Saturday, September 14, 2013

Should I Join The Army? Or Navy Or Coast Guard For That Matter?

By Cecelia C. Bridgeman


If I join the Military, will I have to fight? This is a question that I often hear from potential military recruits when they are contemplating whether or not to join the US Armed Services. And while I cannot give you a yes or no answer up front, I will use this article to help YOU understand this idea and determine if the military is the right choice for you.When you join the US Armed Services, there is of course a chance that you will have to fight, but it's not a guarantee. Back in the day, the word 'military' or 'soldier' was synonymous with hand-to-hand combat.
[Joining The Coast Guard]


There are many benefits to joining the this branch of the military. You are paid twice a month, on the 1st and the 15th based on your pay grade. It is a salary-based paying position. As you gain knowledge and perform well, you can be promoted. Your time is service is also factored into any promotions you may receive. You are paid 2.5 days of paid vacation per month for a total of 30 days per year (most companies won't offer that much time off until you've been around for 10 years or so).The US Coast Guard offers all specialties to both men and women, including combat roles. Your career path is based on aptitude, physical abilities, security clearance, motivation and determination.If you are an active member of the coast guard, you will receive complete medical and dental care at no cost, and you are covered for $400,000 in term life insurance at a minimal cost. You will also receive tax-free money for Basic Allowance for Housing, if government housing isn't available in the area you are stationed. You will also get Basic Allowance for Subsistence if government dining facilities are not available, and a uniform allowance.

There are a number of benefits to joining the Coast Guard. If you are considering signing up, contact your local Coast Guard recruitment office or visit their official website.n a world where you may feel that what you do has little impact on anyone else, becoming a soldier gives you a chance to make a difference. In order to make this important contribution, you must know the requirements to join the Army so you can prepare yourself for service. Your Army recruiter can tell you about opportunities in the service, but you must meet some basic requirements. Non-negotiable Requirements To Join The Army,The Army offers you opportunities for service and for career training, but you must come in with a high school diploma. Have a GED? The Army may accept you, but you won't get as far as soldiers with diplomas. If you have taken at least 15 credit hours after receiving your GED, you will be given full credit for the GED.To be useful in performing their duties, soldiers must be in good physical shape. You need to be in good health,have good physical condition, and pass a standard physical. You don't need perfect eyesight even to work in aviation, but your vision problems must be correctable by lenses, contacts, or laser surgery

Once the training is complete, your true service begins. You can be stationed anywhere in the world, asked to do any number of tasks related to the work you trained for. You may find yourself in combat, or sitting behind a desk. You may find yourself removed from family and friends for months at a time. I'm not trying to discourage you from joining, but instead want to make sure this is something you've fully thought about before joining.

Determining Your Future With ASVAB Testing,Just because you join the Army does not mean that you will be on the front lines. The Army has many needs and offers many job opportunities for recruits. To find your career path, you must pass a battery of tests known as the ASVAB, the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery.The tests assess your abilities in the following areas:Word knowledge,Paragraph comprehension,Sum of Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension,Arithmetic Reasoning,Mathematical Knowledge,Numerical Operations,General Science,Coding Speed,Auto and Shop Information,Mechanical Comprehension.Electronics Information.Your score on the ABVAS determines your fitness for the military, as well as your suitability for particular careers. Some jobs require a higher package of verbal skills,while others require math or engineering abilities. If you are aiming for particular career path, you should review the Army jobs list and then prepare to improve your scores in certain areas much as you would for a college entrance exam.

Before enlisting, you should know the requirements to join the Army to make sure you can meet them. In many cases, you can do what is necessary to enlist, such as losing weight, developing your physical strength, or continuing your education. Joining the Army offers many rewards,but you must meet the requirements to enjoy them.It is the day after Memorial Day and most people are returning to work. The parades and fireworks are done, the picnics eaten and the gardens planted. But, for me, the significance of the day still lingers.

If you set your sights on becoming an officer, you need a bachelor's degree. This might be in progress when you join up, but you must have your degree before you can be promoted to an O-3 or higher in any branch. The military is not an alternative to finishing your education.

But, I have friends whose relatives did serve in different wars and I know how they reacted. I have a girlfriend whose husband has served several tours in Afghanistan. I know she worries and prays for his safe return and she and her daughter miss him terribly.I have friends who lost their son in law and I remember standing on the street as his hearse went by, watching the salutes and honor and feeling so sad for those who had to say goodbye to this young man. It tore me apart and all I could do was join the procession and salute as his coffin me by.I know a few men who served in Vietnam and that is all I know because they would never discuss any details, ever. I grew up in the age when there were protests about our involvement there, and many young people even committed suicide to either avoid being drafted or to make a statement against that war.I only have an arm chair warrior's view of World War I or WWII or any other battle. I read the history books; I watch the news and specials about Pearl Harbor, about Hitler, about Korea and the many other combats. What I am trying to say is that all of my experience, opinions and feelings are second-hand.

You do not need perfect vision to join the service, however. As long as you have a vision problem that can be corrected with glasses or contacts or laser eye surgery, you will be able to serve in the military and perhaps even fly a plane. If you are colorblind, there are some jobs or positions you might not qualify for.The Military Needs Youth.When General MacArthur said "Old soldiers never die, they just fade away," he was not talking about military entrance requirements. There is no branch of the service which currently accepts recruits over the age of 42. If you hope to enter a competitive military academy such as West Point, the Air Force Academy, or the Naval Academy to become an officer, you must be age 17 to 22.

The military entrance requirements vary somewhat depending whether you want to be on active duty, in the reserve, or in the guard.Age Limits For The Army: Active Duty 17-42. Reserve 17-40. Guard 17-35.Age Limits For The Air Force: Active Duty 17-27. Reserve 17-34. Guard 17-40.Age Limits For The Navy: Active Duty 17-34. Reserve 18-39.Age Limits For The Marine Corp: Active Duty 17-29. Reserve 17-29,Age Limits For The Coast Guard: Active Duty 17-27. Reserve 17-39.Citizenship Requirements Vary.The military defends our country, but you do not have to be a US citizen to join. As long as you are a permanent resident alien with a green card, you can join up. If you want to become a US citizen, your naturalization process will be fast-tracked, so you can attain that goal within a year.If you are interested in joining the military, you should examine all branches to see which one is the best fit for you. A recruiter for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard can tell you the specific requirements for joining and, if accepted, enjoying a fulfilling career opportunity where what you do matters to many people beyond yourself.




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