MARINE CORPS BENEFITS - HEALTHCARE, PAY, EDUCATION, AND MORE
The U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) forges some of the toughest warfighters on the planet, all while providing world-class healthcare and educational opportunities. Marine Corps benefits come in many forms, and if you’re looking to become a Devil Dog, it’s important to know what compensation opportunities are available. Sacrifice comes with service but Marines and their families can benefit in many ways through enlistment.
What Are the Benefits of Joining the Marine Corps?
Marine Corps benefits come in many different forms, as there are ways to receive traditional compensation, extra perks, and the intangible rewards that come from a life of service.
While the benefits of joining the Marine Corps aren’t the only reason to join, they are still worth exploring if you’re looking to join the force.
From compensation, to education, to healthcare, and more, we’re breaking down the top benefits of joining the Marine Corps below:
Becoming a Part of Something Bigger Than Yourself
Joining the ranks of the U.S. Marine Corps is a commitment and challenge unlike any other.
You’re going to be tasked with bettering yourself and defending your nation all while overcoming challenges with and for your fellow Marines.
The idea of being one of the few and proud isn’t just a motto or marketing slogan but rather a lifestyle and a commitment to live up to.
Marines are determined to find solutions when all others may give up. At the end of the day, your fight and service help push you to new heights while breaking the limits of what you thought possible.
Education Benefits
Joining the USMC doesn’t have to mean giving up pursuing your education. There are Marine Corps education benefits that help you pay for school while serving your nation:
- Paying for college is made easier with the Montgomery GI Bill or Post 9/11 GI Bill, the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), and the Marine Corps College Fund. You could receive 100% coverage for your higher education experience.
- Defense Activity for Nontraditional Education Support (DANTES) Programs provide educational opportunities from 41 major universities
- Your military occupational specialties (MOS) can be used at some universities to earn a degree through the Special Education Program.
- Though certain criteria must be met, the Staff Noncommissioned Officer’s Degree Completion Program provides Marines with a way to remain on active duty and enroll as students full-time.
It’s worth noting that Marines can provide their education benefits from the Montgomery GI Bill or Post 9/11 GI Bill to their spouses and/or dependents.
US Marine Corps Healthcare Benefits
Marine Corps benefits have plenty to offer but healthcare coverage and resources are among the best.
Not only are they provided to you while serving as a Devil Dog but your immediate family also receives comprehensive health benefits, including access to world-class medical facilities on base, free medical insurance, and affordable dental insurance.
If no on-base medical facilities are available, you or your family are referred to civilian providers at little or no cost. Active-duty Marines, their dependents, and retirees all have access to this care.
This includes TRICARE, which provides coverage for healthcare services, and additional life insurance, which is available at a minimal additional cost.
Best of all, you'll receive these medical benefits at reduced rates for life if you retire with the Marines.
Death Benefits
Service comes with many sacrifices and in some cases, it can mean giving your all. Marines who do pass away can be eligible for benefits that provide their survivors with the following:
- There is a $100,000 death gratuity for active duty Marines, and some Reservists, who die while serving. The payment is tax-free.
- 55% of your retired pay.
- Burial benefits are also available. This includes options for being buried in a military cemetery.
- Survivors may also receive disability, educational, and healthcare benefits after the death of a loved one who is serving.
Marine Corps Benefits and Pay
Serving your nation comes with many rewards but compensation is still important. There are many occupations within the ranks of Marines and plenty of attractive ways to be paid.
Not only do you receive a paycheck but there are enlistment and reenlistment bonuses available.
You can also expect to have pay raises regularly, particularly, as you rise in the ranks and as the cost of living increases.
This also applies to things, such as your yearly basic allowance for housing (BAH) compensation, basic allowance for subsistence (BAS) to cover meals, an annual uniform allowance, and more.
In addition to your pay and compensation, Marine Corps benefits also provide the chance for a Thrift Savings Plan along with retirement benefits for those who undertake 20 years of active duty service.
This includes getting a pension through your career all while serving your nation and gaining skills you can use in the civilian world.
Sources:
Marine Corps Benefits, Marines. Accessed September 2024. https://www.marines.com/life-as-a-marine/benefits.html
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