Special Forces
The United States military consists of the Navy, Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. All of these branches work together during joint missions and other operations. The President is the overall head of the military. The military has played an important role throughout the history of the United States, and will continue to play an important role in shaping its future. Joining the military is a very big and difficult decision but can be a very rewarding one.
Education
Before you meet with any recruiters, you need to figure out why you want to join the military. This includes determining what part of the military you want to join (the Marines, Navy, Air Force, etc.). Knowing what you want will help recruiters enlist you in the proper area. Each field has a website which can provide you with more information; for example, the Navy (https://www.navy.mil/) and the Marine Corps (https://www.marines.com/home). You also need to decide if you are ready, and be brutally honest with yourself. Every field of the military will have different physical and education requirements. If you know what you want and feel like you meet the necessary requirements, it is time to contact a recruiter. Be honest with the recruiter and do not hide anything about your medical background, because they will find out the truth. Also be sure to ask any questions you might have. You then need to take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude). If you do well on the test, the recruiter will give you a list of options you are qualified for and will help you choose the best position for you. Once you have chosen a position, you will be sworn into the military and prepare for boot camp.
Job Description
When people think of the military, they think of soldiers participating in gun fights. However, it is impossible to give one general job description for the military. There are so many different jobs and fields, the job descriptions vary for everyone. For example, some people have construction jobs. They are responsible for building and repairing buildings, bridges, bunkers, dams and airfields, and may operate bulldozers, cranes, and other heavy equipment. Transportation officers (such as pilots) perform and manage activities related to the safe transportation of military material and personnel by water and air. Signal officers plan, design, engineer, maintain and operate networks and electronic communication systems. They report any concerns to superior officers while also stating their observations and recommendations. Field Artillery Senior Sergeants supervise and coordinate the activities of personnel who are directly engaged with artillery fire and prepare field orders, intelligence reports, and status reports. Health care personnel treat men and women in the military while operating various diagnostic tools including X-ray machines and ultrasound equipment. These are just some job descriptions of a few professions people undertake while in the military.
Pros & Cons
Being in the military provides tremendous job security. Once you go through the Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training, and complete each course successfully, you become qualified for the job you were offered and the job is yours until you decide to move on. Income is adjusted for inflation annually, essentially resulting in a pay raise every year. There are also dependable retirement benefits, and you get to stay in shape and healthy. Soldiers generally receive base pay with benefits, as well as free housing and dental/medical care. You also develop friendships. For some people, you are going into the heat of battle together, live with them, and train with them. You develop very strong bonds and friendships that will last a lifetime. Obviously the biggest risk of joining the military is the high risk of injury or death. It is a very dangerous profession. You are also separated from your family, potentially for very long periods of time, and the fact that you could be killed puts a lot of stress on your family members. The days are long, there is an early wakeup call, and it is a very physically and mentally demanding job.
