Marco O’Brien
There must be hundreds of reasons why someone would join the military. I spent 10 years recruiting for the Air Force and here are what I believe are the top 10 reasons people enlist.
- Education – With college costs soaring not many people can afford to pay for education. Almost every individual I spoke with wanted to get their college degree. The military has some great programs for education. Tuition Assistance (TA), the Montgomery G.I. Bill (MGIB) and the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill are just a few avenues which the military offers to its members to help them pay or offset the cost of a college degree.
- Money – Who doesn’t like money? I have not had one person join the military who didn’t want to get paid and the military starts off pretty well for an entry level job! Plus there are no costs for meals or room and board!
- Medical coverage – With the economy still hurting, many individuals find themselves and their family without medical and dental coverage. The military’s medical benefits are awesome. No annual fees, deductibles or co-pays.
- A Career – Many individuals want to find a job where they can stay, be rewarded for hard work, and move up in the company. The military offers all of this. After serving as little as 20 years individuals can elect to retire and start collecting retired pay immediately!
- Travel – Imagine living in Europe or Japan, Hawaii or Alaska, Spain or Guam or almost anywhere in the United States. The military has installations all over the world and not only pay for you and your family to get there but will pay to ship all of your household goods too. Remember your off-duty time is your time to travel and see the world!
- Camaraderie – The sense of belonging and friendship you get serving alongside individual’s everyday is second to none. Knowing that these individuals will do anything to protect you and you in turn would do the same for them sets the people in the military apart from most other jobs in the world.
- Direction – Not everyone graduates from high school and knows exactly what they want to do. Many people who have been out of high school for a number of years still have no idea what they want to do with their lives. The military gives these individuals a place to get some experience and possibly figure out what direction he or she wants to take in their life.
- Real world skills – Learning a trade is half the battle. Many employers not only want you to have learned a skill but to have actual experience using that skill. Because many of the jobs the military has to offer will directly convert over to civilian jobs the military is a great place to learn a skill, get experience, and then take that skill with you when you get out or retire from the military.
- Honor – Some individuals join the military for no other reason than to give back to this great country.
- Just Because – Some individuals join the military because they think it sounds cool. Maybe they want to use the latest technology, work with police or bomb dogs, work with billion dollar aircraft, or do something out of their comfort zone. All are equally great reasons to join the military.
So what do you think? Why would you join?
With 7 years of bag-drag, I'd add two:
Money while you Train:
Being paid for going to school. Not many companies pay for the initial training to get the job. Additionally will pay your full salary while you go to school in order to change jobs mid-way through your career, should you choose.
Tradition:
I had a number of people that wanted to carry on a military tradition passed on by family.
The person who signs up has at least one reason to do so. The person who re-enlists has many.
i enlisted in the Air Force in april 1952. i was approx 6 months away, from the draft. i wanted to pick my branch of service, based on the programs available, location of bases, and overseas duties. ALSO, the GI BILL, was a factor. by careful planning, i was able to get my Master's Degree, using the benefit. YES – the military was good for me!
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I too joined the Air Force for the two reason you stated above. I was working in a factory and going to school part time was just not working out. I decided to go get trained in my field and get paid at the same time. Also, my dad was in the Air Force so I followed that path. My nephew also joined the Air Force because of tradition. He's been in 15 years. I was only in for 4 years but those 4 years were a lot of fun. My only regret is that I didn't go back into the Air Guard.
Why did I join the U.S Military! That easy, I was born in 1958
and rised on Military Bases!
One in Kansas and in Michigan! At that time my father was in the United States Air Force (SAC)!
So in 1978 at the age of 18 I joined the United States Navy!
I would also say for my family and my children. I am joining the army. And I want my children to have a bright and wonderful future.
Someone has to do it and what makes anyone particular better than another. I would join with no pay there is always that one guy I guess.
My name is James Ilike Air Force pleas I want you to help me how to join Air Force I amNigeria by birth but I'm live in thailand
Many of the reasons listed are exactly why I'm considering enlisting now. My grandfather was a Navy man, and I, his granddaughter, am proud of his service. It inspired me to think about joining as well. My life at present lacks focus, direction, satisfaction, pride.
Same here my Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather all served in wars along with my 5x Great Grandfather fighting in the revolutionary war. I am proud of my family service and inspired me to join
My entire family was in some branch of the military so i want to keep up the tradition….I will be the first girl in my family to join as an officer….my cousin is the only other girl but she enlisted as a civilian:)
The guns the training the travel the fucken tradition to honor and duty
As a Canadian immigrating to the US, I’m joining the Navy to EARN my citizenship. I want to set a great example for my children and grandchildren, and frankly, I feel the need to give back to my adoptive home that I love so dearly. You are “entitled” to nothing. You must earn everything.
I doubt I’m the only immigrant that feels this way.
Why the hell would you leave Canada to come the the US?
i am actually trying my best to enlist into the navy…i really want to get in this branch but the only problem i have is mathematics,i really have to past that test and be prepared….so am going to study real hard for the test and give it my best shot….am not good at maths but i believe that if i really want to get in the military…no matter what it take i will get in hopefuly
First work on your spelling, then you can start woking on your mathmatics.
Good
so did you get in?
yo man im trying to join the army and i to suck really bad at math. me i study at least 3 hours a day. i have to get a 31 on the asvab to join the army and good luck i hope you make it man.
I am a Nigeria by birth but I live inThailand and I marriad pleas I like to join Air Force tel me what to do
Gotta be a US citizen James…
Only if you want a job requiring at least a secret clearance. Otherwise, the military offers a quick path to citizenship. However, you do need at least legal permanent residency before being allowed in.
Good! you're are only eligible in your country of birth or where you've obtained citizenship or legal stay.
James you are a common wealth citizen, so you can go join the British army.
I enlisted 29 years ago and still serving wanting to be a part of something that truly mattered. I have never wavered with my decision, my military family will always be there for me.
My son ships out for Army boot July 31. I am so proud of him- scared, but proud. When I tell people he has joined(delayed entry) comments are Always positive. I’m a high school teacher and I now have a certain bond with many of the young men and women who sign up for the delayed entry program. It is an extraordinary feeling.
My brother ships out to the ARMY In July as well, he scared yet excited I'm very proud of him.
I'm excited yet nervous. I'm enlisting in the Navy Reserves, being a single parent I can't go Active, although I would like to. My only issue is the physical training I'm doing before hand. I can't swim but I will learn hopefully before boot camp. I can't wait I hope to be going to boot camp next year. I stay right by the Great Lakes base.
My daughter when she joined the navy did not know how to swimm, and during her training she learned the hard way. According to her the instructor was pushing people to the water when the people showed signs of not knowing how to swimm. Even though, she didn't know how to swimm she was given the opportunity to jump on her own, because with all of her fears to the water she said yes to the swimming question. After all she said that she was able to stay afloat.
I want to come back, i am prior serve 1979 to 1985. i try lats a year to come back and now bady help.
Please help! NAVY) I'm delayed for writing ASVAB test because i filled an application online before contacting a recruiter even though I've passed the preliminary test. I've been home for two weeks now.Kindly help……………
As long as you do your best I'm sure you can do it. I did it and got a good score on the ASVAB
i till wanna enjoy but i dont got th HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
Adam check with each branch to see if they are accepting GED's. Another option would be going to your local community college and checking to see if they have an adult degree program.
Adam, look on youtube.com to see if the military needs your diploma, i know they need your medical records though… like your dental and shot records.
Air force is very traditional and hard to compete, definitely they want a high school diploma and good GPA. And, I think the other military branches including reserve you must have at least a GED and 15 credit hours towards college. Though, you may want to contact a recruiter of your preference but do not give up if one recruiter tells you no, keep trying because every recruiter is different. Good luck!!
its importante,please unswer me the sonest posible !
Sir, I think you need to go online, and look up the nearest adult School near you, you will be able to get a GED or a High School Diploma, also try the nearest community college.__
I will be joining the marines soon, I'm joinig because The Marines specializes in what I'm good at, operating with a cool head under high stress levels, close combat fighting, medical expertise, good skills with knife and rifle, and above all else keeping a team together in fucked up situations. where else am I goin to go.
I commend you for wanting to join the United States Marine Corps, but just a heads up medical expertise is the responsibility of the Navy Hospital Corpsman serving with Marine Corps units.
How i'd love to join the US Army. Unfortunately, am not an American and I guess my age of 29years already disqualifies me.
I think the Army age limit for enlisted is 32, not sure but you may want to talk to an Army recruiter. The Air national guard age limit is 42. (Benefits are not as good as active duty but still are very attractive to many of us) Try talking to different recruiters of different branches, remember you'll never know if you don't try.
Im 15 right now, and am epipleptic although i havent had a siezure in for several years. Can this get waved during ASVAB? I really want to join the Marine Corps right out of High School to give back to my country, my grandfather was in the Navy.
Get yourself a good evaluation from a neurologist and proceed to ask for a waiver. Don't give up, you'll make it.
HEY IM 14 BUT IM PRESSED ON MILITARY IVE RESEARCHED AND SO HAVE OTHERS. ONE THING IVE LERNED IS THAT WHILE PROCESSING YOU THEY ASK IF YOU CAN TELL THEM ANY PREVIOUS HEALTH ISSUE AND STUF, UT THE YASK BECAUSE THEY CAN NOT ACCESS YOUR RECORDS SO IF U THINK YOUR OK ALOT PEOPLE JUST DONT TELL THEM AND AS LONG AS U PASS YOUR PHYSICAL AND STUFF THEY WILL NEVER KNOW. IM SURE IM RIGHT O SOME RESEARC HYOURSELF
BALLIN IN HIGH SCHOOL HOORAH
No you do not qualify, sorry.
i turn 18 in December and am shipping out to mcrd San Diego in September and i have add/adhd, flat feet, and my recruiter has asthma so does half my sector in Texas but if you really want to become a marine you will do anything to become one.
hai, commender good night……
hai,commender,,,,,,,
good night……………
I joined for several reason, one being I needed some sort of direction. Not that I was going in the wrong direction but I really had no direction. I also wanted to get money for college! After 23 years on active duty, I ended up with 3 associate degrees, a bachelor's degree, 2 Master certificates and my MBA! All paid for by the Military!! Now my wife is using my chapter 33 benefits to get her degree. NOt a whole lot of companies out there with those kind of benefits!
Wanting to join the Army but need to lose weight. Anybody got any suggestions for losing 20 lbs?
lots of cardio and eat small portions of healthy food multiple times a day(4-5 small meals).
You need to increase your metabolism. In order to do so, you need to eat on schedule. 3 times a day and everyday. Eat spicy foods a lot cause they help with metabolism. Don't eat went you don't need to. Running around for cardio is hard. So, just choose a sport (soccer or basketball) and play at least 3times a week, 2 to 3 hours each time and you will get fit in no times. Well, that's what I do and I have big and strong muscles.
eat less and move more. simple.
Nicholas, There are many ways to lose the weight, just make sure you are being safe when doing it! Ask the recruiter if you can work out with them, this will help you with the weight and get you some face time with the recruiter!
Well Nicholas im going to join the army once im done with high school, but that's a long time before I get there, im only in 7th grade and weigh about 85 pounds, i want to stay in shape because i like junk food, to stay well fit just eat healthy foods, try a diet if you can handle it, and exercise about an hour a day maybe even longer, as much as you want, Good Luck! See you in the army…….Maybe!?
make sure to participate in ROTC if your school has it. Ive already joined, and im shipping to basic feb 13th…I made the mistake of not joining ROTC. talk about pay raise…also, if you get the chance college credits will help as well
I joined the Air Force at age 17, Nov 29th 1961 I served 23 years and today i am retired and am sitting in base lodging at Lackland AFB-50 years later and still kicking. I joined because I was making $40 per week, had to travel 30 miles to work, had a broken down car that ran part-time and had no future. i was raise in a shack, had to draw well water with a rope, burned wood to keep warm in the winter had no a/c nor indoor plumbing and had virtually no parents to instruct nor advise me. I was dumb as a rock, had no education beyond the 11th grade and life was bad. I had never seen anything as big as the buildings at Lackland AFB, Arnold Hall especially impressed my little mind. In later years i returned to see Arnold Hall and it wasn't as big as a 17 year old ignorant kid thought! I retired after 23 years, worked a federal job for 16 more and retired at age 54 and haven't drawn a paycheck since…
I graduate high school in June, 2012 at age 16. I am enlisting the the Marine Corps upon my 17th birthday (with parental consent, of course) and I have a few reason I'm enlisting.
Tradition: My family is a Corps family, and my older brother is unable to enlist for medical reasons, so I'll be the first girl in my family. It is usually the males.
Honor: I am a Young Marine right now, and I get a sense of pride and honor every time I put my uniform on, knowing that whether I am in my camis or in my civi clothes, I have the knowledge and understanding of how to help someone, how to be a leader, and how to be presentable at any given moment.
And, last, but certainly not least, I like to fire off a few rounds every once in awhile. Who doesn't like shooting?
Any further advice I could get, specifically from a female, about basic training and about life in the military?
All great reasons to join!
Wow, that's amazing.:) I'm in the JROTC program and Explorers program. The JROTC program is for Air Force, but I want to go to the Army. I'm only a freshman, so I have big plans. The Explorers program is an amazing program, that basically involves learning about the law and how to be a cop. And I'm a girl. I LOVE being in my JROTC uniform after school and having to go to Publix or somewhere and people just smile and wave at me. It's a beautiful feeling, and I just want to say congratulations to you! I hope I can be like that.:)
what is the best tip i can get about the arithmetic part of the asvab i can use anyone's advice at the moment i am trying to join the Army,math is not my strong subject at all.
I’m 16 and a sophomore in high school right now. This past year I’ve been thinking alot about enlisting in the AF. Ik I need a 50 on my asvab but what about my gpa? I’m not the best student ever and even get D’s. Also I want to be Security Forces. I hear they’re hated on by others but by tradition, my family has either been MP or SecFo. Feedback on any of this would be awesome :]
Hey, im 15 and thinking about going into the marine corps or the army after college. Do you think i should wait till after college to go, how should i prepare for bootcamp, and im scared of heights, what do they do with heights in either bootcamp?
Hello, so I want to become a pharmacist. Can I do that at the same time while servin go to an outside schoof there’s one? I also dont know yet what branch I want to join
tell me if this is wrong… I want to join for honor and respect, cause i get no respect at home or in everyday life. I'm always pushed around, and I'm tired of it. I'm 16 about to be 17, and the day i turn 18 I'm enlisting to get away from here. i need help any advice from anyone would be greatly appreciated…
Thank you
Joining the military to get away from your problems or people you don’t like isn’t the best reason to join up. The military really isn’t for everyone, if you want to get away, go away to college don’t use the military to solve your problems..
Because i believe in fighting to protect the people i love or even a person i dont know….i want to make a change. people in iraq give up their lives everyday and i have no reason not to do the same. thats why i would join and thats why i plan to join. GOD BLESS THE USA.
I previously began the enlistment process when I was still in high school. After I graduated I admit I got scared and due to my immaturity at the time I signed the paper work to get out of the Future Soldier Program for the Army. I regret this poor choice. I feel unaccomplished, unskilled, and having the worst possible luck with finding work. I would be interested in learning if enlisting is even an option for me now…
Try again to enlist in the army or another branch of the military if you can. You'll thank yourself later.
Get ready for boot camp, get your asvab done and sign up with your parents consent when you turn 17. I'm in the same position as you except I', already 17 and I'm going into the Navy and in my own opinion it is the best option out of all the military branches
I intend on joining the Marines in hopefully no more than a year. I aim to accomplish a few tasks before my enlistment. My primary reason for joining would be because I'm a patriot and I do it for my country and for all other patriots and my family too. I do it secondly for the status of being a Marine.
i am joining the army because i was raped and I want to learn how to protect myself. My parents were not there for me to keep me safe and I hate them. I have disowned my family. I am joining the army so they will protect by back.
for the people that died on 9/11!!
honor
camaraderie
travel
adventure
and to make something of my life
I am a Nigeria by birth but I live inThailand and I marriad pleas I like to join Air Force tel me what to do. hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid
Tradition: My family is a Corps family, and my older brother is unable to enlist for medical reasons, so I'll be the first girl in my family. It is usually the males.
hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid hank freid
I love military bcos
1.Leadership skill
2.education
3.sense of authority n honour
4.travels
i would joint to learn how to fight and prove my self to know what the F.. I WAS MADE FROM
I am currently attending a 4 year university my grades are great and consider myself the top business freshman out of 5000 kids and want to continue to NYC. My health has always been good i was a 3 time varsity basketball player and now I want to push myself and join the ARMY for the Honor and Health benefits. Money is not an issue the only issue i am facing is how much will the ARMY RESERVES effect my time for Business and School. I will be doing many internships and i believe Basic and AIT is 2 summers worth of duty plus one a month weekends. Would love some advice if I should just continue my path towards business or add the Army to my skills and a goal in life. Thanks Much
For anyone who's gotta do a psych consult, let's hope any of these reasons are "normal" enough.
I currently just graduated with my Associate Degree in Criminal Justice this past December. I am so confused I really dont no where to go now somedays I want to be a probation officer,Surveillance Agent or judge but I dont have think I have the time to go an waste because I want to travel, I have a passionate for helping people and learning new things. I have no kids live alone and work at chemical plant on turnaround. I want a career a job that I enjoy doing something, I have a lot of loans to pay back with no help. What is your advice to me?
I currently just graduated with my Associate Degree in Criminal Justice this past December. I am so confused I really dont no where to go now somedays I want to be a probation officer,Surveillance Agent or judge but I dont have think I have the time to go an waste because I want to travel, I have a passionate for helping people and learning new things. I have no kids live alone and work at chemical plant on turnaround. I want a career a job that’s I enjoy doing something, I have a lot of loans to pay back with no help. What is your advice to me?
Im an asain n was born in this country iv always wanted to join the army since i was a kid but was putoff coz of some of the stories i heard. I am now searching for jobs in the military police so i can deal with the racists n so it can be easier for asains to join the army.
I’m planning on joining the Air Force for my family (son & husband) i am 21 yrs old. But i wanted to see if anyone had advice for me? I feel really guilty for leaving them behind especially my son, but i want him to have a good future with out any worries. Would it be harsh of me to leave him?
I’m only 13 and probably have no business here but I already am interested in going into the military. America is a great country but everyday I see more and more hate in this world and country and feel it’s only getting worse. As my dad and grandpa served I feel it’s my duty and am proud. To serve, I see so many opportunities and feel like I can be different in my own way. Thank you all for your service and those going in. Good luck. Hoorah!
Just because, for real? I'm only 12 almost 13 and I'll join the military after college for only one of those reasons honor.
im joining the army to help not to get paid or anything like that and to do my mum and dad proud
Well i this is my last resort and im going to be honest. Im 21 years old with no job and no place to go. i have struggled with meth addiction since i was 14 and i have no direction at all and im to the point the life i am living for 3 years has caused such bad depression for way to long im to the point that im either going t o kill myself or go to the military. because that the only thing that would change my life forever. Otherwise i wouldnt ever even think about this. i hate the government and politics.
Im an american 14 year old boy and im in a Japanese military!!!!!!
Im just kidding i just want to be in the military
I’m 18 years old & planning to go to school in the summer to get a degree. In pre-med and then enlist. In the usaf…I’m as a female ithink the AF is the best direction for me ..
But is it possible. For me to get into the airforce academy??
I’m 18 years old & planning to go to school in the summer to get a degree. In pre-med and then enlist. In the usaf…I’m as a female ithink the AF is the best direction for me ..But is it possible For me to get into the airforce academy??
Its hard to get in it . Only 85 get in every year but try your best. good luck
Hello, Loa.
I am about 24 days away from graduating from the Air Force Academy. I was enlisted for 3.5 yrs prior to my acceptance. The road is tough, but a navigable one. I highly encourage you making every attempt to make this a reality, but warn you of a few things that may become road blocks. Number one: age. You need to get in before you are 23. Two: dependency status. Try not to fall in love and get married, or have a child. Those things will be 100% no-goes. I would consider enlisting first and getting started on your degrees while in the Air Force, rather than pursuing education then enlisting (age factor). You will want as many opportunities to apply as possible. Once you are in school again, attain positive marks, and all the while, keep people notified that you are interested in the Academy. You will meet many graduates, and as long as you leave them with a positive impression and demonstrate a favorable character, they can be good resources. Score well on the SAT/ACT. Find opportunities that allow you to be a leader and get your name/face out there (base honor guard, first four positions, etc.). But most important, really, really kick butt at your job. Your primary focus should be in whatever job you go into. If you can’t perform there, you will be weeded out quickly from the potential applicant pool. If you have questions, feel free to ask.
-Dumbfounded to be graduating….
i love the military i have wanted to join the army for anger and for love for my country and because i just love to hunt.
for the love of my country
I am 25, I have a degree in Business Administration. I have lived in 5 east coast states. Currently living in NYC. I am joining the Air Force enlisted. I am doing so for a few BIG reasons. I believe in my country, not always my government, but I always believe in the american spirit. Another reason, I would like to continue my education. Gain my Masters, while mastering a craft in the USAF. Last, I would like to see different parts of the world. I have had an adventurous life to this point. I look at this as another chapter in my life where I can experience a lot and take the leaderships which I already have into a structure that demands critical thinking, leadership, and loyalty. Cheers!
Diet and exercise. You don’t need the military for that.
Drink lots of water, drink it with every meal and then some!
Also walking is great exercise and you don’t need a gym membership for it!