Recently, I have so many friends join the military. Most of them are joined the US Army, US Navy, and a few to join the US Marine Corps. They join the military for different reasons. Some of them want to get some education assistant for college, and some of them want to support their family and financial situations.
If you have been made a decision to join the military service, I would say thank you for your service, and you make an excellent choice for yourself. However, since people never think too much when they sign up the contract. Here is some tips:
1. I did hear so many complaints about the military. 90% people is complaining about Recruiter. I did see some college student to join the military after they graduate. They said the recruiter is laying all the benefit, and they are not true. For example, the recruiter might tell you that you can get a stable paycheck when you stay in military, and you are entitle all these benefits while you are in service. Remember, the recruiter is not all laying to you. First of all, Recruiter's job is recruiting people to join the military service. They carry the mission from the chain of command. They have to finish their job to get a better promotion. If not, they will lose their position, and probably get a really bad look from his boss. For the benefit section, some of the benefit is really up to you chain of command. Here is an example from my military service: When I join the military, it is called the OVERMAN Navy. The barracks are not enough, and sometimes we are hard to get a room to stay. I am lucky to get a room for myself when I am off duty. However, some of the sailors are not even able to get a room, and their chain of command approve these sailors to entitle the BAH to rent a room outside the base; for the advancement, my rate is going down side when I joined the Navy, and even some people cannot advance at all in certain rates in Navy. Therefore, not all the recruiters are laying to you about the benefits and advancement. The military has a lot of new policies every year. It is really depending on your chain of command, and the currently situations.
2. Do some research before you sign up the contract. This is my mistake before I join the Navy. I did not research seriously enough to make sure I understanding all the jobs in military. Some people are regretting when they choose this job. They don't like it, but they have no choice at all. Make sure you are asking your friend, recruiter, or some people who are servicing in military. Do some research by yourself, and make a better choice.
3. Make a plan for yourself. I can tell you that military is not easy as you think sometimes. For example, people think to join the Navy can see the world. Yes, you can see the world, but most time you will be spending on ship. You will have homesick, and etc. Don't be some sailors join the military without plan. They join the service just want to make some money to have fun. They are spending the money everywhere, and eventually have to face a seriously financial problems. Here is my advise when I am on sea: The TA is free in Navy college. Take one class ( don't take 2 at the same time, it is hard to manage your time) and doing some self study on internet. The Navy college is offer so many programs for sailors who want to attend college. They are all military friendly school unless you decide to choose another school outside the program. They will assist sailors to finish their education as soon as possible. This is one of the great benefits to join the military service. At the same time, bring some books, or hit the gym often to relieve stress.
4. Make a good financial plan. This is one of the important things for service members when they are on active duty. A lot of people spending money around to party, drinking, and shopping. Some people are surviving pay check by pay check. The military offer so many financial and investment program to support sailors. Don't be fool to waste your money and time.
5. Make sure you understand the contract. The contract is variously sometimes depending on the military situations. Some contract are required you to go to some certain schools. For example, some engineering program are offer the C school after they compete all the training in A school. When I was in boot camp. some recruit are medical crews, and they don't know they required to follow the marine troops. Make sure you ask your recruiter and do research by yourself if you don't know the contract, and also make a copy in case some people lost your service record.
6. Using the benefits while you are in military. The military has so many benefits, like different programs in Navy college, spouse program, and fleet and family support center. People don't know their benefit because they don't ask. Always asking if you are really want to know your entitle benefit.
7. Don't waste your time, and educate yourself. School is boring, and I believe not everyone love going to school. But remember, the military is encouraging service members to go to college to get a better educations. Nowadays, the military is getting focused on service members education. If you do have a degree, it will help you to get promote easier. Although you don't want to stay in military in the future life, the education still can assist you to become successful in the civilian's life.
if you have any questions, please leave a comment, and I will be happy to assist you. Thanks for reading.
http://veteransfamily.wordpress.com/2013/02/02/military-service/
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