Joining the Army
Joining the Army is an attractive option for many people these days considering the high unemployment rate. There are indeed many benefits to joining the Army, both material and otherwise, but the benefits should play only a minor role in your decision making process. You will not get rich in the Army, nor will you gain fame or notoriety. The Army is not for everyone but for those that are suited to it, it can make a rewarding career.
When considering joining the Army you must first do your research and determine which job, known in the Army as Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), you are interested in. The Army has many different MOSs available so chances are that you will find something that interests you. At this point you shouldn’t worry about whether or not you are qualified for the MOS as the Army will take care of that for you. Joining the Army is not a decision to be taken lightly, and once you sign your contract there is no turning back. You will be subject to a variety of physical, mental, and psychological exams to determine if you are suitable Army material. These tests will also determine which MOS you are eligible for. If it is determined that you are eligible for the MOS you want, the Army will give you the training you need to be proficient in that MOS.
One of the big misconceptions of new recruits is that their duties in the Army will be determined by their MOS. This is not necessarily true. Granted, the life of a Supply Clerk differs from that of an Infantryman, but they do share common duties. In the Army you are first and foremost a Soldier, and must therefore train for and complete basic Soldiering tasks. These tasks can range from the mundane such as cleaning details and guard duty, to the exceptional tasks like reacting to enemy fire. Nevertheless, it is important to find out what a typical day for a Soldier in your prospective MOS is like. For some, they rarely get to make use of their specialized training unless they are in a deployed environment. For others, they daily make use of their MOS related skills.
Aside from the prospect of learning an exciting new job, the Army offers many other rewards. Whether you like it or not, you must maintain good physical fitness. The Army ensures this through daily Physical Training. The Army offers you the opportunity to become a leader. As you earn promotions, you earn positions of greater authority within your Unit and take on leadership roles. The Army provides you the experience and training to become an exceptional leader, if you so desire. There are numerous training possibilities in the Army as well for those eager enough to seek them out. This training includes everything from the mentally demanding language training to the physically demanding Ranger training and much more.
Joining the Army can have benefits for your family as well. Of course, you and your immediate family will receive Health insurance, tuition assistance, free access to numerous Military recreational facilities, and the Army will cover the cost of Housing. You will also be able to offer your family the peace of mind of a stable job without fear of being laid-off or receiving a pay cut (unless you get demoted or court-martialed or something of that nature). You can also retire after serving 20 years in the Military. This all sounds great however you must consider the trade-off. As a member of the Army you will not always get a choice of duty station (where you live) and you can be deployed at any time. In addition to deployments there are training exercises that can last anywhere from a few days to a month or more, during which you are away from home. Add to that the long hours and frequent last minute details of a Soldier and you have a very unpredictable schedule. This can be stressful on a family therefore it is important to discuss this before joining to decide if your family is willing to make those sacrifices. For many, the benefits outweigh the sacrifices.
