CAREERS: MILITARY MYTHS

MILITARY MYTHS AND REALITIES

Many impressions you have of the military may not be grounded in actual fact. You may be surprised to learn what the military is really like. Take a look at a few myths out there—then learn the facts behind some of these misconceptions.

Contributed by todaysmilitary.com

Myth:

The military is a roadblock to a higher education.

Reality:

• Qualified service members can receive more than $70,000 in tuition benefits.

• More than 30,000 degrees were earned by service personnel in 1999 alone.

• The military operates over 300 schools, teaching more than 10,000 courses.

• More than half the enlisted force has some college experience.

• The military offers retired personnel up to $100 a month reimbursement for tutorial assistance.

• The military provides free training for personnel interested in starting or enhancing a small business.

• Many military bases bring in professors from local colleges to teach courses.

• Military personnel can take college courses through the Internet.

Myth:

People in the military are not compensated as well as private sector workers.

Reality:

• Every service member receives 30 days of paid vacation annually.

• Many allowances paid out by the military are tax-exempt.

• Members of the military receive discounts for childcare, vacations and golf.

• The Army, Navy and Air Force offer up to a $20,000 enlistment bonus.

• After 20 years of service, retired personnel can potentially receive military retirement pay for life.

• Military pay is comparable, and in some cases, better than its civilian counterparts.

Myth:

Women have a hard time achieving success in the military.

Reality:

• Approximately 95 percent of all jobs in the military are open to women.

• The percentage of women serving on active duty in the military has more than doubled since 1978.

• Women account for close to 20 percent of the U.S. military.

• Women account for the largest increase in enlistment.

Myth:

Military training and jobs have little relation to the civilian world.

Reality:

• 88 percent of military jobs have direct civilian counterparts.

• 81 percent of all jobs in the military are non-combat occupations.

• Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces are less likely to be unemployed than non-veterans.

• The military offers more than 4,100 specialized jobs in varied fields.

Myth:

It's nearly impossible for ordinary people to complete basic training.

Reality:

• About 90 percent of recruits successfully complete basic recruit training.

To get more information about college opportunities, compensation, opportunities for women and careers, visit www.todaysmilitary.com.