5 answers
Yiselle
Student
Yuma, Arizona
1
Question
Asked
2274 views
I’m thinking about joining the army when I’m old enough, what are some advantages and disadvantages about joining the army at a young age?
I’m a middle school student and the work options I’ve gotten for the army weren’t what I expected but I’m still considering whether or not I should join. If I joined the army when I’m 18, would that affect me positively or negatively?
Login to comment
5 answers
Carmen Decker
Nurse Practitioner
21
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Carmen’s Answer
I joined the Army at 22, served my 6 years and got out. I came back in at 35 after finishing college with the GI Bill, and am still serving. Some of the advantages of coming in young:
The Army is physically demanding which is generally best tolerated when a new Soldier is younger.
If you enlist at 18, you can literally retire at 38 and receive benefits for the rest of you life, including retirement pay.
The education opportunities are outstanding! (And there are many options, not just college.)
Disadvantages might include being far from home and support systems. I say might, because some people are excited to leave home and live far away and some new Soldiers find it to be a hardship. Also, you could get stationed close to home or overseas, you don't always get a say in where you go.
And honestly, the Army isn't the right fit for everyone. It's a lot of hard work, especially at first. Some young recruits decide that it's not for them after they've already started their training and you can't just get out of your contract because you changed your mind.
I wouldn't worry about the jobs that are suggested at your age. No one knows what jobs will be in high demand by the time you're an adult.
You have plenty of time to decide what is right for you! Talk to some service members and find out what a day / week of their life is like. :)
The Army is physically demanding which is generally best tolerated when a new Soldier is younger.
If you enlist at 18, you can literally retire at 38 and receive benefits for the rest of you life, including retirement pay.
The education opportunities are outstanding! (And there are many options, not just college.)
Disadvantages might include being far from home and support systems. I say might, because some people are excited to leave home and live far away and some new Soldiers find it to be a hardship. Also, you could get stationed close to home or overseas, you don't always get a say in where you go.
And honestly, the Army isn't the right fit for everyone. It's a lot of hard work, especially at first. Some young recruits decide that it's not for them after they've already started their training and you can't just get out of your contract because you changed your mind.
I wouldn't worry about the jobs that are suggested at your age. No one knows what jobs will be in high demand by the time you're an adult.
You have plenty of time to decide what is right for you! Talk to some service members and find out what a day / week of their life is like. :)
Eboni Scott
school nurse
3
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Eboni’s Answer
Some advantages of joining the military at an early age would be you would starting a career early and working towards retirement, traveling while working, getting money for school, learning structure. Some disadvantages would be leaving what you know for the unknown, potentially going to a place that is the total opposite of where you grew up(culture shock).
Thank you for taking your time in answering my question, I appreciate your help!
Yiselle
Chelsey Oshields
Claims Case Managment
2
Answers
Lawton, Oklahoma
Updated
Chelsey’s Answer
Hi Yiselle,
I joined the Army when I was 17 years old, it was scary at first but having the ability to make it a career and retire at 37 years old was something that really sounded great.
Pros of joining early in age are early Retirment, with the ability to star into a new job afterwards since you would be so young.
GI Bill, is money you are given to go to school either during your time serving in the military or after you are done in the military.
Also I was not given the jobs that I thought I would be given when I did my testing. I still chose to go ahead and join because you always have the opportunity to re-class into a different job path within the military at a later date.
The ability to travel and see the world is really great, I was able to see so much of the world that I didn't even know existed. I learned new skills and made so many great connections and friends!
I joined the Army when I was 17 years old, it was scary at first but having the ability to make it a career and retire at 37 years old was something that really sounded great.
Pros of joining early in age are early Retirment, with the ability to star into a new job afterwards since you would be so young.
GI Bill, is money you are given to go to school either during your time serving in the military or after you are done in the military.
Also I was not given the jobs that I thought I would be given when I did my testing. I still chose to go ahead and join because you always have the opportunity to re-class into a different job path within the military at a later date.
The ability to travel and see the world is really great, I was able to see so much of the world that I didn't even know existed. I learned new skills and made so many great connections and friends!
Earl Kim
Finance Manager
2
Answers
Seoul, South Korea
Updated
Earl’s Answer
I think you are on the right path here - asking lots of questions and doing you research in order to make an informed decision. Whether it would be positive or negative for you all depends on your personal circumstances.
As a veteran, I think the military has been an overall positive experience for me. I learned discipline, learned skills and made lifelong friends. Some other advantaged I would also consider are if I am uncertain about my career goals and would like some time to gain real world experiences, the military could be a good option. Additionally, if you consider if you need a structure environment to perform your best, the military could be a good option as well.
Some disadvantage of a military career would be potentially deploying for combat which could place you in life threatening situations. Additionally, the military is very hieratical, so if that type of environment is not beneficial for you, the military could be a challenge. You also need to be physically disciplined and mentally tough as training and military career will push you outside of your comfort zones as well.
There will be so many different perspectives and experiences regarding the military so you should definitely do your research to understand if it will be a good fit for you.
As a veteran, I think the military has been an overall positive experience for me. I learned discipline, learned skills and made lifelong friends. Some other advantaged I would also consider are if I am uncertain about my career goals and would like some time to gain real world experiences, the military could be a good option. Additionally, if you consider if you need a structure environment to perform your best, the military could be a good option as well.
Some disadvantage of a military career would be potentially deploying for combat which could place you in life threatening situations. Additionally, the military is very hieratical, so if that type of environment is not beneficial for you, the military could be a challenge. You also need to be physically disciplined and mentally tough as training and military career will push you outside of your comfort zones as well.
There will be so many different perspectives and experiences regarding the military so you should definitely do your research to understand if it will be a good fit for you.
Shay Marshall, MS
Regional Operations Manager
19
Answers
Navarre, Florida
Updated
Shay’s Answer
Hi Yiselle,
I spent 7 years in the Army and retired for medical reasons in 2023. After getting my Bachelor's degree, I chose to enlist instead of becoming an officer because I wanted a job that matched my field of study. Although I don't regret my decision, I sometimes think about if I would have commissioned instead I probably would have made it 20 years and not been medically retired. If you're interested in a military career, consider joining JROTC and then ROTC, which can help pay for college. Check out ROTC programs at colleges you're interested in to learn about their requirements.
I grew up in an Army family, so it felt natural to join the Army. But it's worth looking into other branches too, as each has its own pros and cons. I once tried to switch to the Air Force, but they didn't accept my degree. If the Army hadn't been an option, I might have chosen the Air Force or Navy. There are many paths you can take.
My biggest advice is not to feel pressured to join if it's not what you truly want. I wanted a specific job, and when the recruiter couldn't offer it, I held out until they could. I was ready to leave without signing up until they finally offered me the position I wanted. Trust your instincts and make sure it's the right fit for you.
If you really want to join, go for it so you don't wonder "what if" later on. Best of luck!
Speak to each Branch of Service
Research ROTC college programs
Join JROTC in school
I spent 7 years in the Army and retired for medical reasons in 2023. After getting my Bachelor's degree, I chose to enlist instead of becoming an officer because I wanted a job that matched my field of study. Although I don't regret my decision, I sometimes think about if I would have commissioned instead I probably would have made it 20 years and not been medically retired. If you're interested in a military career, consider joining JROTC and then ROTC, which can help pay for college. Check out ROTC programs at colleges you're interested in to learn about their requirements.
I grew up in an Army family, so it felt natural to join the Army. But it's worth looking into other branches too, as each has its own pros and cons. I once tried to switch to the Air Force, but they didn't accept my degree. If the Army hadn't been an option, I might have chosen the Air Force or Navy. There are many paths you can take.
My biggest advice is not to feel pressured to join if it's not what you truly want. I wanted a specific job, and when the recruiter couldn't offer it, I held out until they could. I was ready to leave without signing up until they finally offered me the position I wanted. Trust your instincts and make sure it's the right fit for you.
If you really want to join, go for it so you don't wonder "what if" later on. Best of luck!
Shay recommends the following next steps: