefits upon retirement -A Non contributory retirement check every month. not like a 401K, you don't pay anyting into it but the Military still pays you. Cons -Family seperation
Is 25 too old to join the military?
No, 25 is not too old to join the military. There are a few things you need to be prepared for if you wish to go down this route. As reference, I enlisted in the infantry (Army) at 26. At the time I had already completed a BS in Business Admin and was an “up and coming” talent at a large organization when I answered the call to serve. What you need to be prepared for if you enlist is that you will be older than most (but not all) at basic training and when you arrive to your unit you will most likely be taking orders from an NCO that is younger than you and doesn't give a shit about your education. If you enlist, at least in the Army, with a degree you can enter as an E-4. This will piss some people off as you have not earned the rank and more so these days when there are E-4s with multiple combat tours under their belts. However, if you are not a douchebag and realize quickly your education does not do anything for you (again speaking for infantry world) and that if you listen, learn, and PT like a beast you will quickly find yourself amongst the greatest humans walking this Earth. The men and women of the US military are diverse and you will be surprised the level of intelligence, dedication, and maturity that exists across all branches and all MOS. As a note, I have since left the Army finished my MBA, currently finishing my doctorate, and have resumed my corporate career and no matter what I accomplish from this day forward I will NEVER put any title or accomplishment above having been a Sergeant leading infantrymen.Now having said all of that, the infantry is a type of individual if you are looking to serve maybe have bit of a more relaxed go at things and be surrounded by people considered to be intellectuals then go to OSC or join the Air Force. If you want to be with a family of hard nose warriors that know, live, and embrace the suck then enlist in the infantry Army or Marines and let the suck wash over you, cleanse you and make you a better person. Best of luck
Is it worth it to stay in the Navy for 20 years to get retirement?
There are very few guarantees in life better than a government retirement and the military retirement is far and away better than the retirement offered to the rest of the government. You need to do an analysis of what your husband is giving up in order to stay in the military another 15 years or so and decide if it is worth what he is passing up. I will retire shortly and my before tax check will be something like $4000 a month. That pays the mortgage, utilities, and pretty much all the rest of those monthly bills. I'll still be fairly young when I get out 43-45 so I can easily start a new career knowing that I have the basics covered and I have great medical coverage for life. Check out the links below to help you make your decision. Best of luck!
Why do I get criticized for being black and wanting to dedicate my life to the military?
Why do I get criticized for being black and wanting to dedicate my life to the military?I betting HEAVY it’s from Democrats. Democrats have cracked down and discouraged African-Americans from serving since the American Civil War, and they continue to do so even now. Not all Democrats are that way, but the Majority are.Service, to retirement, in the military is a great gateway to middle class or higher income, to include good Federal and state jobs. It’s a good way to raise a family. It also discourages dependence upon welfare and other entitlements as it’s a salary something earned rather than a entitlement, something given.African-American NCO’s and Officers are positively disproportionally influential and excellent in the military and the US military is a great way to learn respect for people of other groups. I also noticed that they had a great network of support, not just for other African-Americans but for other people as well. African Americans have contributed heroically through out American history, including actions BEFORE the American Revolution.Now I wonder what sort of contributions those who criticize African-Americans for serving in the Military have made themselves.I’m doubting they’ve done anything in comparison.
What is the shortest contract you can sign with the military?
Every contract is 8 years. Whatever your contract s (2,3,4,5 or 6 years), you are required to serve the rest of the 8 in the IRR where you can be called back at any time.
Should I stay in the army for 20 years?
Yes. If you like what you are doing and are gaining rank at the normal or above normal pace, it is well worth it. You will have financial security that is worth every minute you put in to your Military career. Getting out and finding a new career that has better benefits and options is VERY challenging. I work with Disabled VeteranS to help them find a new career that doesn't aggravate or worsen their service connected disabilities. It is VERY HARD to start over and find something new, particularly if you have no college education or any certifications. If you can, go to school while you are serving your country. Do it. Trust me. You will never regret it. Having an income while you search for work is a HUUUGE plus.