The US Military Service is acknowledged as the world’s most powerful armed forces. It ensures to “break an individual down” to make them stronger personnel. Any business or government entity would benefit from the expertise, skills, and knowledge that the US military service entails.
Individuals acquire the much-needed, life-long leadership skills by joining the armed forces and learning how to take responsibility for their actions. They set an example for the nation by making timely decisions, being disciplined, facing unprecedented challenges, and prioritizing their motherland in any situation.
However, military applicants must know the basic information about the US Armed Forces before joining it and serving the country. Also, one should be mentally prepared for the inevitable.
So, here in this article, we have upheld the pros and cons of joining the US Military Service for all aspirants out there. But before going forward, let’s first have a basic understanding of the US Armed Forces.
Different Branches of the US Military Service
The US Armed Forces comprise 6 service branches, as stated below.
The Army
The army is the largest and most ancient service in the US military. It involves the ground forces that oversee and ensure the country’s security.
Marine Corps
They are a part of the Navy. Usually, they are responsible for amphibious (involving forces from the land and sea) and ground units against actions threatening the country’s integrity.
The Navy
They operate above and below the water bodies. The Navy is America’s most advanced force and plays a significant role in navigating and combatting hostile threats worldwide.
The Air Force
They ensure an instant, flexible, and lethal air and space facility that can provide support anywhere in the world within a short period.
Space Force
Space Force plays a significant role in building the capacity of US defense. They provide space forces to protect the country and other interests in space and supply personnel to the joint force. It is similar to how the marine corps is under the Navy.
Coast Guard
Coast Guard provides law and naval safety enforcement, marine and environmental protection, and military naval support. It is a part of the Department of Homeland Security when the nation is peaceful and free from war. However, the Coast Guard operates under the Navy during times of war.
Merits and Demerits of Joining the US Military Services
Joining the military is a huge decision. An important part of making this choice is understanding the advantages and disadvantages of the occupation.
So, here is a list of the pros and cons of this job. Have a look!
Pros of Joining the US Military
Some advantages of joining the US Armed Forces are as follows.
1. Provides You with a Secure Salary
In the US Army, as with all branches of the Armed Forces, salary and benefits are accorded by rank, pay grade, and years of service. It is mainly based on the rank from E-1 to E-9 and O-1 to O-10 for commissioned officers. On the contrary, it is W-1 to W-5 for warrant officers.
Promotions are pretty frequent from E-1 to E-4. However, it might vary depending on the quality of work. Besides, in the military, you can be assured of getting the salary paid between the 1st and 15th of every month.
2. Renders a High Social Status
Military personnel has a high standard in society. In addition, militants gain great respect from civilians.
Besides, they receive housing allowances not only for themselves but also for their families. On active duty, they can dine for free. Otherwise, they can even use their allowance to cover the cost of their food if there are no other dining options available.
3. Gives You Access to Free Healthcare
The US militants get free access to dental and other healthcare procedures. Typically, dental treatments can be expensive and unaffordable for many people. So, the US government covers this expense for the militants as a token of respect. Moreover, hospitals, clinics, or healthcare centers are usually provided near or on military installations for quick and effective treatments.
The government also pays for most militants’ insurance premiums. Some members can even benefit from the partial or complete coverage of their health or medical insurance policies.
4. Veterans Benefits
Veterans are eligible for certain benefits for their service to the country. Usually, they have support programs, including housing loans, small business loans, healthcare, etc.
Besides, army veterans are also eligible for other benefits, such as disability compensation, education programs like flight training or college degrees, mental counseling, burials, and memorials. They are buried with the greatest of honor and respect.
5. Educational Benefits
The US government offers to pay for the total college tuition fees of militants before joining the army to commit to service.
Also, some special military programs help pay student loans or cancel them after graduation.
Cons of Joining the US Military
Despite all the benefits you may enjoy, this job has inevitable physical and psychological repercussions.
The following are some of the disadvantages of joining US Military Services.
1. Risks and Dangers
As a part of the US military service, there are always life risks, the intensity of which depends on your rank.
War zones can be brutal and have long-lasting physical, mental, and emotional effects. Moreover, there is no telling when danger might strike. Hence, you must always be prepared.
2. No Quitting the Military in Between
Quitting the US military in the middle is not an option. Once you have taken the oath, there is no way to leave midway. It is an obligation to fulfill the commitment morally as per the contract.
However, not fulfilling the commitment will lead to a dishonorable discharge, making you lose all benefits.
3. Separation from Your Loved Ones
There is no certainty where you might be posted. It can be anywhere in the country or even the world, like Iraq, Afghanistan, etc.
Taking your loved ones always with you might not be an option, especially in dangerous places. It might not be safe or can be confidential. However, this separation can last for months or years, making it emotionally difficult for you to handle.
4. PTSD
PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is one of the most common mental health conditions that can affect militants largely after a traumatic incident and make them depressed. It can occur due to stress during combat, life-threatening events, etc.
The human body immediately activates a fight or flight response when facing danger. And when there is no threat, it relaxes back. PTSD, however, occurs when the body is not able to relax. Some symptoms of this mental ailment include negative thoughts, insomnia, difficulty in concentrating, etc.
It needs to be treated with regular therapies, proper medications, and immense care.
Conclusion
Thus, it is evident that joining the US Military Service can be rewarding as well as traumatizing. This job comes with many challenges one might not be prepared for. But when it’s about serving the motherland and safeguarding society, it’s worth the effort.
Nevertheless, before choosing US Armed Forces as your career, ensure you can handle the job responsibilities and serve the nation willingly.
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