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What is something you wish you had known when you joined the military?

This question is part of our professionals series, which aims to expose students to questions they might not be considering.

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Thank you comment icon That my fiance would not wait for me. That was a bummer to get a letter while overseas. Steward "Tony" Pacheco
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Kiffany’s Answer

I wish I would have known the importance of getting as much college for free as possible. Build your foundation while it's 100% PAID FOR by the military. I wish I would have taken the time to clarify all of my options and how they compare to being a (veteran)civilian now.

Do your research and get your questions answered by military personnel.
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ANDI’s Answer

Know your career goals before enlisting. I was told that if I just joined under whichever job, that after a while I could cross-rate to a job I preferred... and that was not really the case.
I did end up having the opportunity to switch, but it isn't an easy process.
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Moses’s Answer

I wish I knew more on how to properly take advantage of all the benefits you are granted in the military in order to utilize them to there fullest extent.

For example, using Tuition assistance and start classes as soon as I had a balanced work to personal life, saving money and eating at the chow hall , looking into investment opportunities , and also put away more money every check. On top of this, simply take more time researching different M.O.S's prior too signing a contract just so I have better understanding of what is too come.
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Eric’s Answer

I really wish I was taught how to invest in property, properly. I have lived in serval locations where if I simply bought my own home and sold it or rented it out before changing duty stations, I would have been able to generate more passive income.

Respectfully,
Eric E. Hopkins, MHA, RMA
HM2(FMF), USN
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John’s Answer

I knew I would be working out a lot in the military. I didn't realize that while I worked out regularly as a part of military life, most of the people I was in high school with did not. At class reunions, I look great in comparison.

If I were to go back again, I would become a bit more of a gym rat because it would only benefit me more. I would also contribute more to my TSP, the military retirement. It was optional when I was in; now, it's mandatory 3%. I would have tried to put 15%. You can never start too early putting money into your retirement program.
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William’s Answer

Keep in mind the the military (all branches, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, etc.) are made up of people that represent a cross section of society. There are people from all demographics, backgrounds, levels of character, fitness etc. For this reason, there are good leaders and some not-so-good leaders, disciplined service members who represent the military values and those that require better discipline, good followers and bad followers. This is true for any metric you choose.

Your experience may depend on the quality of assignments your receive, the culture at each of those assignment and the leaders and peers your work with. Not all units or assignments may be as rewarding as others. Not all service members, leaders or supervisors are are as good as others. Don't let poor leaders or peers at one assignment affect your career decisions or aspirations.

If you remain in the military for any length of time or choose to make it a career, the benefits can be tremendous. You can gain quality training, experience and financial benefits for college, etc, whether you stay for 3-4 years or make it a career. If you become a supervisor or leader at any level during your time in the military (or beyond), choose to adhere to the military values (see Army values as a good example) and be a quality leader for the sake of your own experience and the people you lead.

Keep in mind that the US military and its members serve a unique purpose in upholding the Constitution of the United States and may be called to defend its principles in some far away lands or dangerous circumstances. This is a higher calling and not just rhetoric. Such service can be rewarding, fulfilling, require sacrifices, but you can also maintain a nice lifestyle for yourself and your family.
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