Introduction
The main objective of the US Army is to serve American citizens and protect national interests on a worldwide scale. It means that Army soldiers are required to defend the whole nation while fulfilling their responsibilities, both civil and military. Hence, the mission of the US Army is to support national security while creating an environment where capabilities and forces are utilized to maintain defense strategies and endure the country’s power (Kirchner, 2018). Army soldiers are vital because they can bring stability and conduct sustained combat regardless of whether it is across the US or anywhere else in the world. Also, the US Army is a source of support that can be charged with enabling numerous services and civil authorities in times of natural calamities and other emergencies. The current paper is going to outline a number of advantages that can be associated with the US Army, such as medical, educational, and career benefits, accompanied by a comparison of advantages offered to active duty and army reserve soldiers.
Medical Benefits
The inherent benefit that has to be considered when discussing the US Army is the presence of a special health insurance program that can help soldiers gain access to lower monthly costs, inexistent out-of-pocket expenses, familial coverage, and life insurance. According to Kane and Tomer (2021), this healthcare plan is available to any given representative of the US Army, with comprehensive coverage options that can ease one’s access to military hospitals and clinics as well. From a military base to a hometown facility, US Army soldiers can expect medical professionals to provide services for free. Even outside the network, there are going to be authorized providers who can add more flexibility to the plans available to soldiers. Most importantly, there are family coverage benefits that can uncover essential cost-saving benefits while ensuring that high-quality treatment is in place (Oh, Russin, & Wolfgang, 2020). Special needs of US Army representatives can be fulfilled by the existing medical benefits.
Educational Benefits
The second type of benefit relates to various investments that can help US Army representatives obtain the necessary education and improve their skill set. For example, there is an opportunity to receive tuition assistance where the US Army could pay the whole cost of tuition and fees if it is less than $4,500 per fiscal year (Fust, 2020). Another vital category of educational bills is the Montgomery GI Bill for Active Duty and Veterans or Selected Reserves. It offers vocational training for all eligible individuals and extends the given individual’s skill set without them having to pay for educational sessions (Bailey, Drury, & Grandy, 2019). College loans can be repaid through the interface of the Loan Repayment scheme, which is also available to US Army representatives. The Work-Study programs are also included in this discussion because they offer rehabilitation and degree programs while providing eligible Army personnel with an hourly wage.
Career Benefits
The biggest benefit that can be linked to a career in the US Army is job security. Even during tough economic conditions, the Army tends to recruit new personnel because there are numerous specializations that require attention. Abundant training provides enough room for further promotions and can be helpful in finding a job even if a career in the US Army does not happen. According to Dexter (2020), a fundamental career benefit that has to be linked to the US Army is leadership because military personnel are expected to grow and excel. Additionally, vacation time and travel could be viewed as benefits because there are discount systems that help personnel visit places they would have never seen otherwise. The country’s economic state does not affect the US Army, which is a testament to why the military is one of the best choices for people looking for steady careers and long-term development.
Active Duty and Army Reserves
Active-duty US Army representatives are required to engage in full-time work to serve the country, while reserve duty personnel only receive considerable training in a timely manner. Civilian careers are much more popular among the reserve. In terms of compensation, for example, active-duty military personnel are much more exposed to training allowances and various bonuses (Redd et al., 2020). Leave and liberty periods are severely limited, but conditions and benefits available to both active-duty and reserve personnel easily cover the need to adhere to the given restrictions. Other than that, full medical and retirement benefits make both options rather viable.
Conclusion
Overall, it can be safe to say that the Army is a unique lifestyle and career opportunity that does not have any alternatives in the civilian network. It is a rather rewarding experience that can help one find their true worth and help people across the globe make a difference. Nevertheless, joining the US Army comes with great responsibility because this job has serious consequences and even more commitments that cannot be broken easily. Regardless of whether it comes down to the reserves or active-duty service, the US Army may expect numerous individuals to join because rewards are directly correlated to the tasks that ought to be done. There are numerous areas where US Army representatives would have to deal with sacrifices, but the increasing number of benefits makes it easier for potential Army recruits to make this tough decision. After careful consideration of available evidence, it can be claimed that medical, educational, and career advantages can be associated with the US Army, making it one of the best employment options.
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References
Bailey, A. K., Drury, M. B., & Grandy, H. (2019). Student veterans’ academic performance before and after the Post–9/11 GI Bill. Armed Forces & Society, 45(1), 101-121.
Dexter, J. C. (2020). Human resources challenges of military to civilian employment transitions. Career Development International, 25(5), 481-500.
Fust, G. (2020). Key ingredient in army leader development: Graduate school. Military Review, 1(2020), 108-121.
Kane, J. W., & Tomer, A. (2021). Valuing human infrastructure: Protecting and investing in essential workers during the COVID-19 era. Public Works Management & Policy, 26(1), 34-46.
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Kirchner, M. J. (2018). Veteran as leader: The lived experience with US Army leader development. Human Resource Development Quarterly, 29(1), 67-85.
Oh, J. J., Russin, H., & Wolfgang, A. (2020). The advantages of behavioral health care in the United States Army. American Journal of Psychiatry Residents’ Journal, 15(4), 14-16.
Redd, A. M., Gundlapalli, A. V., Suo, Y., Pettey, W. B., Brignone, E., Chin, D. L.,… & Stewart, I. J. (2020). Exploring disparities in awarding VA service-connected disability for post-traumatic stress disorder for active-duty military service members from recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Military Medicine, 185(Supplement_1), 296-302.