Alternatives to Military Service

In the United States today there are many young people who struggle to afford college, and struggle with making the major life choice of career at the tender age 18. It seems no matter where you go, whether it be the local high-schools, malls, fairs, and colleges, the military recruiters are there. They are there promising big money to sign up, money for school, and job training. Although the military does provide a pay check, specific job training for the jobs test high enough for and money for school, if you have to the time to attend and survive your tours; it is not the only option. For those older citizens who want to find a way to help the country there are also many opportunities to help while receiving a pay check. Some of these alternatives to military service include Job Corps, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps.

For job training and education Job Corps offers something valuable and much safer then the military. It is a free education and vocational training program provided by the Department of Labor. IT helps young people ages 16 through 24 the tools to make a better life for themselves. When you enroll you can learn a trade sill, earn a high school diploma or GED and get help finding a good job. Job Corps pays a monthly allowance that increases with time in the program. They offer career counseling and transition support for up to 12 months after graduation. Requirements for enrollment include an age between 16-24, U.S. citizenship or legal residency, meeting income requirements (favoring lower incomes), and willingness to be part of a safe, drug-free educational environment. To Apply to Job Corps or get more information call 1-800-733-5627 or visit
http://jobcorps.dol.gov/about.htm on the Internet.

Community service shouldn't be considered a punishment, and many people feel a drive help their communities or country as a whole, one way often advertised is by strapping on a weapon, but there is a way to get paid for helping your local community thrive, while learning usable skills and money for college. AmeriCorps is a National Corps of Capable, Committed Individuals. They focus on the countries needs in education, public safety, health and environmental issues. Members work with nonprofit organizations, public agencies and local community and church organizations to better the communities at local, state, and national levels. Some examples of the types of service AmeriCorps members provide are Mentoring disadvantaged children, improving health services, cleaning parks and streams, building affordable housing through Habitat for Humanity, and much more. AmeriCorps consists of three main programs to suit the goals and availability of members. AmeriCorps-State and National, AmeriCorps-VISTA, and AmeriCorps-NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) which is geared toward youth ages 16-24. They offer Full-time, part-time, and summer assignments. Members who serve full-time and complete there term of service (usually 10 months to a year) will earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $4,725 to pay for college, graduate school, or to pay back qualified student loans.

Part-time will receive a partial amount. While working some also receive a modest paycheck to cover living expenses and help with child care for those who qualify. There are many other benefits available and you have a chance to see changes directly from your work due to goal oriented programs. Those who serve with AmeriCorps gain job experience and training, and learn communication, teamwork, and responsibility that will help build success throughout a lifetime. To find out more or sign up for an AmeriCorps opportunity near you visit http://www.americorps.org

For the individuals out there that would join a military service to "see the world", Peace Corps offers an opportunity for you. The Peace Corps' mission has three simple goals; helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women, helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served, and helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans. Peace Corps volunteers travel all over the world to developing countries and do work in the following areas youth outreach, education, community and business development; agriculture and environment; health and HIV/AIDS; and information technology. Benefits of service in the Peace Corps are more then can be measured for both those helping and those being helped, however there are concrete advantages. Members get two days of vacation per month that most use to travel to near by foreign countries, a living allowance provided is based on local living conditions and will meet the members needs. There are educational
benefits through higher learning and graduate level programs as well as deferment of current student loans. While Peace Corps is more geared toward those with some education of life experience to offer there are many ways to help. Please check out their web site https://www.peacecorps.gov for more detailed information.

The military is an option that should only be considered after fully educating yourself or your loved one. These are just some of the opportunities available nationwide. Please take the time to review all the programs before making the life altering and irreversible decision of signing a military
contract. Members of all three of these service oriented corps have something to forever be proud of, and have doors opened up to them by opening doors for others. For additional resources on joining the military compared to civilian opportunities please visit www.famedetroit.org to reach an organization
dedicated to helping people make informed and consensual decisions about their lives.