Is joining the military worth it after high school?

Asked by: Alvis Bahringer  |  Last update: May 26, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (57 votes)

Joining the military right after high school can certainly be a viable option depending on your personal goals, interests, and circumstances. One of the benefits is the clear career path and job security.

What are 3 disadvantages of entering the military after high school?

Some potential drawbacks of joining the military include:
  • It can be a dangerous job. ...
  • You can be away from loved ones. ...
  • It's physically demanding. ...
  • Military life is highly structured. ...
  • It's a huge commitment.

What percent of people go to the military after high school?

While a little over 1.2 million students graduate from high school each year, a small percentage (around 3.7%) immediately enlist in the military. These numbers include individuals joining each of the five branches of the military: the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps.

Is joining the military worth it financially?

The military provides notable compensation benefits, ranging from paid leave days to retired-pay plans that beat those which many private sector employers offer. It also offers free or reduced cost housing, a host of special and incentive pays for qualifying conditions, free financial and tax consultations and more.

What is the best branch of the military to join after high school?

The Navy could be appealing if you'd like to serve on a ship or submarine or deal with naval aviation. The Army is the largest and oldest branch with a wide variety of occupations. The Marine Corps, often considered the most rigorous, is a good fit for those who crave physical challenges.

GOING TO COLLEGE vs JOINING THE MILITARY

36 related questions found

Is military a good option after high school?

One of the benefits is the clear career path and job security. Enlisting in the military right after high school means you will receive training and a job from day one.

Who cannot join the military?

Felons and individuals with multiple convictions cannot join, but waivers are available on a case-by-case basis.

What are 4 cons of joining the military?

What are the Cons of Joining the Military?
  • Understanding the Challenges of Military Life. Physical and Mental Demands. ...
  • Impact on Family and Personal Life. Strain on Marriages and Relationships. ...
  • Career Progression and Job Security Issues. Limited Career Choices Post-Service. ...
  • Health Risks Associated with Military Service.

What will disqualify you from the military?

Medical Disqualifications
  • Vision Disqualification. ...
  • Dental Disqualification. ...
  • Ears and Hearing Disqualification. ...
  • Allergic Conditions Disqualification. ...
  • Skin Disqualification. ...
  • Psychiatric Disorders.

Does military look at high school GPA?

Overall, while your enlistment won't directly hinge on your high school GPA, the academic and non-academic skills you've learned could still play an important role in your military future.

Why is the military struggling to recruit?

Eroding Trust and Political Divisiveness. The military's recruitment struggles are exacerbated by declining trust and heightened political divisiveness in the U.S. Many Americans now see the military as politicized, impacting its appeal to potential recruits.

What is the newest youngest branch of the military?

The Space Force was founded in 2019, during Trump's first term, after the Department of Defense identified that U.S. critical infrastructure is increasingly dependent on satellites. The Space Force was the first new branch of the military since the U.S. Air Force was established in 1947.

Is it better to go into the military before or after college?

The benefits of joining the military after college

A guaranteed job after college. A leadership role at a young age. Higher pay than joining as an enlisted military member. Greater opportunities for promotion and training.

Can a high school drop out join the military?

Yes, it is indeed possible for someone to enlist in the military without a high school diploma, but it could be more challenging. The U.S Military, across all branches, generally prefers recruits to hold at least a high school diploma.

Does the military pay you for life?

Defined Benefit: Monthly retired pay for life after at least 20 years of service (so if you retire at 20 years of service, you will get 40% of your highest 36 months of base pay).

Which branch pays the most?

When it comes to your basic pay, the military branches are all the same. A look at military pay charts shows that military pay is based on a pay grade, or rank, and years of service. In terms of your base pay, there is no fundamental advantage to opting for one branch of service over another.

How much do navy seals make?

How much does a Navy Seal make? As of Jan 21, 2025, the average annual pay for a Navy Seal in the United States is $98,176 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $47.20 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,888/week or $8,181/month.

What is the safest military to join?

Typically, risk exposure can vary widely depending on the role you take within any branch of the military. As a general rule, though, the United States Air Force (USAF) and United States Navy have been described as safer than the army or marines. This isn't a hard and fast rule, though.

Why shouldn't you join the military after high school?

Time Commitment: Enlisting in the military is typically a multi-year commitment which may affect your later enrollment in college or joining the workforce. While the military does offer educational benefits, balancing military service with education can be a considerable challenge.

What is the toughest army to join?

Marine Corps - The Marine Corps is often considered the toughest branch of the military both physically and mentally. It has the most rigorous basic training, known as boot camp, which lasts 13 weeks.

How long is boot camp?

Army: Basic Combat Training (BCT) lasts about 10 weeks. 2. Navy: Recruit Training, or "boot camp," is approximately 10 weeks long.

How much does the Air Force pay?

The average U.S. Air Force salary ranges from approximately $34,000 per year for Firefighter to $138,127 per year for Lieutenant. Average U.S. Air Force hourly pay ranges from approximately $13.55 per hour for Guest Service Agent to $35.42 per hour for Aircraft Mechanic Supervisor.

Which military branch is the best?

Air Force: Often recognized for its advanced technology, the Air Force is great for those interested in aviation, cybersecurity, or technology-based roles. It's generally considered to have a better quality of life compared to other branches with its superior living conditions and emphasis on education.