by Tara Rijon

Created on: February 01, 2010

With our current economy in a slump, more and more people are looking at the United States military as a source of income. In 2009 all branches of our armed forces, including reserves and national guard units, exceeded their quotas for enlistments for the first time since 2004.

The reasons for joining the military vary among different people but the incentives are endless. The foremost reason to join the military, of course, is to serve your country. Since 9/11 more and more people are recognizing the overall affect they can have by helping to make our country more safe and being available in time of crisis. The feeling of self-gratitude is tremendous, and the overall sense of being part of something greater than yourself is extremely rewarding.

There are five branches that compose the United States military: army, navy, air force, marines and coast guard. While the pay scale may differ among them (depending on available positions and their pay grade), benefits remain pretty much the same. Once your MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) is chosen you can expect to receive expert training in that field. While unemployment continues to rise throughout the country, you are can rest assured that your employment is secure. In the long term, you can look forward to leaving military service with the training and experience needed to obtain a substantial civilian position.

While under active duty status you will have housing and food supplied for you, should you choose barracks living. If you choose to live off base you will receive a housing allowance to assist you in paying for living expenses. If you're married, you will receive a small additional stipend for each eligible dependent. Dependents also have their own military identification cards issued to them, allowing them to shop on base or receive free medical services.

Furthering your education has always been a lucrative selling point for the recruitment officers. Not only will you receive training while in the military, but the GI Bill makes it possible for every veteran to continue their education after discharge. Following 9/11 the government greatly reduced the eligibility requirements, and benefits are now available to anyone who has completed at least 90 days of military service and has received an honorable discharge, or 30 days of service for those receiving a medical discharge due to a service related disability. Qualifying individuals can now receive assistance with tuition, books and housing while attending classes for up to 36 months.

For the past several decades different branches of the military have held different requirements regarding maximum enlistment age, the oldest being the army and navy at age 34. The Defense Department pushed Congress to increase the recruitment age for all armed services, and in 2006 the maximum age for recruitment for all branches was changed from 35 to 42. This has broadened the potential for those who were previously thought to be “too old” to serve.

Whatever branch you choose, there is a wealth of knowledge to be had and benefits abound through military service. For more information you can contact your local recruiter or go to http://www.military.com/.

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