What Is the Best Route to a Secure Future?

College versus Military 1

College versus Military:

What is the best route to a secure future?

The current state of the American economy is as dismal as it has ever been. It doesn't seem to matter what type of education you have or where you're from; the economy is affecting us all in one way or another. While many Americans struggle to make ends meet every day, there are a few making it through these hard times quite well. Yes, we all know about the politicians whom we trust to lead our country; they appear to be doing quite well in this lack luster economy. There are others doing well, the lawyers, doctors, nurses, civil service workers and last but not least our active duty military and retirees. That's right; I said our active duty military and retirees!

The dismal economy has caused me to ponder one question. What is the best route to a secure future, college or military? While earning a college degree may lead to a successful future, a person with military service experience is more likely to become successful and attain more long-term benefits. This may be a shocking statement to many of you, but as a veteran of twenty- two years, I can support this fact with my very own experience before and after joining the military. I was born the second youngest of five boys in a family of seven siblings and before I met my Army recruiter, had never dreamed of a career in the military. At the start of my junior year of high school, I sat down with a recruiter and he answered every question I could think of with such assurance and wisdom that making my mind up to join the Army seemed the natural thing to do. He told me that if I passed the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test, I may qualify for any job of choice, a signing bonus, a guaranteed home loan, college money and medical and dental benefits. I took the test and passed with flying colors. I was able to enroll in the Delayed Entry Program, which allowed me to complete my senior year of high school with the peace of mind of knowing that my future was set! I was able to enjoy my senior year without the cloud of doubt hovering overhead while other students struggled just to make it into a decent college or develop any sense of direction at all. Back then, a potential enlistee did not know for which job they were qualified until an hour or two before they took the oath of enlistment. Today, according to goarmy. com, the Army offers over 150 career fields on active duty and 120 career fields in the Army Reserve; a potential enlistee can view job vacancies within their qualifications immediately after completing the ASVAB test. The vacancies are complete with sign on bonuses, location of training and dates of departure, all of this before you even commit to join. This is all valuable information for a person looking for positive direction and job security. Furthermore, studies show that many of the most successful companies in this country are led by personnel from military backgrounds. The discipline, drive, attention to detail and confidence gained from military service is invaluable and very saught after in the job market.

College versus Military 2

College versus Military:

What is the best route to a secure future?

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