10 Reasons Why the Military Is a Great Career Choice

The military is constantly recruiting for new service members, even when the economy is tough. There are many types of jobs in the military, and with the abundance of training provided, your service member is almost certain to earn promotions and advance their military career. Even after the military, service members have their training to rely on to help them find a job.

The military offers complete coverage for its service members through TRICARE, the Defense Department’s comprehensive medical insurance program. TRICARE offers several health plans to fit the needs of your service member and their immediate family members.

The Blended Retirement System offers a 401(k)-like savings account to help your service member secure their finances for retirement. The BRS rivals retirement plans found in the private sector. Just like a 401(k) plan, service members can choose between a traditional or Roth account. Whether they decide to retire from the military or not, there are benefits for anyone who invests.

When your service member wants to pursue higher education, the Department of Veterans Affairs can cover the cost of education and training for active duty and veterans. In some cases, service members can transfer their education benefits to dependents. Depending on length of service, service members have the choice between the Post-9/11 GI Bill or the Montgomery GI Bill.

In the military, there is always the opportunity for professional growth. Your service member will be expected not only to excel at their job but to learn to lead others as they move up the ranks. With year-round training, service members will leave the military with some level of leadership skills.

Besides a retirement plan, service members get a range of money-related benefits, ranging from tax-free allowances and shopping at exchanges to free MilTax services and free financial counseling.

• The military offers tax-free allowances like Basic Allowance for Housing, or BAH, to service members for better quality living.
• Shopping on base at exchanges allows for service members to buy tax-free and discounted goods and services.
• MilTax provides a suite of free tax services that includes tax preparation and e-filing software and the ability to talk with MilTax consultants so that service members can confidently and easily prepare and file their taxes.
• Military OneSource offers free financial counseling services to coach your service member through several concerns like debt reduction and how to talk to creditors.

Service members are required to maintain a certain level of physical readiness and there are plenty of resources to help keep them on track through Military OneSource including:

• Free consultations with health and wellness coaches to help them be more successful in reaching their goals.
• Mobile resilience tools that allow your loved one to get coaching, manage their mood, strengthen their partner relationship and help them become more mission-ready no matter where they are. They also have access to recommended wellness apps to assist in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
• Confidential non-medical counseling services, provided at no cost to service members, include Military OneSource and Military and Family Life Counseling. The free, short-term, confidential non-medical counseling services can help with stress management, marital conflicts, grief, deployment adjustments and more.

Service members, their spouses and children have access to many of the same benefits and resources listed above, as well as lots of others like:

• The Morale, Welfare and Recreation program, which offers discounts, rest and relaxation opportunities on and off the installation, libraries and more
• The DOD’s quality and affordable child care programs
• Summer camps for military kids on bases and through private organizations

Members of the military get to see the world and areas of our own country they may not otherwise have a chance to visit. They’ll discover new places and cultures. Service members receive 2 1/2 a month for leave or vacation time, not including all the federal holidays. When time allows, your service member can enjoy great vacations, especially with some of the perks that are offered to them like Space-A travel and discounts offered through American Forces Travel℠.

There is no higher honor than defending our nation and serving our country. Those who serve in the military are both warriors and guardians of the United States.