If you are thinking about joining the military, you need to consider why you want to join. People join the Army or the military for a number of reasons. Here are the top 10 reasons why people join the military:
- To serve your country and protect your country’s liberty and freedom
- Travel the world
- Help stop terrorism
- College education benefits
- Get a good paying job
- Duty and Honor for your country
- Family Tradition
- To improve yourself and learn new skills
- Get a career
- Turn your life around
All the above are great reasons to join the military and you may have other reasons as well. Many people have life long benefits from joining a branch of the military. But your reasons need to be what matter to you.
Beyond essential benefits like health care and retirement plans, the Military offers plenty of perks, no matter where a service member may be stationed.
Military Discounts
In recognition and support of those serving, many companies offer special military discounts. Though this perk is not an official extension of Department of Defense benefits, such discounts are widely known and commonly used.
Vacation and Leisure Discounts
The Military offers discounted vacation and leisure opportunities to its service members and their families. Each Service branch has a Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) office dedicated to helping personnel connect with these opportunities.
Space-Available Travel
Service members can occasionally book flights on military aircraft. This is known as Space-Available Travel, also called “Space-A Travel” or “military hops.” This program allows service members and their immediate families to fly at no cost when seats on routine flights are open.
To participate, service members register in advance and wait for an unused seat to the destination of their choice. While it’s not something troops depend on for necessary trips, Space-A Travel can be a great way to score an inexpensive vacation or travel home on leave.