The Military Could Be a Great Option for You
Become a Baker...in the ARMY?
When you think of a career in the military, you probably imagine wearing 40 pounds of gear, stepping in formation in 110 degree heat, while carrying a near arsenal of weapons on your person. You probably think that if the thought of having to physically fight for your country makes your stomach churn, the military is not the right career path for you. You may be wrong.
You might hear recruiters talk of how great military benefits are. You probably think, "Yeah, right. You say that now! What happens after I sign on the dotted line?" You might be surprised to learn of the real life benefits that a career in the military can provide to you. Just to list a few: Life Insurance, Military Education, Military Legal Matters, Military Pay, Space "A" Travel, TRICARE/ Military Health Care, VA Home Loans, GI Bill, and a whole host of Veteran Benefits. What do all of these benefits actually mean to you as an individual? Let's take a look.
The GI Bill was signed into place in 1944 by President Roosevelt after WW II and it is the centerpiece of military educational benefits. Active duty service members and veterans are capable of receiving money each month to use to help them achieve their college goals. The money is tax-free and it can be used for tuition, books, fees, and living expenses while earning a degree, certification, or attending trade school. On October 1, 2007 the monthly GI Bill rate for institutional training was as follows:
- Full Time - $1,101.00
- 3/4 Time - $825.75
- 1/2 Time - $550.50
- less than 1/2 time more than 1/4 time - $$550.50
- 1/4 time or less - $275.25
So, as you can see, the GI Bill puts quite a bit of change in your pocket each month you attend school. Could you use some help funding your college education? Perhaps the military is the right place to look for help.
Space "A" Travel or Space Available Flight is a unique privilege given to service members, retirees, and their families. Under this program, certain passengers can take unused seats on DoD-owned or controlled aircraft after all duty passengers and cargo have been accommodated. Though this form of travel has become harder to access than in years past, if you have the time and flexibility to travel this way, Space A travel offers amazing discounts.
The military has incredible veterans programs. From Compensated Work-Therapy and Transitional Residence Programs to Domiciliary Care and Health Care for homeless veterans, the military can offer a wide range of services to all of its veterans.
A common question of anyone thinking about joining the military is, "What are the requirements?"
Each branch of the Service has different requirements, but for all, the minimum entrance-age is 17 with parental consent, or 18 without parental consent. There are physical requirements, but because of the varying physical demands each branch would place on servicemen, they vary greatly. We can say, though, that in general, potential service members should be in good physical condition, of proper weight, and able to pass standard physical screening prior to entry.
A high school diploma is most desirable for success in the Military. Candidates with a GED can enlist, but some Services may limit opportunities. Education is considered very important to the Military and it can be very difficult to be considered a serious candidate without a high school diploma or alternative credential.
US citizens or Permanent Resident Aliens (those holding a "green card") may join the U.S. Military.
There is a whole slue of available careers through the military. Much more than the imagined "combat" hero you see on the commercials. You can specialize in things like Aviation, with fields ranging from Aircraft Power-plant Repairer to Air Traffic Control Operator. (ARMY) You can specialize in Personnel and Administration in the Marines, in fields like Personnel Clerk, Postal Clerk, and Administrative Clerk. You can even specialize in Food Service! The Marines provide formal schooling to Marines entering the food service field. Entry level jobs include things like food service specialist and baker.
So, do you still think that you have to be tough, rugged, and out for fame and glory to join the Service? Perhaps now is the time to look into a career in the military and all of the benefits it can offer.
Below you will find some great links to learn about the amazing opportunities available to you: