The opportunities for a Soldier to continue their military or civilian education is only limited by their desire to learn. All branches of the United States military have tuition assistance, which provides financial assistance
for education programs. Tuition assistance will cover up to $4500 a year, and Soldiers are not required to pay tuition assistance back unless a course is failed. The Montgomery GI Bill is the centerpiece of military education benefits. Active duty Soldiers and veterans can receive a monthly benefit that is valued at more than $37,000. This tax free benefit can be used for tuition, books, fees, and living expenses while obtaining an undergraduate or graduate degree. In addition to helping fund studies at traditional colleges, the GI Bill can be used to pay for independent study programs, licensing, certification, and apprenticeship. Only a select few careers in the civilian job market offer these kinds of education benefits. If pursuing your education is not a factor for your career path, the military also offers substantial health and dental benefits that most civilian careers lack. Some civilian careers offer health benefits for a discounted rate, but these are hard to come by and often involve climbing the corporate ladder. As an American service member comprehensive dental and health benefits are received the day they leave for Basic Training. Aside from the Soldier receiving these benefits, the military also offers affordable health and dental coverage for their dependents.
Some other factors besides education and health benefits can be the training benefits. Soldiers constantly get hands-on training for any situation they might encounter, from first aid to a new position that may need to be filled. And it is true that civilian employers and the military both offer on the job training. But military does go above and beyond any civilian training when it comes to physical training, equal opportunity, drug and alcohol awareness, and several other real life situations one may encounter.
In order for the United States military to maintain its force, they have to train individual to be healthy, well-prepared, intelligent, and to be physically in shape. With all these training and responsibilities that a soldier encompasses, they are deserving of these benefits and many more. Careers in the civilian job market are no where near as rewarding on benefits as those acquired through the military service. For these very reasons a career as an American Soldier is better than a career as a civilian.