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Is a good idea to join the Army?
I'm a senior in high school and I'm going to graduate at the end of the month. I'm planning on going to college, but I'm also considering in joining the Army. Do you think it is a good idea?
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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.
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.
Updated
david’s Answer
Considering the military shows that you are viewing your options maturely. You have two options there: you could join now, or attend ROTC in college and be an officer (2nd Lieutenant) upon graduation. Briefly
JOINING NOW: All branches of military are short on recruits, so you would have many choices on career training options, and that might even include a bonus payment for signing up. You would learn a lot about yourself and master a skill that could support you in a career. If you're unsure of what you want to do with your life, it is an excellent way to discover what you want. And military experience always improves any resume when looking for a job.
JOIN ROTC: In this strategy, you continue with college, and also are moving in the direction to become an officer, which will give you an immediate job on graduation for a set number of years. You could continue as an officer for an exciting career, or after your service years it becomes an excellent reference to transfer into a good civilian position.
Either way, you win. I admire that you are considering this direction, I followed the 'join after HS' route and it helped me take charge of my life and I've never regretted it. All the best to you.
JOINING NOW: All branches of military are short on recruits, so you would have many choices on career training options, and that might even include a bonus payment for signing up. You would learn a lot about yourself and master a skill that could support you in a career. If you're unsure of what you want to do with your life, it is an excellent way to discover what you want. And military experience always improves any resume when looking for a job.
JOIN ROTC: In this strategy, you continue with college, and also are moving in the direction to become an officer, which will give you an immediate job on graduation for a set number of years. You could continue as an officer for an exciting career, or after your service years it becomes an excellent reference to transfer into a good civilian position.
Either way, you win. I admire that you are considering this direction, I followed the 'join after HS' route and it helped me take charge of my life and I've never regretted it. All the best to you.
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Fernando’s Answer
I'm gonna be honest you there are better options out there than going into the army. I know it can seem tempting, especially in these hard and uncertain times, but it's not worth it. Going into the army means signing a contract that you can't easily get out of and it will involve active duty. There's a high chance of suffering permanent physical damage and even phycological as a result of not just the training, but the work environment. I know recruiters will go out of their way to try and sell you on it, usually by lying, but take it from someone who saw some of their friends fall to this and now live with regrets, it's not worth it.
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TRAVIS’s Answer
There are more branches of the military than just the Army. I have known people who joined the military at a young age, then transferred to the reserves and had a pension by the time they turned 38. If you got a state or union job while in the reserves you could potentially have two pensions and retired by the age of 38. You should consider officer training if you join a branch of the military. They are paid better and have better opportunities.
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Alexandra’s Answer
It's only a good idea if YOU feel it is a good idea for you. IMO you have to look at what the army has to offer and see if it aligns with your long term needs. What might be a con for you may not be for me. I know plenty of people in the military who enjoyed it, plus retired after long careers and plenty who did not.
The military will help you to build character and structure, assist you with living and education costs among a host of other things. But like previously mentioned, sometimes conditions may be harsh or you may be relocated somewhere you do not wish to be. However, for some these are not cons.
So really do your research and speak with someone in a local branch office. Speak to new enlisters if you can find any and also speak to people who have been in for long periods of time. Their perspectives may differ. In addition, also look into their officer programs, and align that with a specialty (career) that you might be interested in. Occasionally they allow you to delay joining to pursuit your education. There is also the reserves.
The military will help you to build character and structure, assist you with living and education costs among a host of other things. But like previously mentioned, sometimes conditions may be harsh or you may be relocated somewhere you do not wish to be. However, for some these are not cons.
So really do your research and speak with someone in a local branch office. Speak to new enlisters if you can find any and also speak to people who have been in for long periods of time. Their perspectives may differ. In addition, also look into their officer programs, and align that with a specialty (career) that you might be interested in. Occasionally they allow you to delay joining to pursuit your education. There is also the reserves.
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T.J.’s Answer
Hello Maryuri!
The decision to join the Army depends on your future goals.
Pros and cons I can think of for the Army are the following:
#1) Pro - They offer tuition assistance for college. The GI Bill helps Army members get further ahead in their education.
#1) Con - They'll require you to work away from home. If you strongly care about time with your family, you're not going to see your family a lot in the Army.
#2) Pro: You'll have opportunities to travel. If you've ever wanted to go overseas, Army soldiers get to visit different countries.
#2) Con: You don't have control over where you get to travel, especially as a new soldier. If they tell you to go to [blank], you must go there.
#3) Pro: You're offered housing, health care, and food allowances. They'll cover the cost of these necessities.
#3) Con: You'll need to deal with harsh conditions. Dangerous fights and war(s). Not much privacy or space from other people. Also, the Army is big on training and discipline.
Being in the Army requires sacrifice and dedication - to the Military and the country itself.
To learn more about the nature of the job, check out these articles:
- https://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2010/10/21/the-pros-and-cons-of-military-service
- https://environmental-conscience.com/joining-the-army-pros-cons/
Also, here's some YouTubers you can watch! They all talk about their personal views on being soldiers:
- ARMY PROS & CONS *MUST WATCH BEFORE JOINING* 2021 |https://youtu.be/MqTCXBl6DZY
- Pros & Cons | Joining The Military At 18 | https://youtu.be/YxugLxJ0R-4
- PROS & CONS OF THE MILITARY | https://youtu.be/EeplZ5cG3QE
Sending you the best as you decide whether to join the Armed Forces :)
The decision to join the Army depends on your future goals.
Pros and cons I can think of for the Army are the following:
#1) Pro - They offer tuition assistance for college. The GI Bill helps Army members get further ahead in their education.
#1) Con - They'll require you to work away from home. If you strongly care about time with your family, you're not going to see your family a lot in the Army.
#2) Pro: You'll have opportunities to travel. If you've ever wanted to go overseas, Army soldiers get to visit different countries.
#2) Con: You don't have control over where you get to travel, especially as a new soldier. If they tell you to go to [blank], you must go there.
#3) Pro: You're offered housing, health care, and food allowances. They'll cover the cost of these necessities.
#3) Con: You'll need to deal with harsh conditions. Dangerous fights and war(s). Not much privacy or space from other people. Also, the Army is big on training and discipline.
Being in the Army requires sacrifice and dedication - to the Military and the country itself.
To learn more about the nature of the job, check out these articles:
- https://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2010/10/21/the-pros-and-cons-of-military-service
- https://environmental-conscience.com/joining-the-army-pros-cons/
Also, here's some YouTubers you can watch! They all talk about their personal views on being soldiers:
- ARMY PROS & CONS *MUST WATCH BEFORE JOINING* 2021 |https://youtu.be/MqTCXBl6DZY
- Pros & Cons | Joining The Military At 18 | https://youtu.be/YxugLxJ0R-4
- PROS & CONS OF THE MILITARY | https://youtu.be/EeplZ5cG3QE
Sending you the best as you decide whether to join the Armed Forces :)
Updated
Jonny’s Answer
Picking the perfect military branch for you is crucial. Lots of folks find their calling in the Air Force, where it's sometimes simpler to reach your goals compared to tougher branches like the Marine Corps. But don't forget, each role in the military has its own special vibe and attracts different kinds of people. So, it all boils down to what you personally prefer and what you hope to achieve in your military journey. Remember, your triumph is ultimately up to you and the choices you make.