As a Navy vet, I can tell you I have known lots of happy GS (civilian rated) employees. The discipline levels are far higher and there is more accountability. Its not always as formal and professional as you see in the movies. My command was mostly on a first name basis, which is pretty common for a smaller base. As a serviceman, dont let anyone tell you that the money isnt good. The take home pay is all EXTRA money. You get free college during and after, all insurances are 100% covered, free food and lodging.. Its not "great money" if youre used to making 100k a year lol, but not many people consider the military if they have that kind of income coming in anyways. And they look after your family also. Plus you get free health care for live via the VA with an honorable discharge. And the VA is pretty good to us. Dont listen to the hype. Its a great idea. Go enlist!!

Jeff Li, you stated "Working At"; would this be at the civilian level? Or, are you looking for reasons to join the US Army? The benefits are unmatchable in the civilian field, but good luck finding the time to reap the benefits ... You have many good reasons for joining from a lot of people on this thread so I 'm not going to repeat any of them.

Listen. First off you need to acknowledge the lifestyle the army has.

The best reason is finding out who you are while pushing yourself to find yourself...... I learned so much about respect, dignity, loyalty and above all else faith in me..... Growing up being told how worthless you are and how you will amount to nothing that can lead you down a dark path. My brother said come with me and I did I left 3days later didn't look back and the first time I walked into a room with my entire family 8yrs later not one of them spoke to me except my brother and he said funny how they get quiet when you prove them wrong..... I learned everyone matters in this world they just have to find themselves.

I joined the army when I was 20. I had no direction, no goals, and felt like my life was passing me by. In 1997 I decided to join up. Mainly to impress my ex girlfriend but regardless I made the commitment. The army was by far the best decision I have ever made! I saw the world, made a new family, and grew into the person I now am. I just retired and I miss it everyday. If you choose to join I can promise that you will be challenged, you will fail, but your new family will pick you up dust you off and help you to become a person that understands Duty Respect Selfless service Honor Integrity and Personal Courage. Those are the Army Values and they became mine

MARTIN SHERRY reply to my post is incorrect...according to Defense one.com..."Given that there are about 200 million Americans between the ages of 18-65, this is just over 1% of the relevant population." And Warrant Officers (like myself) are even less than 1% of that in each branch.

First of all l learned many things about myself as a young person fresh out of high school. It helped me mature beyond my piers and l quickly took on leadership positions. Established work and social relationship with people from all backgrounds. Had mentors and became a mentor as well upon moving up the promotion chain. Made many friends and coworkers that l could depend on and thst were loyal. Hope this helps you.

Many excellent benefits. The Army paid for 75% of my college education while I was on active duty. I joined as a 17 year old Private/E-1 with a GED and retired at 37 as a senior Captain with two undergraduate degrees in management. Because I was an enlisted soldier for 8 & 1/2 years before becoming an officer, my basic pay for the last years of my career as a Captain/O-3 was the same as that of a Lieutenant Colonel/O-5. I pay $54.00 a month for full medical and dental health insurance. I can get treated at an Army or VA hospital.

The best things I can say are they pay for college, you get to travel all over the world and you make great money and meet new people that become lifelong family.

It teaches you how to be a stronger leader. It teaches you true brotherhood. You learn more about yourself and what you can endure. It teaches you that there are no limits, just obstacles that can be worked around and conquered. Lastly the Army shows you who you really are .