During the last few years of high school, things can get very overwhelming for students when it comes to trying to decide on what to do with their life. There’s so many different pathways to choose from, all leading to a bunch more years of education. Though this isn’t realistic for everybody, especially if they’re not completely sure on what they want to do yet. Whether one has an idea on what they want to do in college or even if they don’t know what they want to do, the military can be a way to solve that problem for them. In fact, the military might even be the first choice for someone. Following in the footsteps of family or even just wanting a new type of career or experience.
“What led me to the decision would be my cousin whenever she had just graduated from basic training in the Air Force, and my other cousin is currently in the Marines, so I’ve always wanted to pursue something in that field,” senior Abigail Murphy said.
The military can be very beneficial in many ways, physically and mentally. Being in the military can give a sense of purpose and duty to a person. There can be a very high demand for physical labor and self discipline. Along with it can be such a big learning opportunity and a chance to see the world, traveling from place to place on duty.
“I would say the benefits of joining would be getting to see the world and helping out throughout the United States or wherever we have bases,” Murphy said. “I just really would like to help with protecting our country.”
Although there are many benefits when it comes to the military, many might be scared or have worries. It’s a big thing to think about, let alone commit to. Traveling all over the world and taking risks is a part of the process, and things aren’t always going to be a big stressful experience. Every job out there has its ups and downs, it’s all about finding a balance that works.
“There’s peace times, peace times change [depending] on how the politicalness of what the military does and everything,” Anthony Wotawa, 8-year Active Duty United States Army member said. “I haven’t gone into very dangerous areas, and depending on your MLS, you may never go into any dangerous areas as well.”
The idea that members have to stick to physical and combat only roles, can also be a worrying factor to most. However, while being involved in the military does up a person’s chances of being expected to help in combat, the chances of it ever happening or really being needed is quite low. In addition, there are so many different positions to choose from when it comes to the military. Such as logistics, intelligence, medical, engineering and even administration roles. These different positions get to help out with the supplying of goods, gathering and analyzing information, providing healthcare, maintaining and building equipment, and providing human resources and public relations.
“So my MOS, military occupation specialist, is [being] a 91 Mike, which is a Bradley Vehicle Systems Maintainer,” Wotawa said. “So in a short sentence, I’m a mechanic, and I work on the Bradley platform, along with other vehicles and everything, but my specialty is the Bradley.”
Alongside all of the different things one can pursue in the military, there are tons of benefits during and after one’s service. Being committed in the military comes with financial aid, like paying for education and training, housing, healthcare, and retirement. Also with things like employment and helping with getting specific training for whatever job that may be. The military is a big commitment that can be very beneficial. Looking into it and seeing if there’s something that sparks interest may be a helpful idea on going on about life after high school.
“Do research, figure out what could be an interest for you,” Wotawa said. “It doesn’t matter what level you’re at, you’re going to get shown and trained on how to do it immediately.”
