What Do I Get Out of the Military?

Interviews were conducted on the Fort Bragg military installation in North Carolina and here's what a few soldiers thought about the military and how it reflects on their life:

SPC Shin: "I think the military is a good job that provides guaranteed income not matter what. That is what's really important to me. Many people in the nation assume that it is hard and willing to give one's life is what the military is all about; not me though. The military also teaches us how to save money, become physically fit, provides housing, free food, and provides health care for free. Who can beat that? All the military asks of you as an individual is to do the work that you are supposed to do whether it's working in the morgue to being a water treatment specialist."

SPC Wilson: "The military isn't that interesting, period. I thought it would be more disciplined but I guess not. I still don't know why I joined. One thing the military taught me in generally is how to survive in crucial areas like Iraq. Not to mention, that wasn't the best year of my life. I guess it's the Unit that I'm attached to that's making me feel this way. Also the pay isn't that great. I believe we have the most dangerous job in the world we should be paid a little more than what we sacrifice. I would recommend the military to people who need to further their careers or to start off somewhere. When my time is up, I'm out of here."

SSG Mason: "It's worth it. I've been in 6 years going on 7. It's definitely worth being in and serving. Not only for my family, but for everyone else in the world. All it takes is a strong mind and the will to carry on no matter what the conditions are. It helped me to be financially stable ever since I was 21 years-old. I also saved a lot because there's always free or cheap food on a military installation. I already had 3 tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. To tell you the truth it makes me nervous every time I go but all I can say is...that it's worth it."

SGT Sierra: "Never in my life have I ever made a better choice than this one. It just taught me a lot especially with all the NCOs and Officers that guided me into being in a leadership position. I remember I was about to buy an automobile that would have made me bankrupt, but my leaders all pointed out that it wasn't the way to go and that I should wait until I got back from my first deployment. I did. Now I drive a car without worrying about a car note. I love it. That's all I can say."

SGT Combs: "There are hard times but not like what everyone thinks. There are possibilities in coming home late to my wife but that's also with almost any other job. Right? I have 3 cars all from when I first enlisted, that was about 5 years ago. I don't know what I'm going to do when I get out because after a while you get accustomed to everything and all the surroundings. Not to mention you get a lot of respect in the ACU uniform. You can't beat free school. Not any job provides you with free school and housing allowance. Overall it's good for the people who really want to benefit from the military."