It is important to view any career change objectively. When deciding if you should join the Army consider factors such as the job, life style, location, benefits, and opportunities.
The Job
If you become a soldier in the U.S. Army you will be responsible for providing expeditionary land forces wherever and whenever they are required.
You will be expected to live up to a higher standard based on seven key values. You will learn about these in more detail during Basic Combat Training (BCT) but for now they include Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. Soldiers are expected to uphold these principles twenty four hours a day whether they are at home or at work.
In the Army days are typically spent training or working as an individual and as part of a team and after work there is time for family, friends and other personal interests. Your job could include anything from being a helicopter pilot to being a Special Forces Dentist! During your time in the Army there will be a certain amount of ongoing mental and physical training required. Depending on your career path you could be training on job skills, new equipment or leadership. You will be rewarded for the amount of work you do and be given the chance to achieve promotions.
Lifestyle
The military considers the welfare of Soldiers their Families to be one of its most important endeavors. The Army goes to great lengths to assure each soldier has healthcare, retirement, education, and extra-curricular opportunities and adequate housing. Joining the Army is a challenging yet rewarding experience. It is guaranteed to change your way of life! You will discover an existence filled with adventure and you will meet other smart, motivated people like yourself. From recruitment to retirement, the U.S. Army provides you with a unique and diverse lifestyle while continuously giving you the opportunity to grow.
Life on post
Where you live on an Army Post depends on your rank and family situation, those with higher rank or number of family members, have more housing options. Most Soldiers are pleasantly surprised by the facilities an Army Post offers. You will find fitness centers, movie theaters, even tax-free shopping at the Post Exchange (PX) and Commissary”where you can buy almost anything from DVD players to groceries and even clothing. Family housing areas on Army installations are growing community experiences. Soldiers and their Families live, play, and socialize in safe, clean, and modern areas created with the needs of military Families in mind. Today’s single Soldier barracks have been renovated with the Soldier’s needs and suggestions in mind. For most new Soldiers, living on Post is a lot like living in an apartment complex. It is a great place to make friends and spend your free time. There are plenty of options for fun, relaxation and learning.
Location
The Army is engaged in operations worldwide, ranging from humanitarian support and peacekeeping, to direct combat. Some Soldiers are better suited for certain tasks so it is important to consider your possibilities. Remember this will be where you work, train and live.
Soldiers enlisting for Active Duty will serve at one of the many Army Posts located throughout the U.S. and abroad and Soldiers in the Army Reserve will serve at a Post or Reserve Center closer to home.
Benefits
The U.S. Army offers benefits to soldiers such as competitive pay, education assistance, health insurance and retirement benefits. The Army can provide you with confidence and discipline that you can draw upon for a lifetime. With hands-on training, personal discipline and a shared sense of accomplishment, you will develop the mental, physical and emotional strengths you will need to surpass your peers. Beyond these rewards, most Soldiers agree that the greatest benefit to being in the Army is the opportunity to serve their country, state and community.
Opportunities
Are you pumped about the opportunity to be a part of the world’s best fighting force? Doors will open for you as a soldier in the U.S. Army. You will be able to travel to exciting places meet interesting people, and become eligible for a wide range of careers. On Active duty you could gain expert training in one of more than 150 different jobs available that will give you an edge over those in the civilian world. Imagine the possibilities!
Verify that you meet the necessary requirements. You must be between the ages of 17 and 34, be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien, be healthy and in good physical condition, and be in good moral standing. If you would like to hear other requirements Click Here
Step 1 – Is The Army Right For Me?
Step 2 – Choose The Right Path
Step 3 – Talk To The Recruiter
Step 4 – Ace The ASVAB
Step 5 – Process In
Step 6 – Choose Your Army Job
Step 7 – Get Ready For Boot camp
Do you think you have what it takes to be Army Strong?