military

The Military Career Guide - How To Get The Best Jobs,

the Best Assignments and the Best Retirement

Opportunities by Joining the Military (working title)

by Phil Philcox

The Iraq situation has changed the way the government will operate in the future. President Obama proposed a mandatory government service on April 21 2009, so we're in for a big change. Details will follow but if one of the choices is military service (reserve, national guard or active duty, I'll explain in this book why the military option is the best for the average citizen; how to get the best jobs, best assignments and retirement programs. As of July 2009, they can choose from 150 careers (if they can qualify) and bonuses of up to $40,000 cash for enlisting and $65,000 for college. It's not the easiest job in the world but has some great benefits. In July of 2009, the VA announced they are making available to veterans special home loans up to $417,000. Another benefit! Will they never cease?

This is a guide on what to do even if mandatory service is not required. It's ideal for the career-less, high school and college students, dropouts and anyone up to age 42 looking for a future. This is not only a great career opportunity but one of the best ways to put your teenager or adult on the right behavior track. Study after study has proven that a few years of military service is one way to get someone to assume responsibility and reverse any bad behavior. Hey, it worked for my parents back in the 1940's.

I can't think of any career opportunities that offer the advantage of serving in the military. Where can you start a career at age 17, get free training and retire at age 37 (like I did) after traveling around the world with a pension, full medical coverage, and other benefits? I served 20+ years in the Air Force (enlisted in 1949 at 17, retired in 1969 at 37) and traveled and lived around the world (3 years in Japan, 3 years in France). I've been drawing a retirement check 40 years (I'm 77 years old), with periodic raises based on the COL increases. My wife and I have traveled everywhere since my retirement, free on military aircraft (space available), we receive free medical care and low-cost prescription medication delivered to our door, can use base facilities ($5 haircuts, boat rentals, shop in the commissary with a 30% savings over civilian markets), use discounted lodging at military bases around the world, etc. We live in Panama City Beach, Florida because we're near military bases (Tyndall and Eglin Air Force Bases).

All my contacts in the various services of the military have offered to provide me the information I need to write a book on these opportunities, information you won't find elsewhere. The final chapter - After The Military - explains how to use your military training/skills to obtain a job in the civilian sector, using the military's employment services, how to write a resume, what to say about your training and where to find potential employers. With my pension and two Social Security, we live comfortably in Panama City Beach, Florida...on the water overlooking the Gulf of Mexico!!. If we need a prescription filled (free) or brain surgery (free) it's only a few miles away. For major emergency service, they'd fly us to the military's top hospitals (free). The bottom line: $$$$$, benefits and full medical coverage as the result of my 1949 teen-age decision. Talk about dumb luck! My pension will increase regulary with COL raises. At this writing, I'm getting a 3.5% raise at the end of the year.

There are hundreds of military specialties, ranging from a lowly cook to a jet fighter pilot and the military provides all of the training free of charge plus a healthy enlistment bonus. If you qualify you can choose your career field and need not serve in a combat-related specialty. I'll explain how that is done. You can also spend a few years on active duty, then transfer to the Reserve and eventually wind up with a monthly pension and benefits after 20 years of service.

This is the book for anyone planning their future. If they're drafted, this will get them pointed in the right direction. If they enlist, the can take advantage of some great opportunities.

I'll explain the requirements for each service, the hundreds of career training programs available, how to prepare and qualify for the best military jobs on the standard ASVB test (I include sample questions), how to become a military pilot and other prestige careers, qualifications for all military specialties, special pay careers, benefits while in the service and benefits after retirement. The training in the military is second to none - and free. Veterans (after serving minimum enlistment time), could be eligible for low-cost home loans, the GI Education Bill, free burials, compensation for service-based injuries, scholarships for their children, vocational rehabilitation and more. So many benefits, I have to write a book to explain it all.

Table of Contents (research in progress)

Introduction

The Military Career (Is this the opportunity of a lifetime or what?)

The Military Alternative (National Guard, Reserve, etc.)

How To Choose A Service

How To Get the Best Jobs

Job Qualifications

Pay and Benefits

Incentive Bonuses (parachuting, diving, bomb disposal, etc.)

Enlistment Promises - Fact or Fiction?

Enlistment Bonuses

If You're Married

Military Careers - What's available and Do You Qualify?

Information on over 100 military specialties, training and what you have to do to qualify before you sign up.

Basic Training - Everybody Gets A Haircut!

Joining The Army

The Basic Training Process