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with a hundred other GIs. You get total medical coverage, which in today's inflated civilian economy would cost thousands of bucks a year. You get free clothing and many opportunities to travel and see the world. Some places you'll see may not be so safe and pleasant, but most are nice quiet bases where you can raise a family and live an almost normal life.

Another benefit that can only be appreciated by people much older than their teens is Army retirement. When I was 18 and the thought of staying in the Navy until I was 38 to get a pension seemed like a 20-year jail sentence. But looking back now from very advanced years, by my age 38 I was just getting started with a business career, and it took almost another 30 to earn a decent retirement. A master sergeant who retires at age 38 will earn half pay (and continued free medical care), or if he retires at 48, he'll get two-thirds pay for the rest of his life.

In many cases, that's $40,000 a year, even if the retiree goofs off during all his remaining years in a backyard hammock. More likely, he'll still be young enough to start on a second career, but never again will have to worry about paying the bills. Of course, there are reasons NOT to join the Army, but looking at the many opportunities and benefits, I believe there are many reasons why a person SHOULD consider joining the Army.

Learn more about this author, Ted Sherman.
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