{"id":14147,"date":"2021-04-15T14:18:26","date_gmt":"2021-04-15T20:18:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.petersons.com\/blog\/?p=14147"},"modified":"2021-04-16T14:25:46","modified_gmt":"2021-04-16T20:25:46","slug":"should-i-join-the-military","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.petersons.com\/blog\/should-i-join-the-military\/","title":{"rendered":"Should I Join the Military?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many students choose the path to college or vocational school as their next step after graduating high school. Perhaps you\u2019ve already graduated and college doesn\u2019t interest you<\/span>\u2014<\/span>maybe sometime in the future. What if the standard path many students take isn’t a good fit for you?\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for direction, self-discipline, increased confidence, leadership skills, and job training, <\/span>joining the <\/span>military<\/span> is another option to pursue.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Reasons to join the military<\/span><\/h4>\n

While it differs for each person, here are some key reasons to enlist in the military:<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. To serve your country<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. To learn a new skill or trade<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. To continue the family tradition of serving in the military<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. To explore the world\/travel<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. The GI Bill helps pay for college, making it a more affordable option<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. To transfer military experience to a civilian career<\/span><\/li>\n
  7. Access to VA home loans<\/span><\/li>\n
  8. To gain structure and discipline<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    What makes a good recruit<\/span><\/h4>\n

    When considering to enlist, here are some qualities and basic skills the military expects from its recruits:<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    • Overall good physical fitness and endurance<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Strong concentration skills and fast reactions<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Active listening skills and the ability to follow instructions\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Collaboration skills and the ability to work well with others in a team<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Patience, the capacity to remain calm in stressful situations and work well under pressure<\/span><\/li>\n
    • The acceptance of criticism\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Thinking and reasoning skills<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Confidence to act quickly<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Thoroughness and attention to detail<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Completion of basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Additional requirements to enlist<\/span><\/h4>\n

      You must meet the following requirements to be accepted into a branch of the military:<\/span><\/p>\n

        \n
      • Proof of U.S. citizenship or a permanent resident card holder<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Be between the ages of 17-39 (depending on the branch for which you\u2019re enlisting)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Achieve a minimum score on the <\/span>ASVAB exam<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
      • Meet physical requirements and fitness standards<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Be a high school graduate or equivalent<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Do your research<\/span><\/h4>\n

        Before enlisting, reach out to those who are currently serving or have served to get their perspective on their time in the military and hear about their experiences. Contact a recruiter with any questions you may have about enlisting or the different branches of the military, and ask them to provide a realistic assessment of opportunities available during your military career and after you\u2019ve left the military.<\/span><\/p>\n

        Benefits of serving in the military<\/span><\/h4>\n

        Serving your country comes with an array of <\/span>benefits<\/span><\/a> and incentives for you and your family in the beginning of your enrollment and for years after you have left the military. Here are just a few:<\/span><\/p>\n

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        • Enlistment bonus: <\/b>These vary by the branch of the military you join. Contact your recruiter for more information about the availability of these bonuses.<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Advanced enlistment rank pay opportunities: <\/b>Recruiters can offer opportunities to enter the service at higher pay grades, resulting in higher base pay.<\/span><\/li>\n
        • GI Bill: <\/b>The Post-9\/11 <\/span>GI Bill<\/span><\/a> can pay your full tuition and school fees, provide you with a monthly housing allowance while going to school, and give you up to $1,000 a year to use for books and supplies.<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): <\/b>TAP is available to active duty, National Guard, and Reserve Component service members for undergraduate, graduate, vocational, and technical programs.<\/span><\/li>\n
        • VA Guaranteed Home Loan Program: <\/b>This program enables qualified buyers to obtain zero-down financing, making it easier for veterans to own their dream home.<\/span><\/li>\n
        • College Loan Repayment Program and Student Loan Deferment Program: <\/b>The Military College Loan Repayment Program (CLRP) is an enlistment incentive for new recruits. The Military\u2019s Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Program is a benefit that eliminates up to $65,000 in existing student loan debt.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Next Steps<\/span><\/h4>\n

          If you choose to join, decide which branch of the military you want to enlist in, and reach out to a recruiter. You will need to report to a military entrance processing station (MEPS) and complete a number of pre-enlistment steps. You will then need to take the <\/span>ASVAB test<\/span><\/a>, have a physical exam, meet with a career counselor, and take the oath of enlistment (if accepted). You should receive your orders for basic training within a few weeks of being accepted.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

          Peterson\u2019s can help you <\/span><\/i>prepare for the ASVAB exam<\/span><\/i><\/a> with comprehensive test prep that includes interactive lessons, instructional videos, practice tests, and more to help you ace the exam. Sign up for Peterson\u2019s <\/span><\/i>test prep<\/span><\/i><\/a> and start your military career today!<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n