Military life is demanding. Free healthcare, help with housing costs, and discounted groceries make a career in the armed forces appealing to many. However, there are drawbacks a person must know before making this commitment.
The Commitment is Longer Than You Think
Serving in the military requires an extensive time commitment. Enlisted personnel typically sign up for an initial commitment of two to six years of active duty service. Officers generally have longer commitments around four to eight years, depending on their field. This is just the initial active duty period. Service members may spend additional years in the reserves or National Guard after that. Deployments also add substantial time away, as troops often spend six months to a year deployed overseas to conflict zones before returning home. In total, military members can expect to devote a large portion of their early adulthood, sometimes six to ten years or more, to serving their country full-time.
Your Safety Can’t Be Guaranteed
While the military strives to protect service members, the inherently dangerous nature of military operations means safety can never be fully guaranteed. Service members may face risks from combat, harsh conditions, training accidents, health hazards, terrorist attacks, and more. They operate vehicles, weapons, and equipment that bring danger. They deploy to unstable regions filled with threats. Many hazards are unavoidable. Despite precautions and training, unpredictable situations can lead to injury or death. While honor and duty may compel one into service, there is no denying that doing so entails elevated levels of risk. The military can mitigate dangers, but cannot make categorical promises of safety to those who serve. Worries about PTSD for veterans and other mental and physical health issues cannot be discounted.
The Lifestyle is Very Demanding
The military sets and maintains high standards for its personnel because lives often depend on it. From physical fitness requirements to conduct and integrity rules, military members must adhere to strict codes of excellence. For example, soldiers must pass regular physical readiness tests that gauge endurance, strength, and agility to ensure they can handle the rigors of combat if needed. Attention to detail is also paramount, whether that involves properly maintaining equipment and weapons or following protocols exactly during missions and operations. Adherence to a clear chain of command and respect for superiors’ orders enable effective, coordinated action. Such high standards, though demanding, build a capable, disciplined fighting force.
Deployments Mean Time Away From Family
Military deployments are difficult for service members and their families. When a parent or spouse deploys, it causes stress and uncertainty. At home, the remaining parent has to take on extra responsibilities and roles while worrying about their loved one’s safety. Children especially struggle when a parent deploys, as their sense of stability and support is disrupted. There can be academic and behavioral issues. Reintegration also brings challenges in adapting back into roles and relationships. With effort and support, most families are resilient, but no one emerges from a deployment completely unaffected. The sacrifice asked of military families during deployments should not be underestimated.
Military Pay
Military pay compensates members of the armed forces for their service and the unique demands of military life. Basic pay is determined by pay grade and years of service. In addition to basic pay, there are allowances for housing, food, and special duty assignments. Some benefits include tax advantages as well as comprehensive healthcare and retirement programs. However, pay is often considered modest for the great sacrifices asked of service members. Congress periodically re-evaluates compensation intending to recruit and retain high-quality people to serve in uniform and maintain a strong national defense. Adjustments aim to keep pace with private sector pay and account for risks inherent to military service.
Joining the military is a noble calling, but it requires major personal sacrifice. Before you commit, scrutinize your motivations for joining and make sure you have seriously weighed the risks and lifestyle constraints. Going in with both eyes open will lead to better outcomes for you and the military in the long run.
