There are dozens of reasons to join the United States Military. However, there are also some cons that come along with it. Maybe one or two of these cons will automatically turn you off from the idea of being a military member. You should inform yourself on this list of pros and cons before going to a recruiter. Maybe you are on the fence of joining and this is what you need to swing yourself over from one side or the other. Here is a small list of 3 pros and 3 cons. However, these 3 pros and cons are some of the best ones out there that you should know.
That’s right, college is paid for when you finish your enlistment. College can be very expensive wherever you go, worry no more, the military can cover up to 100% of your college tuition. Even after graduating college if you decide to go for your masters the military got you covered! When you are still serving you are eligible to attend college while active duty. However, this varies from where you are stationed.
However, this may be looked at as a pro for some people, this most likely may be a con. Being away from family can be very tough especially in the military. Say you are stationed in Japan, I knew people who did not get to see their families for up to 4 years! Sure there is facetime and texting, however, that can only do so much for someone who is thousands of miles away
During tough times like what’s happening right now with a pandemic, lots of people are out of jobs and cannot receive a paycheck. The military is a guaranteed check on the 1st and 15th of every month and jobs are always wanted. Including in that check are extra expenses paid for such as food, housing, and of course your baseline pay that you get for doing your job!
Although you get 2.5 days of paid vacation every month you are in the military service, it can be very stressful putting in your slip for vacation. Reasons for this is, when wanting to go somewhere far away from your station it can be declined from the military. Sometimes you wont be able to take a long vacation. Lastly, seeing your family members after a long time of not seeing them and then leaving your family to go back to your station.
Housing, food, and health care are expensive things we all need and want. The military covers housing for you by giving a barracks that’s paid for. Extra money in your check for specifically food. Lastly, healthcare. Health care is much needed when getting into an accident which can cost up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. With the health care the military provides you wont have to pay much!
Sure, in the civilian world you get a job and can quit whenever you want. Not in the military. There is no such thing as quitting in the military. Once you sign that 4 - 6 year contract you are in that till the last minute. If you try to quit you will get laughed at. Only ways to get out is psycholgical and medical reasons. (I do not recommend hurting yourself to get out of the military)
