It seems that some people still don't know that economic incentive is a huge driving factor for new recruits in the US military, which does not have mandatory military service for men or women. Possibly it may help someone understand if they read an article about it like this one: http://www.truth-out.org/archive/component/k2/item/94447:rich-mans-war-and-a-poor-mans-fight

Of course not everyone joins for the economic incentive, however giving up or risking one's life for anything is usually not something one takes lightly. Usually it is out of some type of need or drive. Possibly some feel a patriotic drive, others feel that violence is something that they need to express or are used to, there are many reasons.

Considering the requirements that a person has to meet in order to join the U.S. military, military service in the USA isn't the last resort for people.

You should visit a Marine Corp base one of these days. I think you would be very surprised by the caliper of the men and woman. They are very intelligent, very polite and taught to fight only when it the last possible option. It is no different in any other branch

You apply to become a U.S. service person, this is not 1942 and you just waltz in to the recruiter.. and bingo .. your in.

I will tell you this, approx. 50% of the people who apply to become a Marine do not make it past the initial investigation.. which is extremely thorough. Then you have Paris Island.. where they do everything humanly possible to make you say those 2 words.. I quit... approx. 25-30% do not make it thru Paris Island ( on the east coast). Then combat training and schooling.

The end result is a very smart capable person.

That is carried over in ALL branches of the U.S. Military.

Great join the army an then get your legs blown off no thanks.

Just have to answer. That is why you should have respect and
gratitude for those that do serve.

to be honest with you I think I'm a man in the army or military is sexy as hell you know what I'm saying you are putting your life on the line there is no greater cause I love it

Economic reasons?

Most of the people I've known,
who raised their little right hands.
and swore an oath to uphold and defend
the constitution of the united states of america,
from all enemies, foreign and domestic,
TOOK A PAY CUT for the privilege of serving.

I joined for the rush,and my girlfriend had just dumped me!

But... She read it on the internet! Gotta be true and accurate and logical and...

Where's my spork?

There are LOTS of reasons folks turn to the Military. In my case, it was the only profession that ever interested me, or has ever - to the same degree, since.

Tradition plays a role, too. In my generation, there simply were not many families that did not have members serve in some branch.

There was also, in my case, a need to do the things that the meek and fearful would not do. Someone has to stand, I could and did. Not everyone is courageous. Folks that worry about getting their legs blown off need folks like the ones I served with to make sure they don't have to.

Education gets high marks as an incentive.

The G.I. Bill and Vet Benefits play a part (especially for we older vets who served under the old G.I. Bill provisions).

It's an honorable choice for those who simply haven't decided what direction their life will take, yet. The training, experience, opportunities to exercise leadership, etc. contribute to future decisions.

Some join for a paycheck or travel opportunities or any number of 'shallower' reasons.

Everyone that locks into the position of attention on those notorious yellow footprints at the Recruit Depot has their own reason.

thank you for your service to this country

Thanks, Lady T. There are lots of former military here; I've run into a few former Jarheads like moi in these threads.

I know you won't mind if I share your thanks with them, too.

Semper Fi, y'all.

I have never known someone who joined "for economic reasons". I have known some who have taken what they learned and made good/great $$ at it, but still never joined because of it.
I agree with several posts about the fact that most people who join have a solid thought about why and what they hope to accomplish. And the fact that it is NOT EASY like some think to actually get accepted AND make it through bootcamp.

My late hubby was navy man for over 6 years, traveled the world and studied his craft, but never actually "made money" doing it.

From a simple American civilian to ALL who have served in any way...Thank You

Thanks Mel!

I second the motion. Thank you, Ms. Mel.

It's great to hear from folks that appreciate Military members. We don't call it 'being in the Service' for nothing. At the end of the day, we do it for y'all in some fashion. And even for those of you who aren't thrilled with our choice of profession, too.

Appreciate it mucho.

Score:

Disadvantaged, shiftless, amoral, robots with guns - 6

Folks that believe in the above - 0

(I know nobody said that stuff, yet. I'm just trying to get ahead o'the curve. )

Greetings....That was the first word when they drafted me.....Did not join, was drafted then spit on by a grateful nations people when I got out....So glad it is different now but that was what happened to me. Do get some medical benefits now but it was not worth it for sure. Draft the politicians first if you want to stop wars!

Someone that has had passion for the armed forces, that has been in their heart sence they were little.
How can you stop them? For 14 years they have wanted this and the only thing a mother can do is pray for protection.
Today is a sad day because we are thinking of all those men and women that have fought for our freedom.
Thank you to all the soldiers that have fought for their country. My heart is with you, be safe.

There are probably lots of reasons why peoples choose to join the military,but I think the main reason why someone does it is because they feel like they must step forward to make that ultimate sacrifice with protecting their country & also the peoples that they love as well from all bad guys and to me that is an honourable thing

The front lines are not always were the booms and bullets are, sometimes the front lines are in areas of natural disasters. I have a humanitarian medal for being involved with the tsunami relief efforts in Indonesia in 2004. The one thing that remains the same is the exposure the the dead and dying.