One of my biggest pet peeves is to listen to someone go on and on about someone who really didn’t want to go to Iraq, Afghanistan or anywhere else that the military sent them but instead they joined the military for the education benefits.
After ten years of marriage to a soldier, I have stood there as he has taken the oath that every member of the military [takes up enlistment and re-enlistment]:
“I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.” (Title 10, US Code; Act of 5 May 1960 replacing the wording first adopted in 1789, with amendment effective 5 October 1962).
This is the same oath that every single person who joins any branch of the United States Military takes. The wording is a bit different for Officers but it is still the same basic oath. There has never been nor is it likely that there will ever be a disclaimer about education or benefits.
The military gives certain benefits such as the GI Bill for services rendered. There really is no such thing as a free lunch in the military or any other area of life.
If you want an education without having to risk serving in a combat zone then it would be in your best interest to look into work study programs, guaranteed student loans and Pell grants. The signing of enlistment papers for the military means you are willing to do whatever they ask of you and go wherever they see fit to send you. The military is not designed to give something away for nothing and if you want the benefits of the Armed Services then [be prepare]to be a participating member of that service.
The military offers many benefits and for Veteran’s there are a few extras but joining solely for the education benefits is not a reason to join the military. If you want to serve your country, learn a skill and do something that will genuinely make a difference to not only those living in America but for mankind in general then the military is the place for you. Think long and hard about the reasons you want to join the military before you take the final step and sign the enlistment papers. If you can’t feel every word of the oath then maybe you should consider another option for both your schooling and your future career.
Reserve Education Assisstance Program