Should I join the military?

Question

i just need some feedback. i feel like i could be successful at it but i dont really want to fight in a war. im 18 just if any1 wonders

well from the reactions ive read i can see that every1 has their own opinion but i can see flaws in every answer. ill readjust my question.

What are the pros and cons of joining the military for personal purposes like career advancement, reputation, respect etc etc?

also im not scared of the war. i just think its unjustified. i wont die and be used as a tool for the government in a situation like a war. there are too many unknowns.

Answer 1

the military is a great way to gain education, have a steady job, and see the world. There are drawbacks like any other lifestyle. The medical is openly available, but quite lacking. If you are a strong personality then you have the opportunity to thrive by being in leadership positions. If you are a very submissive personality, then you can quietly exist and stay under the radar. If you are looking for a secure job and the opportunity to learn a trade, then the military is an excellent choice. You of course will hear many people balking at it these days as it is such a hot political subject, but it is just talk and you should not be guilted into or out of joining. Do your homework and try to find people in the field (not just recruiters) to ask questions. Good luck!

Answer 2

I served 8 years in the Navy and am now a full time college student (transition is simple and easy). Don't listen to the anti-military nuts who answer your question. The military offers alot of excellent opportunities for travel and education. While I was in, I hardly had to pay a dime to get my associates degree, they have a program called T.A. (Tuition Assistance) that helps to fund a certain number of credit hours per year. You can also use your G.I. bill funds to cover school. You make alot of close friends and see alot of amazing things. An added benefit is that you can get some really good job training... of course pick a job that is something civilian related that can transfer somewhat easily. No matter what you decide to do, there is no shame in it. If you do sign up for the military, don't let them push you to a certain job... they are just trying to fill billets that are low. Press them for a job you would like, do your research and success will follow. Yes, the military is a war fighting mechanism, but the options are so great that you can avoid front line war action if you wish... plenty of support roles to fill. Good luck in your decision, either route (civilian or military) has many rewards to reap.

Answer 3

Depending on what MOS (job) you choose, the post-military service gains can be very high. Many employers like to see military service on your resume as service implies discipline, a code of ethics, and determination. If you choose an MOS that gives you a high security clearance, the possibilities are pretty much limitless. Military service can definitely enhance your career, reputation, and respect from your peers.

You should think this through carefully though. Military units that go overseas are not just made up of men who shoot guns. People in admin, medical, transportation, even military postal workers get sent overseas. So if you don't want to fight in a war, the military is not for you.

If you want a term of military service with minimal "risk" of going overseas, join the Coast Guard. They are considered a branch of the military but mostly stay in the U.S. The Coast Guard is unique among the military branches because it has law enforcement power. Mostly they arrest drug runners but they can arrest other no-gooders too. Plus, there are high-prestige adrenaline junkie jobs like jumping out of helocoptors to do high sea rescues. Just like the other branches of the military, you get education/VA/retirement benefits, pride in having served your country, and all the other pros of military service. You won't get as much weapons training though and you normally won't risk your life under gunfire.

Answer 4

First off I'm a military spouse and it really sucks that half the people are dissing the military. However I will say that you really do need to research and explore your options and ask plenty of questions to people who are CURRENTLY serving. Not civilians they know nothing and don't understand military life. My husband is active duty army currently serving in Kuwait. My sister is active duty marine corp serving in Iraq and I hate that the people I love are there but I am well taken care of. I go to the doctor and pay nothing. I had a baby completely free of charge. Don't get me wrong the army can really upset me but at the end of the day we have security and since he is overseas a tax-free paycheck plus fire hazard pay, family separation pay, etc. I would rather have him than the tax-free money but when I married him I knew what I was doing.

I see my husband as a hero and he may not believe in what is going on but their are people at major corporations who don't believe in their company but they are still there. It's a job, and you should give 100% at all times. The military is not for everyone just like college isn't.

If you guys want to diss something why don't you diss the president!!! Not my husband or his job. He is very educated!! He was the 2nd black to get commissioned in the Army at the great Auburn University in Auburn, AL. So for all the dissers shut up and WAR DAMN EAGLE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 5

You might find this funny at first but get ten of your friends to go paint balling you know the guns that shoot pellets of paint semi automatic. You will be hit several times and probably have bruises and be covered with paint. Now imagine fully automatic
machine guns and AK-47s mines bombs RPGs in a foreign country where everyone looks like the enemy. Bullets spraying in every direction , every step you take could be on a mine ....
3000 thousand fully trained soldiers and their families thought they could do it but in war there are two rules
People die as the first
Second rule is you can't change rule number one
If you want to put your family through hell
it is great way to start.

Answer 6

It doesn't sound like you have a clear understanding of what your going in to do.

Yes, it can be very helpful to your career, Besides the intangibles you learn, I got my MBA and maybe spent $2000 of my own money. To get there, I had to put myself in a position where I had to sacrifice some of my freedoms in order to protect the freedoms of others and the interests of the United States. It ultimately could have cost me my life, but it didn't.

Quick stat: At any given point there have been no less than 100,000 troops in Iraq and the surrounding operational areas. Meaning, probably, over 400,000 different individuals have served there. We just passed the 3000 death mark. That's only .75% mortality rate. Even if you go to war, your chances are pretty good that nothing's going to happen to you.

Answer 7

If you join the military under the present administration, there's a good chance you'll be pressed into service in a war which has NOTHING to do with the security of this country (e.g. Iraq).

It's foolish to join the military if you are afraid of war itself - that comes with the territory.

If you're academically strong, the best way in is via the service academies - then you get your education up front and enlist as an officer. Go in now and you're just a grunt, and more likely to see combat.

Answer 8

Well, if you don't want to fight in a war then don't join. That's what the military is for. With that said, don't feel bad about it. The military isn't for everyone, and thank God, and our brave troops that you, we all have a choice as to what we want to do with our lives. What ever you decide I wish you good luck.


Rachel A. is a complete, and total moron.

Answer 9

Just because you are in the military doesn't mean that you will go to war. Well...you will...but not on the homefront. There's lots of jobs within the military. If you feel like you want to be part of something that is bigger than yourself, teaches discipline, helps you gain and understand respect, and serves your country directly, then go ahead.

Answer 10

There is alot to think about when making that decision. There are benefits and there are drawbacks. You have to decide if the pros are going to out way the cons for YOU. I suggest you do ALOT of research about all the branches that you are interested in and talk to alot of people about it, not just your recruiter. Some recruiters will say just about anything to get you to sign. Goodluck.