2 answers
Lance’s Answer
I enlisted in the Army over 3 decades ago - even though many of the things have changed, some have remained constant. One of those things that haven't changed is the pay; the pay in the military is NOT comparable to the paycheck that you'd receive as a civilian. With that said, don't join the military if it is the pay that is driving you.
There are many benefits to joining the military such as:
- the satisfaction and honor of serving your country; the opportunity to help others
- gaining skills and confidence to handle many situations that your civilian counterparts will never experience
- money for college; tuition assistance if you take classes while you're in and the GI Bill for when you get out
- the opportunity to advance based on your skill and your own motivation to succeed; there aren't any handouts or entitlements
- great leadership and genuine brotherhood (and sisterhood)
- valuable skills training and unique training opportunities such as parachuting, diving, hand-to-hand combat, etc.
- the opportunity to travel and live in different places, many of them overseas
- the ability to have a career - do the things to get promoted, excel at the right positions and enjoy a career in the military
These are just a few of the benefits of becoming part of our Armed Forces. The pay does not start out very good as an enlisted person, but as you advance in rank, the pay gets better, but the real opportunity to make money is once you exit the service. If you've prepared well during your time in the military and have a transferable job skill, you will, more than likely, get paid more once you exit the service.
Lance recommends the following next steps:
Wykina’s Answer
Wykina recommends the following next steps: