
An important step is understanding the many tangible and intangible benefits of joining the military:
- A guaranteed paycheck and Cash Bonuses
- Education Benefits
- Advanced and Specialty Training
- 30 days annual paid vacation
- Travel
- Option for full-time or part time service
- Tax-free room, board and allowances
- Health and Dental Care
- Use of commissary and Military Exchange stores
- Special home loans and discounts
- Unparalleled sense of patriotism, duty, honor and selfless service
- Highly sought-after skills, leadership and training experience
- A guaranteed paycheck and cash bonuses.
- Education benefits.
- Advanced and specialty training.
- 30 days of annual paid vacation.
- Travel.
- Option for full-time or part-time service.
- Tax-free room, board and allowances.
- Health and dental care.
What are the perks of joining the military?
When we solemnly swore our oath in supporting and defending the Constitution of the United States, we didn’t have in our heads the idea that existed the potential to leave military service with ...
Does the U.S Army offer retirement benefits?
The Army's Blended Retirement Program includes a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), a 401 (k)-type retirement savings and investment plan sponsored by the federal government, which offers the same type of savings and tax benefits that many corporations offer employees.
What are the different types of military benefits?
Deployment – Benefits. Members of the military get rocking benefits. These range from educational benefits and cash bonuses, to tax-free housing, food allowances and pensions. Military benefits and entitlements extend to service members and their families during all phases of the deployment cycle. Make sure you know what’s available.
Does Best Buy offer discounts for military?
- US Armed Forces veterans and active-duty members are eligible for discounts at many retailers.
- A military ID or an online verification saves service members on everything from apparel to tech.
- For more deals that everyone can take advantage of, check out our master list of sales.

What are the benefits of being a military member?
Military Benefits. Military members and veterans have access to valuable benefits. Some are for families too. Health Care - The Military Health System provides care for members, retirees, and dependents. Housing - As a member or veteran, you can apply for home loans and grants from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
What is military assistance?
Military Assistance Programs for Veterans, Service Members, and Families. If you're a service member, veteran, or spouse, you’re not alone. The military and federal agencies have resources to help you manage life. Use these tools to get help with finances, health care, jobs, moving, and other challenges.
How to contact military OneSource?
Find information and resources in areas such as: You can also call Military OneSource at 1-800-342-9647 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Visit their contact page to learn how to call from outside the U.S. or from your computer.
What are the benefits of being a military member?
Answer: There are many benefits available to military members, ranging from medical care, to special pays, to tax advantages, to the base exchange and commissary.
What are the benefits of being a civilian?
The opportunities for education, job and leadership skills will all transfer to the civilian world, but the benefits while serving are even greater. From medical and dental care, housing (allowances), job advancement opportunities, bonuses, and a month's vacation every year are typically the top benefits most people are excited about when joining.
What is part 7 of the military?
Part 7 -- Chow Halls and Food Allowance - The military promises to feed you, and they do so primarily by using three separate methods: chow or mess halls, basic allowance for subsistence, and meals-ready-to-eat.
What is part 8 of the GI Bill?
Part 8 -- Education Programs . From the GI Bill, College Reimbursement Plans, Tuition Assistance, and college credit programs for training accomplished, the military has several ways for its members to have the ability to finish college either while on active duty or within 10 years post service.
How many ranks are there in the military?
Part 11 -- Promotions . Each branch of the U.S. armed forces has its own promotion system for its enlisted members. There are nine enlisted pay grades in the military, from E-1 to E-9. The rank or rating varies by branch of service, but the pay grade level is the same.
How many days of leave do you get in the military?
Part 9 -- Leave (Vacation), and Job Training . Whatever their rank, all military personnel get the same amount of annual paid time off. Military members get 30 days of paid leave per year, earned at the rate of 2.5 days per month.
Is housing allowance taxable in the military?
But how they provide housing depends on your marital status, dependents, and rank. The housing allowances are not considered pay and therefore not taxable. This can add significant amount of money to the bottom line depending upon where you live. Some cities add $2,000 a month or more for housing depending on rank.
What are the benefits of the military?
General benefits. Food and housing: Free dining services and housing on base, or allowances that are tax-free. Moving benefits: The military pays for much of your travel and expenses for required moves. Health care: Health care and dental care are covered, including prescriptions.
How to contact OneSource for military counseling?
We’re here to help, call 800-342-9647. Military OneSource stands ready to help 24/7.
What is a miltax?
MilTax: Free tax services that include easy-to-use software and support services.
How many days a year do you get paid for vacation?
Paid vacation: You’ll earn 30 days a year plus some holidays, starting in your first year.
Can a veteran get discounts?
Discounts and deals: As a service member and a veteran, you are eligible for discounts on shopping and services, both on base and in the private sector.
Can you take advantage of space available travel?
“Space Available” travel: Space A travel makes you eligible for free flights almost anywhere in the world at no cost. As a service member, you’re also eligible for special discounts offered by hotels and airlines.
Do veterans get benefits?
As a veteran you know you are eligible for benefits. However, it can be very difficult knowing exactly what you are eligible for and how to go about getting everything you're entitled to.
Is the military pay changing?
Military benefits are always changing. Keep up with everything from pay to health care by subscribing to Military.com, and get access to up-to-date pay charts and more with all latest benefits delivered straight to your inbox.
What is a family member of a uniformed service member?
Family members of uniformed service retirees and family members of uniformed service members who died while on active duty or during retirement. Certain individuals who were either voluntarily or involuntarily separated from a uniformed service member (for example, by divorce).
What is the VA?
The Department of Veterans Affairs - VA - provides many health benefits for Veterans and eligible family members under through the Veterans Health Administration. For example, there are programs covering:
Is the military medically affordable?
Medical benefits in the military are excellent AND affordable. The problem is they are often confusing! Start getting a grasp of what is available for you and your family by reading through our Health section.
What are the benefits of being a soldier?
As a Soldier, you'll get paid more than just a salary. Benefits like free healthcare, housing, subsidized food, and money for education all add up to cover a majority of your living expenses. Your future goals mean a lot to us.
How many vacation days do you get in the army?
You may be surprised by the range of benefits you'll receive in the Army. We offer 30 vacation days, comprehensive healthcare, housing, cash allowances to cover the cost of living, money for education, family services, and even career support after you serve.
What to ask in an army interview?
From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.
Does the Army offer free benefits?
Like you, we put your family first. The Army offers many free benefits that your entire family can take advantage of.
What are the benefits of military education?
Military service offers a tremendous array of education benefits that can be used while you are on active duty or after you leave the service. A good education is essential for your career both in uniform and out, so take advantage of the education benefits you've earned.
Who is eligible for the military?
Virtually all military servicemembers are eligible. However criteria for eligibility is determined by each branch.
How long does the GI Bill last?
The Post 9/11 GI Bill provides up to 36 months (4 regular school years) of education benefits to eligible servicemembers and veterans for:
How much does tuition assistance pay?
Normally Tuition Assistance will pay up to 75% of the cost of classes, the top-up program will pay the remainder of the cost.
What is the VA work study allowance?
The VA work-study allowance is available to persons training under one of the VA benefit programs: GI Bill. Vocational Rehabilitation (for Veterans) DEA. Dependents may also be eligible. You'll earn an hourly wage equal to the Federal minimum wage or your State minimum wage, whichever is greater.
Does each service have tuition assistance?
Finally, remember that each service has its own tuition assistance programs, college funds and other means that may be able to help you in ways beyond those of the "standard" benefits listed here. Talk with an Education Service Officer, Navy College counselor or military recruiter to find out more.
Do limitations apply to active duty?
Some limitations apply to those currently on active duty.
What are the benefits of the military?
The Military’s A+ Financial Benefits to Protect Your Future. As a service member, you’ve earned financial benefits to help protect your future. Take advantage of military benefits to shore up your personal finances – for both the short term and long term.
What is the basic pay of the military?
Basic pay is the fundamental component of military pay. All members receive basic pay, and typically, it is the largest component of a service member’s pay. A member’s grade (usually the same as rank) and years of service determines the amount of basic pay received.
How to save money on thrift savings plan?
When joining the Thrift Savings Plan, you can choose from two tax options: either make contributions to retirement on a pre-tax case and then pay taxes on the amounts at retirement, or contribute after-tax dollars, letting the amount grow over time and never paying taxes on that savings.
What is a government allowance?
Allowances are moneys provided for specific needs, such as food or housing. Monetary allowances are provided when the government does not provide for a specific need. For example, the quantity of government housing is not sufficient to house all military members and their families, so those who are not able to live in government housing receive ...
What is the military onesource number?
For immediate assistance or to access confidential help, call the Military OneSource toll free number at 800-342-9647. You can also contact us if you have any questions. Submit.
What are the benefits of the GI Bill?
Benefits cover the cost of education and training programs, including undergraduate and graduate studies, vocational schools and technical training. Learn the ins and outs of different GI Bill programs. Bonus: Benefits may be transferable to a spouse or children.
Do military members get tax free housing?
Affordable housing. Service members get a tax-free housing allowance when government quarters are not provided. The size of the monthly subsidy is based on your rank, location and family size. It is intended to cover part of your rent or mortgage payment so you can live off base comparably to civilians.

Manage Your Benefits and Records with milconnect
- If you're a military member or a veteran, you can manage many of your benefits and recordsin one place. MilConnect, a self-service portal, lets you: 1. Get copies of your Official Military Personnel File 1. Update your family members in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) 1. Transfer your GI Bill education benefits to family members 1. View your health care c…
National Resource Directory For Service Members and Veterans
- The National Resource Directory connects the military and veterans with local support. Find military assistance resourcesfor: 1. Jobs 2. Health 3. Homelessness 4. Housing 5. Caregiver support
Financial Assistance For Service Members and Veterans
- The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) helps military families and veterans with financial issuesincluding: 1. Filing complaints 2. Avoiding scams targeting military and veterans 3. Improving money management skills
Military Onesource
- Military OneSource offers help with all aspects of military life. Counseling for service members and familiesis free and confidential. Find information and resources in areas such as: 1. Military financial and legal assistance 2. Job and education help for military spouses 3. Parenting and military child care assistance 4. Deployment help for military families 5. Moving assistance for …