MILITARY ENLISTMENT INCENTIVES: YOUR GUIDE TO BONUSES, PAY & MORE
There are several opportunities to earn extra money for those who enlist in the military. Our nation’s servicemen and women put their lives on the line everyday protecting the well-being of our nation, so it is only fair that they receive the compensation and recognition they deserve. As there are several different branches of the military, there are also numerous jobs and roles that service members can take on to advance their career. Learn more about the bonus opportunities and incentives available.
U.S. Military Enlistment Incentives: Bonuses & Benefits Breakdown
Below, we are breaking down some of the most common enlistment bonuses and benefits that the U.S. military offers to incoming military personnel.
Enlistment Bonuses
Various branches of the military offer bonuses for enlisting. The time of service required may vary depending on the branch and bonus. However, most bonuses offered are paid for enlisting in certain jobs. Be sure to frequently talk with a recruiter about the enlistment bonuses available as they change/are updated frequently,
Voluntary Education Programs
Many members of the military make the decision to continue their education while on active duty. Each branch of the military has differing programs to help service members reach their educational goals. In support of their pursuance of education, the military offers tuition assistance programs, counseling/advising services, and classroom facilities.
Student Loan Repayment Options
Have you gone to college or are thinking about going to college. The military offers members student loan repayment assistance if you have loans to repay. Check with a recruiter to see how the military can help you.
The GI Bill
Lastly, the military offers members the GI Bill, which you can start using as soon as you are on active duty. In short, the GI Bill helps servicemembers pursue their educational dreams.
Additional Reasons to Enlist
As we’ve already gone over briefly, the primary reason anyone chooses to serve is because they have a strong, righteous, undeniable love for their country. Those who enlist mainly do so to be a part of something greater by pledging their lives to the defense of their home. Thus, they are doing something that truly makes a difference.
In addition to the above military enlistment incentives, there are likely many personal reasons for enlisting. Here are just a few reasons why someone may feel called to join the American Armed Forces.
A Sense of Adventure
For those who have a sense of adventure and a deep desire to make a difference, joining the military can be a great option.
As an active-duty service member, you will likely be given orders to relocate multiple times over the course of your career, spanning across any of the fifty states in America.
For some this can be a difficult part of the job, but depending on your desire to see the world, this might be one of the biggest draws of joining the military. You’ll have the chance to experience many states, and countries, which can be a very enriching experience.
Career Stability
It might not be the first point that comes to mind when thinking about military enlistment, but job security is up there for one of the most important military enlistment incentives.
Many of the more traditional jobs that exist within the civilian world are subject to being insecure regarding their future. Many people lose their jobs every single year, which can cause a lot of stress and the feeling of uncertainty.
The difference between this and the military is that the military is not a career that is subject to high turnover. Because the military can never be fully changed or replaced, active-duty service members are quite secure in knowing that they won’t have to be scrambling for a new job at the drop of a hat.
Lifelong Benefits
Access to lifelong benefits is quite a big plus when it comes to talking about military enlistment incentives. While benefits shouldn’t be the sole reason why you enlist in the military, they are of significant benefit to servicemembers.
Military benefits can make a big difference in your life as a member of the military, especially once you retire. Some examples of the benefits you can expect to earn from enlisting are:
- Paid-for College
- Free/Low-Cost Healthcare
- Monthly Pension
- A Month of PTO
- Social Security
- Family Services
- Soldier Services
- Transitioning & Retirement
- Life Insurance
Advancement Opportunities
Many military personnel have a pretty high ceiling for advancement throughout their careers. Every high-ranking officer has had to start from the bottom just like everyone else. Through hard work and dedication, these individuals were able to propel themselves even higher through the ranks, achieving awards and accolades for their accomplishments in their profession.
For those who want to advance up through the ranks, they are usually prompted by those above them to earn their education if they don’t already have it. Many positions on the upper end of the military require a college education.
Luckily, the military will pay for the scholarships and education, in hopes of propelling them into high-ranking, leadership positions. With a college level education and experience in the service, many military personnel who achieve these positions will be able to make a very handsome salary.
Interested In Joining the Military?
Every branch of the military has opportunities for future Airmen, Soldiers, Marines, etc. to receive bonuses upon entering active-duty service. Additionally, reenlistment bonuses are also available. Your eligibility for bonuses, as well as the amount offered, will vary depending on several factors, such as education level, experience, job specialty, and the length of your enlistment contract. So, whether you are considering enlisting, or you are currently active duty, be sure to take a closer looking into the military enlistment incentives and bonuses offered.
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