what are the disadvantages of joining the military?
113550
Chris,\n\nThis is actually a very good question, and I'm glad you had the wherewithal to post it.  The only problem is that you're going to get a LOT (seems to me you already have) of answers from folks who have absolutely NO IDEA what military training, or life in uniform is about.  My opinion is that if you haven't been through it yourself, your answer is formed without basis, and is basically without any merit whatsoever...you people reading this that posted above...you know who I'm speaking to.\n\nAnyhow, good question, Chris!  There are a lot of advantages to military service, but it is not for everyone.  I enjoyed every second of my active service, even basic training...I thought it was FUN.  My experiences were positive, but I noted some things.  These are:\n\n1.  Basic training AKA "boot camp" - I had fun there...it's a mind game more than anything else.  So far as the physical part, that's easier to negotiate.  I saw a bunch of people break down however...but understand that this is what "they" want to happen.  If the lifestyle, mind-set, discipline and taking orders is not for you, you will find that out quickly...the military does not want folks that are not cut out for the life any more than those folks want to stay.\n\n2.  The enlistment period - this isn't as bad as it could be.  One can opt to sign up for two years at a time now instead of four...two years ain't so bad, but it could be if you're miserable.  Four years, if you're not having a good time, must be like purgatory.  Once you sign the contract, it is binding...so, if basic training doesn't weed you out, it could be a loooonng wait.\n\n3.  War - let's face it...that's what you're there for.  You could minimize your risk by picking a specialty that doesn't involve actual combat...nothing wrong with that, everyone has a job to do.  Combat situations are stressful in of itself though...\n\nThat's all I can think of right now.  I'm sure I'm missing something, and I'll update the answer if I think of any more.  Like I said before, it's not for everyone, but heck, either is say, being a CPA.  The only way you're going to know for sure is to try it...you never know, you might be the 1% of the U.S. population that could not think of doing anything else.\n\nADDED 2/25/06 1531 EST:\n\nmedolfan,\n\nPlease read my post, sir...did I single YOU out?  I opined, like you, that SOME folks are offering opinions without basis in fact...since you answered, Chief, are you feeling guilty about something?\n\nIf the statement doesn't apply to YOU, then it should be ignored.  Live and let live, guy.\n\nADDED 3/1/06 @1317 EST:\n\nmedolfan,\n\nYou did imply that you did retire, did you not?  If you cannot accept being called "sir" now that you are in the civilian sector, you're in a world of hurt.  To tell anyone unsuspecting that you "work for a living" when anyone dared show you a bit of respect would mark you as one who can't let go of being out of uniform...your loss, sir.\n\nIF what I wrote was truly meritless, then why post a reply?  Live and let live, guy...your FIRST lesson on being out in the civilian workforce.  I hope you learn it well Chief.
587936
For one, DO NOT tell them you have any mental history what so ever.  Without a waiver it will be impossible for you to join the military no matter what branch.  It is extremely difficult to get a waiver for mental issues.\n\n2. You only have to be 17 to join.  The only thing you can't do is deploy until you turn 18.\n\n3. go to about.com for paycharts and such.  Pay goes up every year so by the time you get to join the pay will be higher.  You will get full health/dental/life insurance. You will get free housing with no utilities, if you are single, if married you will get money for housing and utilities or you can live on base and get the free housing. \n\n4. Any job you want to do is suitable for a female in the military. ASVAB is the biggest thing.  It will tell you what you are eligable for, specifically your GT score, which a recruiter can explain to you.\n\n5. Females can do ALMOST anything, with the exception of combat arms such as infantry, special forces, ranger.  \n\nJoining the military is a very good way of life and it is a good way to get a better education also, thats another benefit you will have, they will pay for you to go to college and in some instances you will be able to get out of work if you have classes.\n\nA lot of my family is in the army and none of them regret their decision, its a great way of life.  And don't let anyone tell you that joining the military is going to mean you will deploy.
359110
Regardless of the political ramifications of joining the armed forces in a time of conflict, the experience can be very rewarding if you go in for the right reasons.\n\nYou'll need to evaluate the reasons of why you want to do this and balance it against other important relationships and plans for the future.\n\nIf you're running away from problems, it's not a good reason to go...they'll still be there when you return.\n\nOn the other hand, if you see this as a path to bettering yourself and taking yourself to the limit, I can think of no better choice.  It will truly make a man of you....get what you can out of the experience.\n\nMost importantly.....come home alive.  I'm sure there are people who would deeply regret your loss of life.\n\nIn peace....
940172
there's cetain ways in which you are able to get out of being drafted...\n\n-if you have a family member who's already died for the military\n-if you don't physically meet the requirements\n\n\ngetting an education doesn't work anymore though
862636
The advantages include: making money for survival and tuition, work experience, a "reality check" of what it's like outside school, meeting new people and learning new skills.\n\nThe disadvantages include: taking time away from schoolwork (this is especially harmful for people who need to keep a certain grade level to keep scholarships etc), extra stress, fatigue, possibly hazardous work conditions (younger workers tend to have worse jobs), and possible exploitation at work because of one's youth. Any young worker is wise to learn all he or she can about the labor laws in the state or province, so that they know their rights at work. Good luck!
866178
it might hinder some things you can do.. like maybe the woudln't want you to be a sniper or something :)
1143499
One great disadvantage is that you can't hold a conversation with the internet.  If you are using a site that lets you hear the word as you learn it, that is good.\n\nAn advantage is that if you don't have any other means to learn English, the internet has several resources or this, and many of them are free.
837407
No, being unfit for service doesn't make you unfit to learn. The military may not pay for it though.
1053460
I'd recommend joining the Navy.  While serving your country, you will also be given the opportunity to attend university (paid for by the US government in most cases), learn a trade (or two), see the world, achieve a sense of accomplishment, and meet many new friends.  You will have a lifelong community of support also.  You should also keep in mind that at age 46 you could retire and then start a new career!  There are many advantages of a military life; however, one disadvantage of a Navy career is the inability to bring your wife (if you plan on marrying) with you on most tours of duty.
562382
That depends on you.  Do you feel that the Army, or any other branch of the military, can help you in your endeavors?  The military has a lot to offer, and you can take it far.  The military, however, is also not for everyone.  There can be long hours, but we have a lot of time off for that.  You could be sent to war, or not.  \n\nYou need to get all the information you can get, and be honest with yourself about the reasons you are joining.  Read the material, don't just look it over.  Ask people who judgment you trust.  See if there are people in your area that are in the Army, and ask them.  REMEMBER, tho, there are always people that aren't happy with what they are doing.  Some people like the military way of life, others don't.\n\nLife is full of decisions.  Unfortunately, this is one decision that YOU have to make.
95226
(1) Ecomonical cost of war, very expensive.\n(2) Human cost, you can not replace this.\n(3) Infastrucal rebuilding (after the war)\n(4) The politcal fall out, power shifts as a direct result of war\n(5) The moral ground or loss of it.\n(6) Occupation from the invading army.\n(7) Destruction of every facet of human social framework.\n(8) Long time effets (i.e. unknown disadvantages)\n\nI hope that helps\n\nAnhar Hussain Miah
633785
Disadvantages: sleepless nights!!
1174092
Entry into the Military involves a pretty thorough medical screening.  If you have any obvious or not so obvious illness, it will be discovered.  The military is about to invest millions of dollars and countless man-hours training you.  They will ensure their candidates are fit.
587582
I am a proud American and would love to join the militraty and be able to fight for my country. The reason I haven't is:\n\n\n1. I have 2 small children and no one to take care of them if I went into the service because my husband works, my parents live too far away from us plus my mom is very sick, and my husbands mom is also very sick. \n\n2. I live in a different country.\n\n3. My husband is militraty for his country and because of confidentiality rules, it excludes me from being able to join. FYI, we got married when I was still a teenager.\n\nI have other reasons, but they are a little bit private to be mentioning in a public forum. I gave you 3 valid reasons why I haven't joined the military. What are your reasons for not joining when you had the chance? Don't judge others on something that you haven't even done yourself.
827472
Joining the military is a very personal decision and nobody can make it for you.  When I joined everyone thought I was throwing my life away!!  Those ex-friends are now either college dropout or college graduates.  The funny thing is not a single one of them has a job.  Decide what you want to get out of the experience and go for it.  Many people, especially nowadays look very positively upon military experience.  \n\nYou are going to go to basic training and from what I can understand it is much easier now than it has ever been.  If you get Ft. Jackson don't forget to bring a teddy bear....j/k but that is the easiest of the basic training stations.  After basic you are going to go to AIT/school for whatever you decided you wanted to do in the military.  Then after that they ship you home and you drill once a month.  Not that big of a deal.\n\nFeel free to e-mail me if you need more specifics.  Stay strong and don't listen to anyone who has not served!!!  They are just giving you biased opinions based on experiences they have never had.  It is like a lawyer trying to do brain surgery, they are just not qualified and know nothing about it.
573448
I think there aren't any guarantees, even if you're married.  Chances are better, obviously, if you're married, but couples aren't a consideration that the army makes accomodations for.
1142420
I'm thinking about joining soon too.  I found a few good online resources to help me out.  My favorite is military.com.  Check it out: