After a 23-year career, I retired from the Army on July 1, 2004. I highly recommend young individuals to consider joining the Army as it was an amazing experience that I would choose again without hesitation. The benefits received were truly valuable, making the occasional sacrifices worth it. These benefits include full-time employment, financial aid for college, free healthcare, the opportunity to learn new skills, and the pride of serving one’s country. Throughout my time in the Army, I earned a decent salary and enjoyed 30 days of vacation each year while also being eligible for various service-related benefits. As part of my duty while actively serving, I received basic pay.
I am paid twice a month, specifically on the 1st and 15th day of each month. While there are complaints about military pay, I find most of them to be baseless. After serving for 23 years and retiring as a First Sergeant, my monthly retirement pay is $2200.00. However, even with this income, I had to work full time in order to match what I used to earn in the Army where a minimum wage of $16.00 per hour was required. Many soldiers fail to realize or appreciate that a significant portion of their income is not subject to taxes. The Army provides tax-free housing, meals, and uniforms which are not counted as earned income on the W-2 form. It wasn’t until after leaving the military and losing these benefits that I truly understood the value of military pay. Personally, the most valuable benefit for me is receiving a military pension after completing at least 20 years of service.
Throughout my life, I will enjoy a long-lasting pension due to my service. This is a rare feature in civilian jobs, as they typically do not offer pensions until after many years of service or upon reaching a certain age. In addition, the Army provides educational benefits through the Montgomery GI Bill. This bill covers education expenses and grants up to 36 months of benefits. These benefits can be utilized for various types of courses at recognized institutions, including college, business, technical, and vocational programs. The current monthly rate is $1004 and can also be used for high-tech or vocational training. Collectively, these benefits amount to over $36,000 and are subject to annual increases.
The college loan repayment program provides support for soldiers in paying off their student loans. Active duty soldiers can receive up to $65,000 for their college loans, while those in the Army Reserve can receive up to $20,000. To qualify for this program, soldiers must serve full-time in the Army for three years or in the Army Reserve for six years.
In addition, the Army offers soldiers the opportunity to attend college while on active duty and covers up to 100% of their tuition fees. The Army has partnerships with over 1,600 community colleges and four-year universities, allowing soldiers to pursue their education while serving.
Moreover, the Army provides excellent family medical and dental care at little or no cost. Soldiers and their family members can receive treatment at the Army’s network of hospitals and clinics. Tricare, which is the official military health insurance provider, is available to all soldiers and retired veterans. Given today’s high healthcare expenses, this benefit alone can save a family thousands of dollars each year.
The Army offers job training and skills that can be used in civilian job markets. There are various Military Occupational Specialties, like medical, aviation, construction, and mechanical fields, where individuals can receive on-the-job training and gain expertise. When I joined the Army in 1981, I chose to become a track vehicle mechanic in the maintenance field. The skills I gained in this role allowed me to secure a position as a civilian instructor at Fort Knox after retiring. As an instructor, my responsibilities included teaching soldiers maintenance procedures for tracked vehicles. Additionally, I received training in management and supervisory skills. Throughout my military career, I held multiple supervisory positions and managed large numbers of personnel and valuable equipment worth millions of dollars. The Army provides numerous opportunities for advancement to those who are determined and willing to put in effort.
Although I cannot guarantee that the army will hold the same significance for others as it did for me, I am proud and grateful to have been welcomed by the Army despite only having a GED at 18. Growing up in the inner city with a bleak future, the Army provided me with education and opportunities to become a soldier. Eventually, I rose through the ranks to become a Company First Sergeant, leading over 200 soldiers. The time I spent serving my country will always hold value and remain in my memory. I encourage everyone to at least consider joining, as the Army offers numerous possibilities that cater to individual interests.
