Life in the Military
In the Military, you’ll find much more than rewarding careers — you’ll discover a balanced life of meaningful connections, convenient amenities and everyday opportunities for fulfillment. To learn more about various aspects of day-to-day life and hear from service members who live it, check out the sections below.
Explore this section
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A Day in the Life
Hear what a typical day is like for various service members around the Military.
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Finding Fulfillment
From making an impact in the lives of others to meaningful connections and skills that last a lifetime — discover how young adults find fulfillment in the Military.
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Life on Base
Learn how military installations are welcoming environments with more comforts than you might expect.
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Relocation & Deployment
See how a military lifestyle can take you around the world, and what to expect when deployed.
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Customs & Practices
Explore everyday nuances of military life, like using 24-hour time, saluting etiquette, uniform guidelines and more.
Common Questions About Life in the Military
As in the civilian world, military life varies depending on a service member’s job, attitude and desire. Once work or training is done for the day, however, a service member can do as he or she pleases. Visit Life in the Military for more information on free time, family support and military perks
There are many benefits to joining the Military, including:
- Opportunities for personal growth, including developing confidence, leadership, and motivation.
- A wide range of careers that align with many personal interests. These roles often include advanced training that helps develop skills which are transferable to employment after the military.
- Employment benefits, like health care, retirement savings, paid vacation, life insurance, and more.
- Off-duty entertainment, rest and relaxation activities, and other family & community offerings
- Competitive salary and compensation that often includes housing allowances, and other additional pay
- Discounts and perks on things like everyday shopping and vacation/leisure opportunities
- A chance to see the world
With installations all over the globe, it is impossible to predict in advance where a service member could be stationed. Following basic training, service members are given assignments based on Service needs, and their skills and training. As such, there are no guarantees a member will serve close to home.
However, service members generally know well in advance where they’ll be going, and deployment does not automatically mean going to war. They may also be deployed for support in noncombat areas or deployed domestically to help with disaster relief.
Military housing varies by rank, location and family situation. New recruits typically start their military careers living on base. Here they have access to a supportive community filled with amenities and comforts of home. Service members who qualify to live off base are given a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) as part of their compensation.
Active-duty service members receive 30 paid vacation days each year as an employment benefit. On top of this, the Military provides a wide range of recreational activities for service members and their families to enjoy on a daily basis.
