While serving in the military is an honorable endeavor, it may not be right for every person.
Serving in the military requires a commitment and dedication to country. Quitting or giving up on a whim is not an option as you are contractually bound to fulfill your commitment to your country.
You Don’t Perform Well with Structure
Every part of the military is a very structured environment. You will be told how to dress, how to cut your hair, when to wake in the morning and hundreds of other tasks.
If you do not deal well with strict structure or having someone else telling you what to do on a consistent basis, the military may not be for you.
You Don’t Want to Deploy Overseas
While there is always a possibility that you may not deploy, there is always the possibility that you will.
If you have religious or moral beliefs that would interfere with your job should you be deployed, it may be best to never join.
Refusing to deploy when your unit receives orders not only creates legal issues for you, it also puts a strain on your unit.
You Want to be Close to Family and Have No Desire to Move
Most people who enlist can expect to move at least every three years and many will move more often than that. You will have no guarantee of being stationed close to family.
When orders arrive for a change of duty station, you have little input on the destination. The military expects you to do what is necessary to meet their needs.
You Are Unable to Commit at Least Eight Years to the Military
Even if you only enlist for three or four years, your total commitment is for eight years.
The first portion will be on active duty and the remaining portion will be on inactive status. During this time, you will assume your civilian lifestyle but you can be called back to serve again if the military needs your skills.
Going AWOL (absent without leave) is a federal offense that can land you in jail.
There are many benefits to joining the military and some who thought they would not deal well with a structured environment eventually find that they thrive in it.
If you are considering joining, speak to others who currently serve to find out their own list of pros and cons.
