They Just Joined For The Education

by Trudy Marshall-Bowler | More from this Blogger

06 Feb 2007 11:58 PM

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

Tranfer Of MGIB Benefits

Paying For College

Learn more about Trudy Marshall-Bowler

Trudy Marshall-Bowler is a stay at home mom to her 12 year old step-daughter and wife married to an Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran.

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malignedtruth (26) 15 Feb 2007 07:58 AM

I sure agree! When I take a man's money, I am contracted to perform duty that is specified.

I served over 20 years in the Air Force, 1965 through 1985. There were times of strife for my family, and we served overseas at our great expense. But, we went where ordered and held to the honorable concepts of our obligation.

Every sacrifice was a moment of pondering the freedom and security we were providing to all Americans. Even ones we don't like or agree with.

I am ashamed to see the poor integrity of this generation of selfish, spoiled, children.

They want everything handed to them, with little or no investment on their part.

What loosers!

Julie Gentry (5915) 15 Feb 2007 08:44 AM

If they don't want to go, they should be discharged and made to pay back whatever the taxpayers have spent on their education and housing.

Wesleysgranny (173) 03 May 2007 06:46 PM

My son joined the Army because he felt it was his duty to defend his country. I was Navy, his daddy was Marine Corps. He was a military kid that talked about joining the Army from the age 3. He is proud to be a paratrooper, proud to serve in Iraq, and hopes to make the Army his career. He never talks about joining for the education benefits, but he does hope to learn all he can, whether it be from the Army directly or going to school.