
- 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).
- Education - You may qualify for education benefits through military and veterans programs. You might even be able to transfer your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to your spouse or children.
- Life Insurance - All members are enrolled in service members' life insurance. Retirees can enroll in the Survivor Benefit Plan.
- Job Training and Help - Service members leaving the military can get help finding a civilian job.
- Retirement - Members who retire with at least 20 years of service get a monthly annuity for life.
- 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 all the benefits of joining the military?
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.
How long do you have to serve in the military to get benefits?
Troops now on active duty become eligible after 90 days of service for as long as they remain on active duty. Reserve and National Guard members become eligible after six creditable years in service. Troops discharged for a service-connected disability are eligible regardless of service length.
What benefits do you get after 4 years in the military?
Education and SalaryJob Training. Everyone in the Military is trained in a job specialty. ... Money for College. During and after your time in service, the Military encourages you to advance your education. ... Pay, Allowances and Promotions. ... Vacation. ... Retirement. ... VA Benefits. ... Other Lifestyle Benefits.
What does the military pay for you?
Military allowances include money for housing, uniforms, and meals, depending on rank. The housing allowance is determined in part based on zip code and the rental averages calculated for that area. Uniform allowances are paid annually in most cases.
How much does the military pay after 4 years?
E-4 Servicemember with Three Years of Military Service: Annual Regular Military Compensation (RMC)Individual ServicememberServicemember w/ Family of 4BAH$7,373$9,821Cash Total$39,570$42,018Tax Advantage$1,768$2,136Regular Military Compensation$41,338$43,7462 more rows
Do you get free healthcare after military?
For many departing service members, it's an abrupt transition. That's because under TRICARE, the military health insurance for active-duty members and their families, health care is free.
Is going to the military worth it?
Some of the most popular benefits of joining the US military is the job training, educational assistance, steady paycheck, health coverage, and housing benefits. See a full list of the benefits here.
Is 20 years in the military worth it?
The total expected value of retiring at 20 years is worth nearly a million dollars, which means that the last two years of work in uniform are worth roughly half a million each to a typical officer (annual base pay plus half of their retirement stream).
What are the disadvantages of joining the military?
Five disadvantages of joining the militaryYou could be in physical danger or endanger others. ... It's physically demanding. ... Long periods away from family or home. ... Lack of control over daily life. ... It is a huge commitment with a contract.
What are 3 benefits of joining the military?
Military Benefits at a GlanceA 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.More items...•
Is food free in the military?
Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) pays for the cost of a military member's meals when dining at their permanent duty station. Although BAS is meant to offset the cost of a member's meals, it doesn't cover the costs of meals for family members.
How much do military make a month?
How Much Do Army Soldier Jobs Pay per Month?Annual SalaryWeekly PayTop Earners$40,000$76975th Percentile$40,000$769Average$31,127$59825th Percentile$22,000$423
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 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.
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.
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 as a soldier?
As a Soldier, you'll get 30 vacation days, life insurance, and the best healthcare benefits in the country. Being a Soldier has its rewards, both while you serve and afterwards. From bonuses to hiring incentives, there are many reasons to join. Like you, we put your family first.
TRICARE
TRICARE provides benefits for Active Duty personnel, Retirees, Reservists & Guard members called to Active Duty, and certain family members. There are three basic programs to choose from:
Veterans Health Benefits
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:
What Educational Benefits Does the Military Offer?
Joining the military isn’t all guns and long hours of training. Being a part of the military comes with certain benefits that compensate for the hard work put in to serve the country. For people who join the military after high school, getting a college education becomes easier.
Tuition Assistance
Eligible members of the military get support in paying their tuition. As long as you’re a member of the Navy, Marines, Air Force, National Guard, and Army, amongst others, you have access to Armed Forces Tuition Assistance Programs. Each service can pay up to $45,000 annually for 100% of all tuition expenses, courtesy of Congress.
Credit-by-Exam
Being a part of the Military also grants you access to Credit-by-Exam, which allows you to earn college-level credits acceptable by over 2500 colleges; credit for Excelsior College Exam (ECE), DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST), and College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests.
College Credit for Military Experience and Training
For members and veterans of the military, a recommendation from the Academic Council on Education (ACE), could be used to claim credits for your training, service, and experience in the armed force. The best part is that the ACE recommendation is accepted by several accredited schools.
Military Scholarship and Grants
Several Financial Student Aid Programs are offered by the Federal Government, and an easy way to gain access to them is by serving in the military. With these programs, you get low-interest loans and grants.
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.
What is tuition assistance?
Tuition Assistance. Tuition Assistance is a military benefit that pays the cost of tuition and some fees. Virtually all military servicemembers are eligible. However criteria for eligibility is determined by each branch. Tuition Assistance covers up to 100% Tuition and Fees Not to exceed: $250 @ Semester Credit Hour.
Can you use TA on active duty?
TA is paid to the school on a per class basis. Servicemembers can also use GI Bill benefits, however, it is sel dom a good idea to do so while on active duty. The centerpiece of armed services educational benefits is the GI Bill which encompasses several Department of Veterans Affairs education programs including the Post-9/11 GI Bill, ...
Can I work while I learn with the VA?
If you're a full-time or 3/4-time student in a college degree program, or a vocational or professional program, you can "earn while you learn" with a VA work-study allowance. The VA work-study allowance is available to persons training under one of the VA benefit programs: GI Bill.
Can I transfer my VA benefits to my spouse?
Veterans - there are four categories of Veteran eligibility depending on when you enlisted and how long you served on active duty. Up to $2,122 per month for full-time institutional education.
What are the benefits of being in the military?
The military can be a difficult lifestyle for a family, but it does come with some excellent benefits. Some of those are in the form of cash, and some are in the form of discounts. In addition to the bi-monthly paycheck, military service members receive benefits like money for housing, subsidized groceries and healthcare.
How to get military benefits?
To receive any military benefits, military family members must be registered in the military's personnel system, the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS), and receive a military ID card. To do that you need to be the service member's spouse or child.
What is BAH in military?
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is given to every active-duty service member as part of their bi-weekly pay. How much you receive is usually based on where your service member is stationed. Even if you choose to live somewhere other than his duty station while he is home or deployed, you will still receive BAH based on duty station, not your residence.
Why is MWR more affordable than off base?
The programs MWR funds and manages on base are often much more affordable than their off-base counterparts because the government subsidizes their costs. MWR manages most recreation on every base, including gyms, pools, bowling alleys, horse stables, event centers, golf courses, discounted equipment rentals and more.
What do military members get?
Every military service member receives at least a base pay. Most also receive a variety of allowances, special pays and bonuses de pending on things like deployment, paygrade and military job. For most married service members, those allowances include Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) and Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH).
What is military shopping?
Military Shopping Benefits. Known as "non-monetary compensation," military shopping benefits help military families save money on the things they want or need. Most bases worldwide are home to a military commissary operated by a government organization called the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA).
Do military bases have daycares?
Most military bases have a variety of full-time or hourly daycare center s. The costs of these are based on a family's total income, not just the service member's paygrade. Waiting lists at these centers can be long, so the military also allows families to use subsidized in-home daycares that have been officially approved. If you don't live near a base or there are no on-base daycare center spots available, the military will also subsidize the cost of care at certain off-base, civilian daycares that have become a part of their network.

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 …
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.
- Cash bonuses: Available for certain kinds of duty, some tax-free.
Benefits by Service Branch
Specialty Consultations, Assistance and Coaching
- Our mission at Military OneSource is to put information at your fingertips to answer your questions and help you handle potential issues. Through specialty consultations, we offer easy-access, no-cost assistance with services such as: 1. Health and wellness coaching 2. Tax services and financial counseling 3. Legal information 4. Document translation 5. Interpretation …
Confidential, Non-Medical Counseling
- If you feel that an issue could affect your ability to focus and be strong, it’s important to address it early. Our trained counselors can offer counseling on a number of non-medical challenges. We can coach you or your family members on issues including: 1. Stress or anger management 2. Adjustment difficulties like returning from a deployment 3. Improving relationships at home and …