Is going active duty worth it?

Active duty is a better option for those looking for a secure full-time job with numerous benefits. Reserve duty is a better option for those wishing to serve their country, build career skills, earn extra money, and access military benefits without making a full-time commitment.
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Is doing 20 years in the military worth it?

Many military members stick around for 20 years just to earn retirement benefits. Stay on active duty for as long as it's challenging and fulfilling. But if it becomes too much, consider joining the National Guard or Reserves to continue your military career and earn your retirement benefits.
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Is going to the military worth it?

Some of the most popular benefits of joining the US military is the job training, educational assistance, steady paycheck, health coverage, and housing benefits. See a full list of the benefits here.
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Is going from active duty to reserves worth it?

Money. Transitioning to civilian employment can be stressful, especially when it comes to money. One benefit of joining the reserves is that you'll get paid for your time and you get to keep your current rank. Some will also qualify for cash bonuses depending on their job skills and the military's current needs.
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What benefits do active duty military get?

Military Benefits at a Glance
  • A guaranteed paycheck and cash bonuses.
  • Education benefits.
  • Advanced and specialty training.
  • 30 days of annual paid vacation.
  • Travel.
  • Option for full-time or part-time service.
  • Tax-free room, board and allowances.
  • Health and dental care.
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Addressing 5 Big Worries You Have About Going Active Duty



What age is best to join the military?

However, you may want to think about the best age to join the military.
  • The best age to join the military is 21-25 years old. ...
  • The age you should join the military is in your early to mid-twenties, as you'll have the self-knowledge to navigate military training and also have more life experience.
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Who gets deployed more active or reserve?

Reserve-duty service members have much more say in where they live and what kind of work they do full time than active-duty service members do. Both types of service members may be deployed, but the chance is greater for those on active duty.
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Do you get paid for basic training?

Pay for BMT depends upon your rank. Every enlisted recruit starts out as an E1, and can expect an annual salary of around $20,170.80. BMT is 10 weeks, so the average E1 payment for basic training is around $3,800 plus meals and housing.
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How much do reserves get paid a month?

$15,610 a month is how much per year? $7,805 every two weeks is how much per year? $3,602 a week is how much per year? $720 a day is how much per year?
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What are the cons of joining the military?

What are the Disadvantages of Going into the Military?
  • Separation from loved ones. ...
  • No quitting military service. ...
  • Rank. ...
  • Physical appearance and grooming. ...
  • It's not about you anymore. ...
  • Physical fitness standards. ...
  • Free healthcare. ...
  • Education requirements.
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What benefits do you get after 4 years in the Army?

Education and Salary
  • Job Training. Everyone in the Military is trained in a job specialty. ...
  • Money for College. During and after your time in service, the Military encourages you to advance your education. ...
  • Pay, Allowances and Promotions. ...
  • Vacation. ...
  • Retirement. ...
  • VA Benefits. ...
  • Other Lifestyle Benefits.
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What's the chances of dying in the Army?

serving on active duty died, at an overall annualized rate of 94.9 per 100,000 military personnel.
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Do you still get paid after leaving the military?

If you're going through a voluntary military separation, the government will typically pay for one final military move up to six months after your final out date. But depending on where you are headed, you could be forced to pay some of that cost out of your own pocket.
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Can you live off of military retirement?

Can You Live Off Military Retirement Pay? The short answer is, yes, absolutely. But it takes a lot of planning to make this work. A good friend of mine, Doug Nordman, wrote the book, The Military Guide to Financial Independence and Early Retirement, and founded the website, The Military Guide.
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Can drill sergeants hit you?

Except this is the new Army, an army that no longer allows drill sergeants to be cussing, ranting, abusive beasts. They cannot slap, hit, kick, punch or call privates names anymore.
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Who has the easiest boot camp?

Easiest Military Branch to Get Into—The Basic Training Stage
  • The Navy has Boot Camp, which lasts for 8 weeks. ...
  • The Marine Corps has Recruit Training, which spans 12 weeks. ...
  • The Air Force has Basic Military Training, which takes 8.5 weeks. ...
  • The Coast Guard has Recruit Training, which lasts for 8.5 weeks.
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Does active duty military celebrate Day?

Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in May, and it is the day Americans celebrate their military. In 2022, it falls on Saturday, May 21.
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How long is an active duty contract?

While most active duty contracts feature a four-year active duty service requirement, some offer contracts of two, three or six years. The length of service options available to you may depend on the training required for your MOS.
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What do active duty soldiers do?

A person who is active duty is in the military full time. They work for the military full time, may live on a military base, and can be deployed at any time. Persons in the Reserve or National Guard are not full-time active duty military personnel, although they can be deployed at any time should the need arise.
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Do military pay taxes?

In the military, the federal government generally only taxes base pay, and many states waive income taxes. Other military pay—things like housing allowances, combat pay or cost-of-living adjustments—isn't taxed.
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How much will I make on deployment?

Personnel can receive from $200 to $3,000 extra per month, depending on the circumstances. Per diem, including payments for incidental expenses, is paid to service members on some deployments.
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Which US military branch pays the most?

The military branch that pays the most money, in this case, is tied between the Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard. The Army. Marine Corps, and Coast Guard do not offer this pay.
...
The highest pays by branch are:
  • Army: $646.
  • Marine Corps: $750.
  • Navy: $750.
  • Air Force: $520.
  • Coast Guard: $805.
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