is it worth for me to join military?

Question

im 22 yrs old and working in IT industry. right now im making $50,000/year i dont have any degrees.. also building my experience into that field.

for now I have 2 IT certifications and trying to get more certs like cisco or microsoft.

am i going to be in better place in military?
why or why not?

Answer 1

Yes it would be a step back in your life. Your going to make less money. You are going to have to learn a new way to live that you are not use to. You asked is the better place the Military and for you i would say no. But for sure do not enlist into the guard or reserve if your going to go go and be a professional soldier not a weekend warrior that would just get in your way. Now if you believe in the Constitution and want to protect it i truly believe that working in civil service is a better fit for you. I don't know you at all and i may be way off base it is just a feeling that i get. Oh and before i get thumbs down a very proud U.S. Army vet.

Answer 2

22 yrs old, and making 50k a year, YOU do the math.

You will not be in a better place in the military financially speaking. Look at the pay grades, when first enlisting in ther service you will make a little more then mininum wage, and even if you have a bachelors, you wont be making 50k for at least 4 years.

So my advice, if you work with a good company with progression, then I would stay and make that money, and if you really want to feel patriotic then join the reserves, and be in the military part time while your still making your big bucks.

I was in the Air force for 4 years, and it was a great experience, I wouldnt trade it for anything. I got out, got my degree, and i make about 54k a year, im 23. Making money is good so stay with what your doing unless you truly truly want to serve then go for it, but like i said you can have both by keeping you day job and joing the reserves and they will only call you when needed.

Answer 3

It could be good for you. The previous answers dealing with money have little understanding of the military pay system. Most don't understand that base pay is not everything and many of the "perks" are worth a lot more money overall.

Also, most/many enlistment bonuses are contingent on service. For most bonuses, you won't get the initial payment until you complete basic training and advanced individual training (the first 6-8 months). Then there's usually a second payment usually halfway through the contract or at the end depending on the bonus amount and contract length. This is primarily because--if you don't fulfil your end of the contract--you have to pay the bonus back.

Anyway, the military is usually what you make of it. If you're in it because you want to go somewhere exotic and shoot at people (or get shot at) then go for it. If you're doing it because you feel a need to serve, you can go for that too...

...or you can consider other ways to serve.

For example, the CIA is hiring entry level IT personnel (see the link below) for $40-55,000 a year. Advanced levels are upto $80,000 a year according to their website.

Maybe even the NSA is hiring.

Something to think about, eh?

Answer 4

It depends on your definition of a better place. In the military you would take a big pay cut, but you would be trained in whatever job you pick. If its the same job you are doing now, the training may seem like a waste of time for you. Also, in the military you would get free schooling if you can find the time to go on active duty and the MGIB when you get out (if you sign up for it). You would also get free health care. If you like to travel, the military will take you all over the world, but that also comes with a price if you are selected for deployment. You will also be away from your loved ones alot whether at your home station preparing to deploy, or when you are deployed. You are also under more rules and sometimes stricter than in the civilian world. For example, if you get a DUI you can receive severe punishment. Also in the military you are expected to do what you are told without question and sometimes you could get a bad commander that treats his people like children.
But what it really boils down to is why you want to join and if you feel you would be better off with the military experience.

Answer 5

Financially, and career-wise that's the biggest step backward I can think of,
I always try to tell Air Force Trainees, if you join the military, you can have your own goals and financial asperations and use the military to obtain them, but if the primary reason you join the military isn't to serve your country, your in the wrong place.

EDIT WITHDRAWN: 'GMANSTAN' I still stand by the fact that it doesn't matter how much college you have, you can still end up dodging bullets. I'm the Air Force in a pogue job, and I've had deployments where I constanly go outside the the wire

I am currently working on a political science degree, my team lead is working on his Masters degree and my NCOIC is finishing up his 2nd Masters degree in Engineering, we all go to the same combat areas.

No need to go into altnernate universe "what if" threats. If I had decided to go ROTC, I'd demand an apology

Answer 6

I come from a military family, and I'm a veteran myself. There is no way I'd recommend joining the military until we, at least, have a different commander in chief.

The National guard would be a possibility, until they decide to ship you full time over to Iraq.

Without a degree, or at least some college, the military will not offer you the better schools. I was in satellite communications, a 26Yankee (which doesn't exist anymore) and I only had 3 years of college...this was the longest school offered by the military at the time.

Without a degree, or some college, and with this current president, the military would not be the best option for you.

If you get a degree, you can command a more technical career in the military that should keep you farther away from any action?

And to answer you Jon..I was a 26Yankee ( Satellite Ground Station Equipment Repairer) at Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD. I served basic at Ft. McClellan, AL, and went to school at Ft. Gordon, GA...all regular Army.

I maintained a Secret security clearence that was upgraded to Top Secret when I was field testing certain types of communications equipment.

Reagan was my Commander in Chief. At least republicans were truely conservative back then and not this awful brand of neo-con we have today.

P.S. Jon...you'd be taking your orders from me if I was still in the military, so I accept your apology.

Answer 7

You already seem to be doing quite well financially for a 22 year old, if you're telling the truth. I wonder why you'd even ask a question like this if it is so.

But, there's a personal satisfaction and dignity gained from service to your country that a civilian will never know.

Answer 8

It is always worth it to serve your country.

EDIT:

You do not have to have a degree to get a good job in the military. A degree can get you COMMISSIONED, if that is the way you want to go... if you can score well on the ASVAB, and you are physically qualified, you can have any job.

I enlisted as a 15Y (Apache Longbow avionics/electrical/armament repair) which is an outstanding job, and I only have 2 years of college under my belt. I am also planning on going to flight school in the future.

Answer 9

The only way you can make over 50,000 a year in the military is to become an officer, you don't make that much until you have been in for at least 4 years as a captain-in the air force at least (i'm not sure about other branches). ROTC is the most common way to become an officer, but you need a four-year degree and to participate in ROTC activities in college. There is also an officer training school for the Air Force-but its hard to get in. like I said, you're best off with a four-year degree and I believe that the age limit for a commision is 31, you should have enough time.

Answer 10

You could always join the National Guard and still keep your civilian life and occupation. You'd drill 1 weekend a month and 2 weeks of annual training (usually during the summer). Your civilian job will be protected by USERRA while away on basic, AIT, etc. There is a nice sign on bonus of $20,000 right now until Aug. 28th. You will get tuition assistance as a member of the guard and will serve your state, community and government! It's something to consider. Go to