Today’s army pay is not only competitive, it exceeds what many private sector companies are willing to pay. In fact, a man or woman fresh out of high school with no prior work experience would have a very hard time finding a job that starts out paying much more than minimum wage. Working 40 hours a week at a minimum wage job would earn you less than half of what the army will pay you.

Not only is the starting pay exceptional compared to civilian pay, you’ll get a nice raise after you complete your initial training. When you consider how much you would have to pay to receive the training the army provides for free, the monetary advantages of joining the army become even more apparent.

The government isn’t out to make a profit. They have no board of directors to impress with a hefty profit at the end of the year. No stock holders expecting a return on their investment. They also know the value of a trained soldier. And they’re willing to pay for it.

Without a college education, the job prospects are limited to low paying positions with little or no chance of advancement. But the army is willing to give free on the job training while paying you a good salary. It’s like having your cake and eating it too.

Today’s military offers a wide range of scholarship and educational programs! Whether you are presently in school, just thinking about college or are planning on deferring your educational goals for a while, the military has something for you!

FULL TIME STUDENT?
Today’s military is one of the nation’s largest providers of full time scholarship funds! These programs allow you to attend school FULL-TIME while either deferring your military commitment until graduation or by participating in a reserve or National Guard organization while in school.

Active Duty Programs: Every branch of the service offers some kind of scholarship program. These programs change often and have specific qualification requirements. Check with your recruiter for the details! By joining any branch of the military you may qualify for a wide range of educational benefits but they all have this is common:

Montgomery G. I. Bill
Through the Montgomery GI Bill, you might be able to qualify for college tuition at most two and four year colleges, vocational schools, or correspondence courses. You can use this money as a part-time student while serving, or as a full-time student when your duty is completed.

Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC)
The Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines offer these programs at select colleges and universities throughout the country. If you qualify, the ROTC program offers a unique college experience! During the first two years you can attend ROTC classes, such as military science, and participate in training activities, all with no obligation!

During the your junior and senior years, you may receive a FULL RIDE SCHOLARSHIP, including tuition, books, board and other expenses! This, of course, requires a commitment to serve AS AN OFFICER for a minimum of three years after graduation.

Service Specific Programs
Other programs are offered. Check with your local reruiter to find out more.

PART TIME STUDENT?

Montgomery GI Bill
The RESERVES also enables individuals who serve in the military on a part time basis to earn money toward their continuing education. And you can attend class full-time while you serve!

The Army and Air National Guard requires the same commitment of time (six years) as the Reserve and provides the same amount of college money (up to ,180) but may also entitle you to additional state money for college. You may even be eligible for up to full tuition some state schools!

College Funds
If you qualify for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps of Coast Guard College Fund Programs, You could receive as much as ,000 when combined with the Montgomery GI Bill!

Community College
The Community College of the Air Force, an accredited two-year college, offers more that 70 associate degree programs in scientific and technical fields, free of charge for Air Force enlisted personnel.

Tuition Assistance
Most branches offer a tuition assistance program in which you may be reimbursed up to 75% of any tuition you pay. This may also apply to your spouse and children!

Navy Seals - the mere name conjurs up exciting images of covert combat missions or daring rescue. That is not far from the truth of the jobs the Seals perform in the line of duty. The Seals name is an acronym that means Sea, Air and Land. The Seals are a truly unique military fighting force.  The primary talents and vocation of the Navy Seals is extreme or unorthodox means of warfare, counter terrorism and special reconnaissance missions.

Navy Seals training has the reputation of being one of the toughest programs to complete in the US military. This is an accurate reflection of Seal training presenting a clear and definite challenge to those who would seek the Navy Seal title. Seals volunteer for this duty and their training is completed only after normal Navy training. Often, sailors who begin Seal training find they don’t have the fortitude to finish training under the extraordinary strain and stress of normal Seal training.  Other Seal trainees drop out due to injuries sustained during training, or the inability to perform certain tasks that must be comleted during Seal training.  Some Seals attempt the Seal training program more than once before finally succeeding.

Origins of the Navy Seals dates back to 1942.  Personnel were needed for a special mission during WWII so members of both the Army and Navy formed a small group to train specially for this mission.  Subsequently, other special groups have came into being especially for unconventional missions over the years, and finally in 1966 we see the first named Seal team in action.   From there the Seals have evolved into the Seals we know today.

The National Guard is a key factor in the provision of safety and security for US citizens and US assets both domestically and overseas. Wherever they are needed, the National Guard will be there. We are especially familiar with them as they help neighbors here at home with natural disaster relief and other such emergency situations.

Most often, National Guardsmen fulfill their commitment to serve near their own homes and regions, but are frequently deployed for assistance during emergencies or natural disasters almost anywhere in the country.  While serving on missions during war time, they are liable to find themselves almost anywhere in the world as well! The National Guard is known for their flexibility and ability to meet a challenge in a timely and efficient manner.

Service commitments for the National Guard are anywhere from three to six years, and guardsmen are eligible for the same health and educational benefits that their active duty Army counterparts participate.  Some of the benefits include educational programs, life insurance, health insurance, flexible training schedule, competitive pay scales and much more.

The United States Coast Guard is the oldest coninuously operating seagoing force in the United States Military. While it is true the Coast Guard is also the smallet of the five branches of the military, the Coast Guard maintains the security and defense of our domestic shorelines and waterways. The role they play in our safety at home is crucial and immeasurable.

The Coast Guard formerly fell under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation. They now answer to the Department of Homeland Security. The Coast Guard Academy is located in New London, CT and all who complete the four year program are awarded a Bachelor of Science degree and their commssion as an ensign. The Coast Guard Academy is considered a top notch educational experience and its graduates are well respected in their fields.

Coast Guard boot camp is similar to other military boot camps or basic training.  Continuing for 8 weeks, this training is physically demanding and recruits will be expected to accomplish several basic mandatory requirements to graduate.

One of the primary differences between the Coast Guard and the other four branches of the US military is the fact that the Coast Guard offers all job and career fields to women as well as men, including combat positions. 

Enlistment in the Coast Guard offers a huge array of benefits to members such as educational benefits and programs, advancement and promotion, life insurance, high quality medical care, competitive pay, vacation time, career and job training and more.

The United States Marine Corps

The United States Marine Corps are made up of some of the best soldiers in the world, living up to the high standard of what it means to be a Marine. While being a Marine takes pride and determination, there are many benefits that come with the job. A regular salary and allowances are just some of the guaranteed benefits that each soldier will receive once they complete training.
Joining the U.S. Marine Corps allows each soldier to receive the following:

• Medical care for both Marines and their families
• Retirement plans
• Military housing or a housing allowance
• Educational benefits
• Health care and life insurance

Aside from the basic pay, there are numerous allowances or bonuses that each member of the Armed Forces can obtain. Some special incentives or bonus payments include:

• Flight Pay
• Sea Pay
• Hazardous Duty Pay
• Proficiency Pay
• Education training and compensation
• Family Separation Allowances
• Overseas Housing Allowances

In order to become a Marine, you must meet the various guidelines that are set including age, education, physical tests, and aptitude tests among other requirements. Once a Marine enters boot camp and continues on to job training, they begin to receive a basic monthly pay. This pay is based on rank and length of service, however pay rates start at more than $1000 per month.
The higher the rank and length of service, the more money soldiers earn each month. Some pay and promotions can also depend on specific job training or education, while entry-level enlistment personnel can typically earn promotions based on job performance.
Those joining the military with an education or special skills may be eligible to start their salaries at a higher pay grade, as well as those who become officers. It is always important to check with a recruiter to verify current information and requirements before signing the enlistment contract.

Becoming Part of the Team

Trying to find a career that can contain both valuable life skills as well as benefits? The United States Air Force can train soldiers in some of the best jobs in the world, with its advanced technology and aviation training, as well as many other career choices including administration work and mechanics. Not sure which job you might be interested in? Here are some of the many enlisted careers and benefits:

Mechanical:

• Learn advanced technology
• Work on aircraft, munitions, vehicles, radio systems
• Join a team working on environmental structures

Administrative:

• Work in operations like food, housing, and equipment as part of Administration
• Learn skills with Aviation Resource Management or Logistics Plans
• Manage transportation or materials

General:

• Learn broad skills that can apply for anything in the future
• Start a career in Intelligence Logistics
• Become part of Air Traffic Control

Electronics:

• Can be found in almost every area of Air Force
• Train in radar and avionics systems
• Gain valuable skills through Missile & Space training

Enlisted personnel in the Air Force have benefits from the very beginning, which include a salary and food and housing allowances. The salary increases with rank combined with the time in the service, as well as a cost-of-living increase each year. Aside from the military pay, housing and food are also provided for. Check with recruiters to determine pay scale depending on career, enlistment rank and period of active service.

Living expenses are given to all members of the Air Force who decide to live in the on-base housing or apartments. Depending on rank and location, personnel are also able to find off-base housing tax free through the Air Force.
Food allowances are given daily to all enlisted personnel, allowing them to eat up to four meals a day for free in the on-base dining area. These dining areas allow personnel to enjoy quality made food from the kitchens, or they can also be given the option of eating fast foods.

Education is also provided for through the Air Force, as well as individual savings plans that can be started as soon as one joins. Health and life insurance are also provided for not only the enlisted airman or woman, but their families as well.

The United States Navy not only provides training and stability for all its servicemen and women, but it also offers some of the best benefits in the world. Traveling from port to port can be an exciting way to see the world, and at the same time secure a future by gaining job benefits and education.

The Navy has many career opportunities as well as a chance to be trained with some of the most technologically advanced equipment in the world. This experience can be invaluable, and earning pay and benefits at the same time is a great choice for anyone who wants to get ahead in life, and learn leadership and job skills for the future.

In the military, soldiers earn money like anyone else. With hard work and dedication, they have pay increases and bonuses, but in addition to pay they also work towards receiving benefits for retirement after a career in active duty or when their contract ends. Some benefits they are entitled to are:

• Health care for not only themselves, but also their family
• Housing assistance provided by government funding for soldiers and their families
• Paid vacations
• Retirement benefits
• Traveling allowances

During the enlistment process, recruits take aptitude tests like the ASVAB to determine where they are best qualified to work. This can allow all servicemen and women in the U. S. Navy to find a career that suits their interests as well as talents. Job training in the Navy, especially with the advancements in technology and experience, ensure that all servicemen and women will have the best opportunities once they return to civilian life if they so choose.

Pay scales may range from $1,300 a month to $2,300 with less than two years of service. Of course, the pay increases determined by length of service, so that same person could potentially earn over $4,000 a month after 15 years. Warrant Officers and Officers can earn between $2,500 and $8,000 depending on grade or rank, with less than 2 years in. Check with your local recruiter for up-to-date pay scales and opportunities.

During life in the Navy, each service person is giving living accommodations, free dining or food allowances, uniform allowance and full health care benefits in addition to their base pay, or salary. In the branches of the Armed Forces, the pay is based upon rank, or rate, as it is known in the Navy, and the length of service in years. Promotions are given based on work performance and the pay scale is also increased the more time a Sailor is in service.

Joining the Navy not only helps in the present times with salaries and job training, but it also enhances the future with retirement and educational benefits. Seeing the world one city at a time is an experience not many can claim, all while guarding and protecting the United States.