Posted on Dec 1, 2013

If you knew that joining the Military, you would not get paid, would you still Join?

SSG Laureano Pabon

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I been meaning to ask this question to other veterans and SM for some time.

The question is not a trick question, it is a question that you will have to be honest with yourself only and not me.

there are no right or wrong answers.

Reason: The day I took my oath, I was at Ft. Hamilton, Brooklyn, on my way to the La Guardia airport to go to reception station at Ft. Sill OK. I had the records of about 8 members on my hands. During the flight on a 727 I looked out the window and started thinking of finding a job t be able to pay the Army back for all this training I was going to get. I never asked anyone about pay and I didn't know I was going to get paid until I got my first check shortly after completing in processing.

So for me the answer is : Yes to this question.

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Posted >1 y ago

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Responses: 44

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SFC Michael Hasbun

Posted >1 y ago

So 20 years of volunteer work, 14-16 hours a day, no ability to get a second job, and no way to feed or house my family? I don't know that any sane human being would do that. Principles and philosophical positions are nice, but have to take a distant second to practical considerations, like food, shelter, water, etc...

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SSG Laureano Pabon

>1 y

lol I understand SSG H. Thank you for your honesty.

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SGT George Mckinney

10 y

A soldier who commits his life and duty to his country and fellow soldiers should be rewarded financially. How else could a person stay committed. Until you get to be my age and have a descent income coming in as I can afford to do it for free (money wise) as there are plenty of rewards for me.

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MAJ (Join to see)

Posted 10 y ago

I joined the military to get rich. i joined the Infantry because I wanted a MOS with skills related to the civilian world. I am now evaluating my decision making process...

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SFC (Join to see)

10 y

Yes, I've met some great people, I have been to places that my friends only dream of, and as an Army reservist that one weekend a month is like a special membership where only the best of the best are permitted.

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MSG Brad Sand

>1 y

MAJ (Join to see)

Your reply still has me laughing. I am happy you are an officer for such a well thought out career moves.

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CPT (Join to see)

>1 y

MAJ (Join to see) I can't stop laughing. Thank you for this

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SSG Ronald Limbaugh

Posted >1 y ago

I don't know that I would have done it for 20 years, though I probably would have chosen an MOS better suited to apply toward a civilian occupation. As a young private, I had very few needs, almost all of which were provided by the Army. Everything else was just topping on the cake. I ended up wasting away a good portion of my pay, mainly because I didn't have any bills to worry about at the time. I guess I probably would have gone in without pay, as long as the rest of the benefits were still available. Like I said though, probably wouldn't have decided to keep going for 20. Definitely would not have continued, without pay, after getting married

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CPT Brandon Christensen

>1 y

That is definitely true. I was single when I enlisted and now that I am married and have a 2 year old, the added income sure helps.

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If you knew that joining the Military, you would not get paid, would you still Join?

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