List some pros and cons of joining the military?

Question

If you were facing this decision how would how decide:
Cons. All Branches :

Pros. All branches :

Answer 1

Pros:
-A sense of pride and purpose to your life. No matter what your role, you're making a real contribution.
-A chance to train for a career that may transfer to civilian life
-A chance to get an education for free
-A real resume builder, especially if you do well, get promoted, and also get a college degree
-Cameraderie and friendship
-Respect for your service by most civilians. Again, resume builder!
-Steady pay check
-There may be travel. My dad was stationed in Germany and in Greece, and he got to tourist around a bit.

And for those who aren't sure about where their life is headed, or who are drifting, it will give your life focus.

Cons:
-A lack of freedom. You can't do what you want, when you want to.
-Having to follow orders
-Being seen, by some civilians, as the mouthpiece of the US government and its policies
-A lack of understanding, by employers, of what your role equates to in civilian life, once you separate from the service and try to get a civilian job.
-A "boy's club" type of environment. Sexism and homophobia are more overt than in many civilian careers, although this is constantly evolving.
-Low pay
-Stress on family life due to moves and deployments
-Risk of death and serious injury

Answer 2

I'm in DEP but I'd think mine to be Pros: I get to learn respect, courage, honor, discipline, and long hard work hours giving nothing less than 100% . I get to do my part and support others. College, learn to live independently. The list continues. Cons: I'd be homesick, could get hurt or killed, and see bad things have little to no relationships. Anyways, who cares what the cons are. Just focus on the pro's otherwise, I wouldn't of signed up.

Answer 3

Well..to answer this, you gotta think about your interest's, strengths, motovations, etc...before you think ahead too far into pro's and con's, that is, at least don't let any cons prevent you going ahead and joining, and dont let anything too cool and appealling lead you to have far reaching hopes...it is what you make of it. I made the choice in '90, and while it had its pains, I was single and let all my buddies keep me in 9 years. best time of my life to date... so do it I say! g/l either way.

Answer 4

Pros: steady paycheck, plenty of vacation days, free education, travel, meeting new people, sense of pride, looks great on a resume, the president usually comes and visits your base to thank you twice a year (at least at our base) great benefits

Cons: never know when you might have to leave,

Answer 5

Pros: Discipline, Looks good on resume, Veteran Status and benefits, Money for College, Travel, emphasizes physical fitness

Cons: Threat of deployment to war, Wake up very early

I wasn't thrilled with the Army, but I know it helped my life out more than if I hadn't gone.

Answer 6

pro:
you will have a job for as long as you sign for.

you can chose your job and they train you for free plus you get the gi bill that is like $36000 when you get out and they will pay for schooling when you are still in.

free health care.

if you have kids the DOD has the best schools.

you WILL get to see the world(even if it is just iraq).

it looks good on your resume.


CONS.

you do what they tell you when ever(even at 3am) or they take your money and or rank.

you work with people who cant get a job anywhere else

very long hours

i have not been home for xmas since i joined



is it worth it, for me yes but i wish my contract was shorter. 2 or 3 years is good.

Answer 7

Pros: education, sense of responsiblity, free training, travel, your own life, you make it as good as you want to.

Cons: no one pampers you at any time. You have to make it as good as you want it. The pay sucks for what you really do. I.E. on board a ship or on duty for 24 hours a day 7 days a week, ain't not overtime pay.

Answer 8

Pros: education, a sense of responsibility, life experience, friendships, integrity, values, work ethic

Cons: Iraq

Answer 9

Pros: you get to kill people and then get praised for it; you get to meet lots of foreigners and get a chance to shoot them (or rape them).

Cons: you might come home in 2 or 3 separate body bags; you might not come home at all.