There's no one reason why
joining the military is one of the smart choices an American youth can
make early in life, but there are several.
Values. The values of the military services start out as words: Duty,
Honor, Courage, Service Before Self, Integrity, Commitment, Respect, and
Loyalty. After you’ve served a while, they become principles -- the
reasons you do what you do. If and when the time comes to leave the
military, these values support, guide, and influence you the rest of your
life.
Personal transformation. No one can really say precisely when this occurs.
Yet everyone agrees it does occur. Some of the ingredients for
transformation are getting lots of responsibility at a young age, learning
what leadership is, learning by example, making good friends, becoming a
respected worker, and developing a positive, winning attitude.
Education. Over 200 Base Education Centers advise military members on how
they can obtain college credits and earn tuition money or even get their
degree while they serve. Trained instructors in over 300 schools provide
applied education in thousands of jobs. Find details in College Prep <smart_collegeprep.shtml>
and Education. <oppor_education.shtml>
Valuable experience. Experience mastering a military job is respected and
valuable, no matter where life takes you. Go to Employers <real_employers.shtml>
or Work Prep <smart_workprep.shtml> for more on this theme. Or
listen to six Young Veterans <real_veterans.shtml> who wouldn't be
where they are without getting military experience first.
