25 Most Common Reasons for Joining the Military

Updated March 10, 2023

If you considering a career in the military, understanding the most common reasons why many people join may help you decide if this is the right career path for you. In this article, we discuss 25 potential reasons you may want to consider joining the military.Read more: Military Careers: A Definitive Guide

25 reasons to join the military

Everyone has their own motivation for joining the military. Here are 25 of the most common reasons people join:

1. To serve your country

One of the most common reasons people join the military is because they feel drawn to serving their country. This sense of duty, or a “calling to service,” can arise from patriotic family values or the desire to do something meaningful. People who join the military for this reason feel a sense of pride and accomplishment in their work.Read more: The U.S. Military Branches Explained

2. To learn new skills or a trade

Working in the military teaches you many skills ranging from teamwork and communication to technical and analytical skills. Regardless of what military job you choose, you learn many valuable skills you can apply to your next job. If you have a specific civilian career you want to pursue, gaining skills from the military can be a good way to prepare yourself.Related: How To Write a Military-to-Civilian Resume: Highlighting Your Military Experience

3. To find purpose

Some people join the military because they want for a sense of purpose. Being a part of something bigger than yourself and feeling like you are contributing to something good is a common reason to join the military.Related: 57 Questions To Ask a Military Recruiter

4. To travel

The military provides people with the ability to travel at no cost. In the military, you’ll also meet people from all over the country.

5. To get physically fit

Physical stamina and health goals are another reason some people join the service. Working in the military requires you to go through intense physical training. Some people see this as an excellent opportunity to form healthier habits, lose weight or build muscle.Related: What To Expect in Army Basic Training

6. To pay for college

For many people, the military is a pathway to higher education. The GI/Post-9/11 Bill GI Bill provides educational assistance to military members and veterans. If you want to get a college education without going into debt, a short-term contract with the military may be the answer. Not only will tuition be waived, but you may get paid to learn. Related: Top Seven Benefits of Joining the Army

7. To save money

A career in the military is very stable, which means you can build a savings account while working. The military benefits of free health care, housing stipend and travel expenses can also leave extra room in your budget.Related: A Complete Guide To Military Pay

8. To have adventure

Some people join the military because it offers new experiences in unknown places. The military may be a good career option if you are an active person who wants to travel. There are military installations all over the world.

9. To have medical benefits

When you work in the military, you have access to free premium medical coverage for you and your family.

10. To enjoy job stability

Joining the military has the benefit of job security for the length of your contract. Military careers often offer long-term contracts, so you may work confidently for several years at a time.Related: Military pay: Which Military Branch Pays the Most?

11. To retire early

In the military, you are eligible for retirement after 20 years of service in any branch. This means that those who join the military after high school may retire around the age of 40, which is much younger than the typical retirement age for other jobs.Related: 26 Jobs for Retired Military Officers

12. To gain experience

Joining the military is a good way to get experience translatable into other areas of your life. If you're not sure what to do after high school, joining the military can provide valuable job experience for your resume. Experiencing the discipline and structure of military life may make you a more appealing candidate to recruiters and hiring managers.Related: How To Become a Military Contractor

13. To continue family tradition

If your parents and grandparents were in the military, you may feel driven to follow the same path. Having these shared experiences with your family can be important, and joining the military may be the right decision for you.

14. To find an alternative to college

College isn't for everyone, and some people choose the military as an alternative path after high school. Joining the military gives you a different educational experience that can be just as valuable as college, depending on your career goals.Related: FAQ: Can You Join the Military With a GED?

15. To earn respect

The military attracts people who appreciate respect. You may join the military because you want to earn respect from others. Respect is very important in the military, and you not only earn respect but learn to respect your superiors.Related: How To Gain Respect at Work

16. To form friendships

Working on a team and sharing similar experiences can form long-lasting bonds. Many people join the military because they want to make close friends for life.

17. To receive housing, stipend or loan

The military offers veterans a VA Home Loan, which allows veterans to buy a home for no money down. The military also provides housing on base or a housing stipend.

18. To learn discipline

A guiding principle of the military is discipline, and some people choose this system of command in order to improve their work ethic and overall character.Related: Self Discipline: Definition and Examples

19. To gain perspective

Joining the military broadens your life perspective, which helps you better understand and interact with a wider range of people and organizations. You have opportunities to form connections and understand issues of inequality and privilege.Related: How To Become More Open-Minded in 10 Steps

20. To meet challenges

Many people join the military because they want to test themselves. The military presents you with mental and physical challenges, and some people take this opportunity to improve themselves and push past their limits.Related: How Long Is Marine Basic Training?

21. To earn military perks

With military service comes other perks outside military benefits. Each service branch has a Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) office dedicated to helping military families connect with these opportunities. Perks may include free “space-available” flights on military aircraft and vacation and leisure discounts.

22. To get paid vacation days

Military branches allow you 30 days of paid vacation starting with your first year.

23. To get help starting a business

Similar to the VA home loan, the Veterans Administration supports veterans interesting in starting businesses. The Small Business Administration also connects veteran business owners with federal procurement and commercial supply chains.Related: 15 Good Businesses To Start Today

24. To find a positive environment

Many people join the environment to improve their finances but also their environmental setting. It can be a sociopolitical choice to avoid negative behaviors of others in their communities. Related: Eight Benefits for Joining the Navy

25. To showcase leadership abilities

The military is always looking for strong leaders. Whether you can join as an enlisted recruit or a commissioned officer, a positive can-do attitude is a plus. Those who showcase leadership abilities and integrity tend to rise up the ranks. Related: A Guide To Military Officer Candidate School (OCS)

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