Many high school seniors struggle with deciding what to do after high school. While some choose college and others enter the workforce, many consider joining the military for the career opportunities, financial benefits, and the challenges involved. There are many pros and cons of joining the military, and these are a few of them.
Pros of Joining the Military
Many students and others choose to join the military for the advantages they bring to education.
The GI Bill, which can stand for Government Issue, General Issue, or many other things, assists veterans and family members with financial assistance for education. The GI bill refers to services offered as a result of a law for veteran assistance.
According to Military One Source, a program that supports active duty service members, many branches of the military also offer financial assistance for service members who take college courses while actively serving.
Other people join the military for travel and new experiences. Service members have the opportunity to travel within the country or internationally and be stationed in different parts of the world while experiencing new cultures.
Finally, the military offers active service members much better financial security than entry level civilian jobs. According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Military members are given a steady paycheck, while having their loans, mortgages, rental agreements, leases, and more covered by the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.
Cons of Joining The Military
Most enlistment contracts last for four years, which means giving up personal freedom and life choices if you were to change your mind about wanting to be in the military.
Quitting is not an option without consequences, sometimes even as extreme as imprisonment.
According to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, if a soldier were to commit desertion, which is leaving their post for longer than 30 days with no intention of returning, it can lead to long-term incarceration and loss of pay, and is considered a crime punishable by law.
If someone were to value family time and stability, the military may not be for them. Military members don’t have a choice of where they are stationed, leaving them with the chance of being far from their family.
Being in the military, specifically in roles that involve combat, such as infantry, can bring risks. Military members who are deployed could face many health risks, such as enemy attacks and combat situations that could require someone to make life changing choices.
Those in non-combat positions still face training in high-risk situations, which can cause incidents such as vehicle crashes during drills and exposure to extreme weather conditions.
While physical injuries are common, mental issues are also persistent in veterans and current service members. Post-traumatic stress Disorder (PTSD) is common among military service members and is caused by high-stress situations that lead to long-term anxiety, flashbacks, and emotional distress.
Veterans and service members also have a hightened depression and suicide risk, due to stress from military life, constant deployments, and moving back in to society. Traumatic Brain Injuries, which explosions or continued concussions can cause, lead to long-term social and mental impacts.
While the military offers many benefits and aids, it is important to fully understand the risks that come with enlistment. Those aware of the risks and advantages can make an informed decision about joining the military. Having conversations with family members, veterans, and recruiters can assist those who are curious to find the right path for them.
