The Army isn’t what it used to be. The Army was once all about guns, planes, tanks and efficient and effective combat methods. Nowadays, it’s all about personal pride, self-discipline, extensive training and schooling and one of the best benefits packages available for entry-level employees. Certainly, the Army is still about security and defense and top of the line military technology. It is also about families, housing, medical care, great retirement benefits, and community and career development.

In these days of economic uncertainty, a solid career in the U.S. Army will pay for all of your education and training, as well as travel and relocation. An added benefit: the confidence a person can gain only through fulfilling their own potential. Even if you don’t know what type of career you want, the Army will help you discover your true talents and then train you to be the best you can be.

Tools, Tests And Training

Most people think of combat when they consider a career in the Army. While it is certainly an option, combat covers less than 1 in 5 Army jobs. The remaining career options include technology, engineering and mechanics, electronics and communications, health and food inspections, veterinary science, human resource management and project management. Many doctors, nurses, dentists, psychiatrists, computer programmers, IT experts, security personnel, food service, construction, heavy equipment operators, musicians, scientists, emergency medical technicians, lawyers, police officers, pilots, sanitation experts, secretaries, teachers, drivers and divers got their start in the U.S. Army. Very often, you can get all your training for free plus useful, hands-on experience in any of these careers, all while serving your country.

The First Step

The first step to any career is to make a decision, find out what you need to do and then do it. Many careers never begin due to inadequate resources and support. As a member of the U.S. Army, you will lack for neither. The Army takes care of its service members in every way possible. All you have to do is make the decision to enlist and contact your nearest recruiter. Tell your recruiter where you want to be stationed and the career you wish to pursue. Everything else is handled for you. The Army will arrange your transportation, training, housing and anything else you might need.

Professional Or Pawn

The end result of a career with the Army is that you develop an on-going, ever-rewarding career with increasing benefits and respect from your friends, family and peers. It is a far better choice than swinging from job to job, always starting on the bottom rung of the ladder, never seeming to get ahead. The choice is yours to make.

You can choose to be physically fit, well cared for and successful in your chosen career or you can flip burgers, deliver papers and circle Help Wanted ads until you are too old to do anything except welcome shoppers at the door.

While considering your options, be sure to factor in a college degree or vocational program that you don’t have to pay for, an income and retirement plan that both increase each year, as well as free housing and medical care for you and your family. If all that stability and support weren’t enough, you will also have a solid career you can take with you anywhere.

If you think the Army might be a good career move for you, click HERE to learn more.

Photo courtesy of army.mil.