Military Careers Military Careers
The Armed Forces is America’s largest employer and is divided into five military
services: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guards. Military careers are
extremely adventurous and should only be held by dedicated, hard working, intelligent people. When deciding on entering the armed forces, one must also decide which service he or she would like to join. Here is a very brief explanation on each of them:
Army - the largest of all services in number, career opportunities range from foot soldiers carrying rifles to aviators piloting small aircraft.
Navy - work at sea, visit many different parts of the world, close attention is focused on duty and standards, different and exciting career, and involves some diving
Air Force - highly technical, one must be interested in aviation and a mechanical trade.
Visit the Air Force’s home page.
Marine Corps - small, close-knit service, one can reach the highest possible standards in training, military bearing and discipline in the marines.
Visit the Marine Corps’ home page.
Coast Guard - protect the water of the US shores, search and rescue those in distress at sea, sea service for Dept of Transporation except when part of the Navy at wartime.
Visit the Coast Guard’s home page.
Pay starts fairly low but increases as promoted, many additional allowances or assignment pay are also provided. Such additional payments include hazardous duty pay, special duty assignment pay, foreign duty pay, doctor & dentist pay, quarters, subsistence, clothing, dislocation, cost of living, transportation allowances, family separation pay, and many others.
Mostly outdoor even in peacetime, one must exercise a great deal and expect to travel abroad. The armed forces require great responsibility and can be very vigorous both mentally and physically.
The hours vary depending on which type and position in the service you are in. In most cases, you have to get up early and go to bed late.
The first requirement is that you must be at least 18 years old to even be considered for the military. If you are a guy, you have to sign for the draft when you turn 18. The first step to actually join is to take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery). This test is scored and must be passed. Most high schools offer it as juniors. One must also be in good physical shape to outlast the first six weeks of basic training. You should also contact your local recruiter.
The first advantage is that you can retire in just 20 years. At the age of 37 you could be retired and begin a new career if desired. Most of your basic needs are provided for you while in the service such as doctors, clothing, shelter etc. The cost of goods and services that are not paid for are lower on a military base than those of surrounding civilian communities. The job security is also great. You get to see different nations and travel abroad. And don’t forget the honor and pride of representing your country.
There are also many disadvantages. Some include the great responsibility, the vigorous work and the obvious fact that in battle you are risking your life. You must sign for a certain number of years and complete them. It is not easy to quit a military job. There is a lot of time spent away from home.
There is a great future in this career because there will always be a need for people to defend our country. This is even more so now because the recruiting age population is declining.
Take the ASVAB and reply yes when asked whether you would like to be in the armed services. If you are not given the opportunity to take the test and have already decided that you would like to join then call your local recruiter.