Why Do People Join the Service?
Why Do People Join the Service?
Transcript
Why do people join the service? Although, the stories are almost as varied as the service members and veterans who tell them, there are some consistent and broad themes about the motivations people have for signing up to join the military. Some people join because they're drawn to the idea of service, others do so for more personal reasons, while still others are motivated by important financial considerations.
Many service members and veterans use words like service, duty, or honor, as one of the reasons often the main reason why they join the military. Serving one's country, defending the nation, or patriotism, are commonly cited reasons in this category.
Others talk about honoring a strong family tradition of serving in the military, and still others say they feel called to service or desire to be part of something bigger than themselves. Many people say personal reasons for joining the military.
In talking with service members and veterans, the personal reasons they often give include, getting into better physical shape, wanting more structure and discipline in their lives, or developing their leadership skills. Others will talk about opportunities for adventure, travel, and meeting people all over the world.
And some will say that they join the service because they needed a way to escape a difficult home situation, or that they simply didn't feel quite ready to head off to college.
The third theme that is discernible when discussing with people why they join the military, revolves around important financial considerations. Some see the military as a steady job that pays well and could lead to a career with relatively early retirement and good retirement benefits. Others see it as a means of developing skills and experience toward a civilian career.
Veterans benefits are often mentioned among the reasons for joining including, educational benefits through the GI Bill, VA home loan benefits, and health care for self and family through the military and the VA.
These are just some of the many reasons why people make the choice to join the military. When talking with a service member or veteran asking why they chose to join is often a good way to begin learning more about their individual service experience.
Many service members and veterans use words like service, duty, or honor, as one of the reasons often the main reason why they join the military. Serving one's country, defending the nation, or patriotism, are commonly cited reasons in this category.
Others talk about honoring a strong family tradition of serving in the military, and still others say they feel called to service or desire to be part of something bigger than themselves. Many people say personal reasons for joining the military.
In talking with service members and veterans, the personal reasons they often give include, getting into better physical shape, wanting more structure and discipline in their lives, or developing their leadership skills. Others will talk about opportunities for adventure, travel, and meeting people all over the world.
And some will say that they join the service because they needed a way to escape a difficult home situation, or that they simply didn't feel quite ready to head off to college.
The third theme that is discernible when discussing with people why they join the military, revolves around important financial considerations. Some see the military as a steady job that pays well and could lead to a career with relatively early retirement and good retirement benefits. Others see it as a means of developing skills and experience toward a civilian career.
Veterans benefits are often mentioned among the reasons for joining including, educational benefits through the GI Bill, VA home loan benefits, and health care for self and family through the military and the VA.
These are just some of the many reasons why people make the choice to join the military. When talking with a service member or veteran asking why they chose to join is often a good way to begin learning more about their individual service experience.