Military Myth Versus Reality

Reality:

• The Post-9/11 GI Bill pays public school in-state tuition and fees.
• A network of skill training schools serves as a resource to train servicemembers for the many positions the Services need to fill. Training is available in many fields including IT, health care and security, to name a few.
• The Military offers retired personnel up to $100/month reimbursement for tutorial assistance.

Get more information about the tuition support available in the Military.

Reality:

• Military pay is comparable to, and in some cases better than, its civilian counterpart.
• Services often include enlistment bonuses when there is a need for personnel in specialized fields. Amounts and requirements change frequently, so check with a recruiter for the latest information.
• After 20 years of service, retired personnel can potentially receive military retirement pay for life.

Reality:

• On average, across the Services, more than 95% of all jobs in the Military are open to women.
• Women account for close to 15 percent of the U.S. Military.

Reality:

• 86 percent of military jobs have direct civilian counterparts.

Get more information about careers in the Military.

Reality:

• About 90 percent of recruits make it through boot camp.
• Despite a tough reputation, drill sergeants sincerely want recruits to succeed.

Learn more about Basic Training.

Reality:

• You must have a high school diploma or equivalent to enlist.
• A GED may be accepted with special approval.

Reality:

• For the most part, an individual can serve as long as his or her vision can be corrected (i.e., with glasses) to 20/20.
• Certain jobs, such as pilots and snipers, do have strict vision requirements. Talk to a recruiter for details.

Reality:

• Servicemembers receive 30 days of paid vacation a year.
• Servicemembers also receive 21 days of adoption leave and 10 days of paternity leave.

Get more information about military benefits.

Reality:

• While all servicemembers are trained to respond to threats, 91 percent of military jobs do not involve direct combat operations.
• Non-combat jobs in the Military include roles in journalism, business administration, food service and human resources.

Learn more about what it takes to join the Military.

Reality:

• The length of active-duty service can be as little as two years.
• Length of service can vary, but a first term generally involves eight years, with two to four years of Active Duty and the remainder in a Reserve unit or the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR).

Get more information about types of military service.

Reality:

• While the majority of military jobs are not in direct combat, all servicemembers must be prepared for the possibility of deployment.
• Servicemembers aren't always deployed to combat areas; they may also be deployed on foreign and domestic humanitarian missions.

Learn more about the careers available in the Military.

Reality:

• Female servicemembers cannot be deployed overseas or away from their permanent duty stations for at least 4 months after their child is born.
• Male servicemembers receive 10 days of paternity leave, which is comparable to the leave given in civilian careers.

Get more information about military benefits.