If you’re a new recruit, you’re likely wondering what you can expect. Military lifestyles vary based on branch, your MOS, and duty station. However, there are many experiences that our troops share. For example, all service members must participate in basic training, and many will deploy at some point during their time in the military. We’ve created a helpful guide to help you get a better understanding of what your new career in the military will be like.

What to Expect as a New Recruit

You’ve decided to join the military, picked what branch you want, and are preparing for basic training. But what can you expect from this commitment, and how might it change your life? Learn more about what you can expect from the military below:

1. Daily Lifestyle Changes

Your daily life will look different once you start your career in the military. Your work day might look different to another troop, depending on your MOS. However, you’ll still have to complete the same basic tasks and engage in similar activities. For example, you’ll need to put on your uniform each morning according to regulations and show up to work on time. As a new recruit, you might be required to live in the barracks.

Apart from the requirements of your MOS, a military job looks very similar to a civilian career since you’ll have regular work hours, off-work hours, benefits, and other similarities. The main difference will be in your specific job duties and the unique military culture, which you’ll learn about as you dive into your work.

2. Moving and Housing

Moving is an inevitable part of military life. At some point in your career, you should expect to move somewhere new. Your exact destination and how often you move will vary considerably from another troop. You may move more or less than others you know in the military.

Once you arrive at your new duty station, you have a few options for housing. Depending on your rank, you may still be required to live in the barracks. If you’re married or have children, you can choose on-base housing or live off-base.

Service members are provided a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH that’s adjusted based on rank, location, and number of dependents. If you use on-base housing, your BAH is used to cover the cost of living in the provided homes. If you live off-base, you can use the housing allowance to pay rent or a mortgage. You’ll want to weigh the pros and cons of each living situation and what will benefit your family.

3. Travel

You’ll have a lot of travel opportunities as a member of the military. You can be stationed in various states and even request overseas duty if you want to see different countries, but placement isn’t guaranteed. You’ll likely have multiple opportunities to travel since many service members change their duty station at least once during their careers.

Another factor to consider that’s unique to military life is the potential to deploy. There’s no guarantee for deployment throughout your career, and depends on a service member’s MOS and unit. Note that deployment doesn’t always mean entering combat scenarios. You could deploy for support, disaster relief, or other non-combat situations.

4. Health and Physical Activity

Physical training in the military starts in basic training and continues throughout your career. New recruits will be expected to participate in regular PT, usually at a specific time in the morning during the week. Military personnel are expected to maintain a certain level of physical fitness and are often tested at least once a year. If you don’t meet the basic fitness requirements, it could be detrimental to your career.

Ideally, you should start your personal fitness routine before you head off to basic and continue it throughout your career. Keeping up with your physical health outside of required training will help you exceed the expectations of the military.

5. Social Life

Some people have the misconception that once you join the military, your social life becomes non-existent. The opposite is true.

You’ll meet plenty of people in the military who can become your lifelong friends. Many bases have recreational facilities for service members to use. You can also take advantage of military discounts for travel and entertainment to get involved with your community and spend time with loved ones. You might discover that your social life flourishes after joining the military.

6. Family and Support

Many service members have families, and the military understands the importance of family. As a result, you’ll discover that the military has created many programs directed toward helping service members and their loved ones. For example, you’ll have access to affordable housing, family healthcare, family recreation, military spouse education, affordable shopping, and so much more.

You’ll also find support for various challenges you might encounter while you’re in the military, which can include:

●Deployments

●Work stress

●Education funding

●Parenting

●Relocation

When you’re in the military, you can leverage your network and the various support programs to help build a fulfilling life for yourself and your family.

Start Your Military Career Off Right Equipped With the Right Gear

No matter what branch you go into or your MOS, you’ll need tactical gear to support your military operations. Military Luggage Company has all the bags and packs you could need to support a professional career in the armed forces. Choose from assault packs, backpacks, duffle bags, rucksacks, garment bags, and so much more. Find something for nearly every application and start your career off on the right foot. You can also contact us today with your questions!