The Military vs Civilian Work, Essay Example

It goes without saying that the effects of the current economic condition plaguing the United States have already begun taking their toll on many families in this country. Therefore, citizens are searching for economic relief in a multitude of ways. While many civilians earn a living completing more common jobs, others are reaping the economic benefits of being employed by the military. The plethora of advantages the military is prepared to offer serves as an enticing incentive for citizens to choose a military job as opposed to working as a civilian.

To start, civilian jobs typically involve a wealth of components that are not present in military work. For instance, with the economy being in a recession, finding work has proven difficult for millions and families are struggling as a direct result. Therefore, acquiring a college education is a paramount factor to finding high paying civilian work. Unfortunately, the cost of earning a college degree is oftentimes very expensive and unobtainable as a consequence. Economically, attending college can prove very fruitful if one has the ability to finance his or her education. Thankfully, members of the military are not faced with the same challenge because the military finances the college education of its members. Through the G.I. Bill and Tuition Assistance Programs, military workers are relieved economically through being provided with an outstanding education in exchange for their military contributions (Powers). With the average college tuition cost experiencing a 4.4 percent increase from the previous year, a civilian is likely to pay over $26,000 to receive an education from a private four-year school (College Costs – Average College Tuition Cost). However, the 1.4 million people serving in the military are not subjected to such financial burdens (Job Opportunities in the Armed Forces).

Additionally, a significant economic advantage of being employed by the military deals heavily with the outstanding monetary compensation. Understandably, the pay for all members of the military differs and is dependent on unique factors such as years of service, as well as specific job duties and qualifications. Nonetheless, the military awards its members with a handsome salary that competes with many companies that employ everyday civilians. To demonstrate, in 2008 military members with 20 years or less of service experience were earning an average of at least $40,000 annually (Powers). On the other hand, working as a civilian offers the potential of making a salary above or equivalent to that of a military worker, but the majority of civilians are earning substantially less. For instance, in 2005 the annual gross income for an employee in the United States was $23,484 (U.S. Average Salary Income – Job Comparison). Clearly, the earning potential offered by the military rivals the wages being provided by countless other employers.

All in all, the plethora of advantages the military is prepared to offer serves as an enticing incentive for citizens to choose a military job as opposed to working as a civilian. The economic benefits provided by the military are not limited to the previously mentioned two key points concerning receiving a free college education and an admirable salary. Unlike numerous jobs being performed by civilians, military members receive combat pay, enlistment and re-enlistment bonuses, a housing allowance, medical care, and an exemplary retirement plan (Powers). Moreover, the military offers benefits that can be enjoyed in any economic condition, but especially during a recession. With that said, it is safe to assume the number of military employees increases daily as a result of the military offering economic advantages that other employers fail to.

Works Cited

“College Costs – Average College Tuition Cost.” College Admissions – SAT – University & College Search Tool. Web. 21 June 2010. <http://www.collegeboard.com/student/pay/add-it-up/4494.html>.

“Job Opportunities in the Armed Forces.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Web. 21 June 2010. <http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos249.htm>.

Powers, Rod. “2008 Annual Salary Chart for U.S. Military Enlisted Members.” United States Military Information. 07 Feb. 2008. Web. 21 June 2010. <http://usmilitary.about.com/od/fy2008paycharts/a/salenlless.htm>.

“U.S. Military FAQ — Does the Military Pay for College for Spouses and Children?” United States Military Information. Web. 21 June 2010. <http://usmilitary.about.com/od/benefits/f/dependented.htm>.

“U.S. Military FAQ — Military Pay and Benefits.” United States Military Information. Web. 21 June 2010. <http://usmilitary.about.com/od/payandbenefits/a/faqpay.htm>.

“U.S. Average Salary Income – Job Comparison.” International Average Salary Income Comparison. 2008. Web. 21 June 2010. <http://www.worldsalaries.org/usa.shtml>.