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Pros versus ConsJoining the military
Had a discussion with a friend from the USAF.
Thought it would be valuable for anyone thinking about joining now or in the future:
{ THREAD }
My background:
Joined the United States Air Force in June 2006.
Served 4-years active duty + 1-year in the reserves.
Was stationed in the panhandle of Florida.
Spent 7 months overseas.
Got out of active duty in 2010 & the reserves in 2011.
Joined the United States Air Force in June 2006.
Served 4-years active duty + 1-year in the reserves.
Was stationed in the panhandle of Florida.
Spent 7 months overseas.
Got out of active duty in 2010 & the reserves in 2011.
PROS
1. Education benefits
The military paid for 1/2 of my Bachelor's degree and all of my Master's degree.
Between tuition assistance (while active) and the Post 9/11 GI Bill.
The education benefits are top tier.
1. Education benefits
The military paid for 1/2 of my Bachelor's degree and all of my Master's degree.
Between tuition assistance (while active) and the Post 9/11 GI Bill.
The education benefits are top tier.
We know the value of a college education is dwindling.
BUT there are still valuable degrees (i.e. STEM fields, nursing)
Pick the right one + have it paid for = ZERO student loans
You can also get your certifications/training paid for (i.e. IT certifications)
BUT there are still valuable degrees (i.e. STEM fields, nursing)
Pick the right one + have it paid for = ZERO student loans
You can also get your certifications/training paid for (i.e. IT certifications)
Pick the right career field and you can acquire world class training.
This can set you up for the future.
Think anything IT-related, intelligence, linguist, medical.
This can set you up for the future.
Think anything IT-related, intelligence, linguist, medical.
2. Adventure
College ain't it kids.
Spending 4-years in the same college town will get boring.
You get the same bonding experiences + party just as much in the military.
BUT you also get paid + get to travel + do shit other people your age probably aren't doing.
College ain't it kids.
Spending 4-years in the same college town will get boring.
You get the same bonding experiences + party just as much in the military.
BUT you also get paid + get to travel + do shit other people your age probably aren't doing.
3. Brotherhood
You will make lifelong friends.
Those who have experienced things that no one else has experienced.
The military is similar to a fraternity but cooler (normally).
The military bonds I have are some of the strongest I've ever had.
You will make lifelong friends.
Those who have experienced things that no one else has experienced.
The military is similar to a fraternity but cooler (normally).
The military bonds I have are some of the strongest I've ever had.
4. Temporary
Sure, you can make a career of it.
But most get out with college paid for, some money, and skills.
No, it's not perfect.
But if you make the right choices, you will be far ahead of any of your peers that just went to college.
Sure, you can make a career of it.
But most get out with college paid for, some money, and skills.
No, it's not perfect.
But if you make the right choices, you will be far ahead of any of your peers that just went to college.
CONS
1. Politics
Doesn't matter what you do.
Work for the government and you will deal with politics.
Local, state, or national.
There will be very frustrating experiences.
And you will have to deal with it.
1. Politics
Doesn't matter what you do.
Work for the government and you will deal with politics.
Local, state, or national.
There will be very frustrating experiences.
And you will have to deal with it.
2. Pathetic Leadership
There are incredible leaders within the military.
There are way more incompetent scoundrels though.
Similar to any bureaucracy, there are tons of people out for ONLY themselves that will stab you in the back first chance they get.
That's the reality.
There are incredible leaders within the military.
There are way more incompetent scoundrels though.
Similar to any bureaucracy, there are tons of people out for ONLY themselves that will stab you in the back first chance they get.
That's the reality.
3. Shitty pay (at first)
You won't become rich in the military, HOWEVER, if you're smart you can do just fine.
Tons of guys crushed deployment money during Iraq/Afghanistan.
The principles remain the same:
- Invest early
- Live below your means
You won't become rich in the military, HOWEVER, if you're smart you can do just fine.
Tons of guys crushed deployment money during Iraq/Afghanistan.
The principles remain the same:
- Invest early
- Live below your means
4. Stress
There's an entire population of veterans from 9/11-present that suffered irreparable damage to their mental health.
Let alone the physical damage.
The strain on families is second to none.
There's a reason its "service over self".
There's an entire population of veterans from 9/11-present that suffered irreparable damage to their mental health.
Let alone the physical damage.
The strain on families is second to none.
There's a reason its "service over self".
P.S.
Anyone joining the military must understand:
You WILL sacrifice. No one leaves untarnished.
You will suffer battle scars even if just mental.
But few experiences in life will provide you with the sense of duty that you'll earn while serving.
God bless the U.S.A.
Anyone joining the military must understand:
You WILL sacrifice. No one leaves untarnished.
You will suffer battle scars even if just mental.
But few experiences in life will provide you with the sense of duty that you'll earn while serving.
God bless the U.S.A.
