Thoughts of potential military service typically do not resonate of economic opportunity. For some people though, based on income or demographics, it can certainly a way out. The idea of service in the Armed Forces usually conjures mental images of push-ups, shouting by a drill instructor, gun-fire training, deployments, etc. Yes, in many ways military service is exactly what the public imagines it to be, especially to those who have not served. It is certainly a life of intense training, sacrifice, commitment, and discipline. But as mentioned earlier, it is also a way for many young people to completely shift their environment, mindset, and outlook. And it is exactly those qualities that can pre-determine the ability to capitalize on the various economic opportunities that are still available in our society. Simply put, whether a person enlists or receives a commission in any of the various branches of the armed forces, a military career whether it is only 5 years, or 30 years consists of three major components which can certainly improve one’s economic and financial outlook. One is a consistent and steady paycheck twice a month. The second is the incredible amount of training and education a service member receives. And finally, the benefits of medical and dental insurance, along with college tuition assistance. And that is not to mention all the other personal and professional friendships, contacts, and networks that one can develop which has been the most fulfilling part of my military career. But to avoid sounding like a pure recruiter selling the excitement and opportunities military life brings, I want to discuss the cost and sacrifice military service can also take.
Simply put, serving in the Armed Forces is no joke. The pain and sweat and intensity from day one is real and signing that line to defend the American way of life and taking the oath to defend our Constitution is a serious thing. When a young person enters basic training, all sense of personal freedom and convenience is immediately gone. The physical and mental pressure that is imposed is very tough. The degree of difficulty certainly varies by individuals based on their life experiences, but the entire point of the transition from a civilian to a warfighter is to instill communication skills, strength under pressure, and teamwork. In an age where personal entitlement and extreme distraction by various cultural and technological sources is apparent, a developed sense of attentiveness and basic social courtesies that traditional military service brings is certainly refreshing. As time passes and the service members’ confidence levels rise, a sense of their own individual talents and strengths can emerge in new ways. Those exact moments of change and the service members’ personal self-awareness is what begins a new journey where an increase in their gratitude for various opportunities takes shape. A sense of gratitude is inherent in military discipline as there is intense focus on every positive core value and trait. Service members are trained to become leaders. Core values such as integrity, courage and service are not just skills for warfighters, but also for future entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovators. Leading, motivating, and inspiring people are top notch skills in today’s world and military service provides a premiere environment where one can learn those skills.
Military culture is distinctly defined by one of self-sacrifice and service to others before self-promotion. That quality is consistently under assault by certain social influences in today’s world and conversation in balancing self-care, while remaining true to the responsibilities to your team is consistently ongoing and needed. But the important thing is that those conversations are increasingly occurring in many military training environments and group discussions.
The benefits of military service are strong which include base salary pay, 30 days of paid leave per year, top notch medical and dental insurance, and incredible education and training opportunities. Another exquisite perk is the eventual opportunity to receive orders to an exotic or highly desirable duty station where one can experience incredible fun and make great memories. Duty stations in places such as Japan, Hawaii, California, Florida, Spain, Italy, and Germany among so many others allow servicemembers to see the world. People who have traveled the world and broadened their horizons and perspectives can translate those experiences into soft skills that are attractive to employers and companies. Another perk is the ability to slowly build a strong personal network of friends and contacts from various locations they may live in. To this day, I’ve been fortunate to maintain close friendships with so many contacts around the world through the churches, schools, and social activities our family have been connected with. It’s been said that one’s network is aligned with their net worth, and the military is a great way to build that network.
The decision one makes to enter and serve in the military is a very serious and personal one that the individual takes. It is typically for reasons of genuine patriotism, to test oneself in adversity, or in some cases, practical necessity as I’ve met recruits who expressed the inability to find employment elsewhere and the military was a practical option. There are many routes to economic opportunity and success in the United States, whether it’s a good college education, entrepreneurship, or vocational skills. Service in the Armed Forces may not necessarily create an overnight millionaire, but it can certainly create the discipline, mindset, and can-do attitude that will transform a young man or woman into a person who aspires to wealth and prosperity, and more importantly, how to steward those things properly once they are attained.