When thinking about your future, considering different career options is very important. It is crucial to ensure a fulfilling career that will foster development and continual learning as you work. It also helps analyze the different benefits you can potentially gain from following a particular career path. One particular employment option you may be contemplating is enlisting in the U.S. army. Military service offers an awesome opportunity with many benefits for recruits, including:

1. Competitive salaries and bonuses to military members

If you want a career option with a steady and guaranteed paycheck, think about enlisting in the military. The army offers competitive salaries and other attached bonuses such as housing allowances and living adjustment. Additionally, you may be subject to tax advantages offered only to U.S. military service persons. You’ll also have the chance to grow and improve your rank, which means more earnings and increased bonuses.

2. Medical coverage

The military also offers great medical care coverage for you and your immediate family. Therefore, you will receive instant medical insurance covering the treatment in clinics and hospitals. It helps cover treatment for a wide variety of injuries, eye care and dental care for you and your immediate family. Besides healthcare coverage, military members are eligible for life insurance of anywhere between $50,000 and $400,000, depending on your rank. 

3. One month paid leave

The military also recognizes that hard work deserves lieu time. So, they offer an attractive vacation incentive, which is 30-day paid vacation annually. It allows you to have time to travel and spend quality time with family and friends.

4. Educational advantages

Enlisting in the armed forces after high school doesn’t eliminate the possibility of furthering your education, even following your service. The U.S. military offers some great educational benefits, including several programs that pay or help cover the cost of public colleges and universities, (i.e., Tuition Assistance Program and the GI Bill). Besides, the military may also help repay the entirety of your student loans, depending on your branch and rank. While in service, you can apply for any available educational program if you want to further your education.

5. Access to special residential real estate loans

When you join the armed forces, you are eligible for housing bonuses to help you buy your first home and move if you are reassigned. This helps ensure that you and your family live comfortably. In addition, after leaving active duty, you can apply for veteran home loan programs that allow you to purchase property. These loans are guaranteed and require no down payments. This allows you to own your dream home without all the hassle.

6. Requirements for joining the U.S. army

If you want to join the army, you should be aware of the eligibility rules for enlisting. There are several qualifications that potential recruits need to meet, such as:

• You need to be a U.S citizen or permanent U.S. resident.
• Age requirements for military enlistment are a minimum of 18 years-old to a maximum of 34 years-old. However, a 17-year-old may join with written parental consent. 
• Education qualifications include a highschool diploma, as well as the ability to pass both the military station entrance exam and the Vocational Aptitude Battery test. 
• Military members must have no more than two dependents upon joining.
• Certain health conditions can disqualify you from military service, including asthma, ADHD, celiac disease or other food allergies, mental illness, and psoriasis. If you’re wondering if you can join the military with diabetes? The answer is maybe. Talk to a recruiter to ask about essential medical waivers. You’ll also need to undergo a medical evaluation to determine your eligibility.
• Finally, having a criminal record could prevent you from joining the army. Existing judicial issues such as probation, parole, bonds, and imprisonments will disqualify you as a recruit. However, you may be able to seek a waiver to have your felony charge waived for you to enlist.