She Strengthens

Serving with Purpose: Debunking Misconceptions about a Military Career

As I read about the idea of joining the army to repay student loans, I felt compelled to share my own experiences as an Air Force officer. With over four years of service, I’ve been fortunate to have a career that allows me to give back to a country that has provided my family with incredible opportunities.

Understanding the Basics of Military Service

While the military isn’t for everyone, it does offer some remarkable benefits. If you’re considering this career path, it’s essential to understand the differences between enlisting and becoming an officer. There are three ways to earn a commission as an officer in each branch of the military: Service Academies, Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), and Officer Training/Candidate School (OTS).

The Path to Becoming an Officer

Before diving into the specifics of military pay and benefits, here are three crucial things to know about becoming an officer:

• The Air Force Academy is a four-year private university, where graduates earn a B.S. in one of 27 majors offered and are commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, incurring a five-year service commitment.
• ROTC is a three or four-year program taken concurrently with regular college classes, where graduates earn a degree and are commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, incurring a four-year service commitment.
• OTS is a five to nine-week training program, depending on the individual’s career, and generally incurs a four-year commitment upon graduation.

Military Pay and Benefits

Now, let’s talk about the numbers. A newly commissioned Second Lieutenant in 2015 makes $2,934.30 per month of taxable income, plus a food allowance of $253.38 per month, which is non-taxable. The housing allowance varies depending on the duty location, but it’s a significant component of the overall compensation package.

Debunking Misconceptions

One common misconception is that a military officer’s total take-home pay exceeds $50,000 in the first year. In reality, my net “take-home” pay during my first year was around $43,200 per year.

Educational Benefits

The military offers excellent educational benefits, but they’re geared towards earning a graduate degree rather than paying off prior debts. There are three ways to have your graduate degree subsidized by the military: Tuition Assistance, Post 9/11 GI Bill, and Montgomery GI Bill.

Making the Most of Your Career

Being an officer in the military is not just about the benefits; it’s about positively leading and making a difference. I’m currently pursuing an online MBA program while serving on Active Duty, utilizing tuition assistance to invest in myself. It’s about taking ownership of your career and making the most of your time.

A Career of Purpose

In conclusion, serving as an officer in the military is a challenging yet rewarding career path. While it’s not for everyone, it offers incredible opportunities for growth, leadership, and service. If you’re considering this path, I hope this information has been helpful in understanding the basics of military service.