7 Perks Of Serving On Active Duty

Serving on active duty in the military can be a life-changing experience that offers a unique set of benefits and opportunities. From education and career advancement to personal growth and camaraderie, the perks of serving on active duty are numerous. Here are seven advantages of serving on active duty:

1. Education Benefits

One of the most significant benefits of serving on active duty is access to education assistance programs. The military offers various education benefits, including the GI Bill, which can help cover the cost of tuition, fees, and other education-related expenses. Additionally, many branches of the military offer tuition assistance programs, which can help service members pursue higher education while serving. These programs can be used to pursue a degree, certification, or other educational pursuits, making it easier for service members to achieve their educational goals.

Types of Education Benefits

GI Bill: Covers up to 100% of tuition and fees for in-state students at public colleges and universities
Tuition Assistance Program: Covers up to 100% of tuition and fees for courses taken while serving on active duty
Military scholarships: Offered by various organizations and foundations to support service members pursuing higher education

2. Career Advancement Opportunities

Serving on active duty can provide service members with valuable work experience and skills that can be applied to future careers. The military offers various career advancement opportunities, including training and certification programs, mentorship, and leadership development. These opportunities can help service members advance in their military careers and prepare them for successful careers in the civilian sector.

Types of Career Advancement Opportunities

Training and certification programs: Offered in various fields, such as technology, healthcare, and finance
Mentorship: Pairing service members with experienced mentors who can provide guidance and support
Leadership development: Training and development programs designed to help service members develop leadership skills

3. Healthcare and Medical Benefits

Service members and their families are eligible for comprehensive healthcare and medical benefits, including access to military hospitals and clinics, medical specialists, and prescription medication. The military also offers various wellness programs, such as fitness and nutrition counseling, to support overall health and well-being.

Types of Healthcare and Medical Benefits

Access to military hospitals and clinics
Medical specialists: Specialized care for conditions such as mental health, traumatic brain injury, and physical therapy
Prescription medication: Low-cost or no-cost medication for service members and their families

4. Housing and Food Allowances

Service members are eligible for housing and food allowances, which can help cover the cost of living expenses. The military offers various types of housing, including on-base housing, off-base housing, and housing allowances. Additionally, service members receive a food allowance, which can be used to purchase groceries and other food items.

Types of Housing and Food Allowances

On-base housing: Free or low-cost housing for service members and their families
Off-base housing: Housing allowances to help cover the cost of rent or mortgage payments
Food allowance: A monthly stipend to help cover the cost of groceries and other food items

5. Special Pays and Bonuses

Service members may be eligible for special pays and bonuses, such as hazardous duty pay, dive pay, and flight pay. These pays and bonuses are designed to compensate service members for the unique challenges and risks associated with certain types of duty.

Types of Special Pays and Bonuses

Hazardous duty pay: Pay for service members who perform hazardous duties, such as explosive ordnance disposal
Dive pay: Pay for service members who perform diving duties
Flight pay: Pay for service members who perform flying duties

6. Personal Growth and Development

Serving on active duty can be a transformative experience that fosters personal growth and development. Service members have the opportunity to develop valuable skills, such as leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, and to build strong relationships with fellow service members.

Types of Personal Growth and Development Opportunities

Leadership development: Training and development programs designed to help service members develop leadership skills
Mentorship: Pairing service members with experienced mentors who can provide guidance and support
Team-building activities: Activities designed to foster teamwork and camaraderie among service members

7. Camaraderie and Esprit de Corps

Serving on active duty provides service members with the opportunity to develop strong relationships with fellow service members, which can lead to lifelong friendships and a sense of camaraderie. The military also fosters a strong sense of esprit de corps, which is a feeling of pride and belonging among service members.

Types of Camaraderie and Esprit de Corps Opportunities

Team-building activities: Activities designed to foster teamwork and camaraderie among service members
Unit events: Events and activities designed to promote unit cohesion and esprit de corps
Veterans' organizations: Organizations that provide support and camaraderie for veterans and service members

We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the benefits of serving on active duty. From education and career advancement opportunities to personal growth and development, the perks of serving on active duty are numerous. If you're considering a career in the military, we encourage you to explore these benefits further and to reach out to a recruiter for more information.

Gallery of Active Duty Perks

Active Duty Perks Gallery

What are the education benefits of serving on active duty?

The military offers various education benefits, including the GI Bill, which can help cover the cost of tuition, fees, and other education-related expenses.

What are the career advancement opportunities available to service members?

The military offers various career advancement opportunities, including training and certification programs, mentorship, and leadership development.