Everyone knows the military offers some impressive benefits for our troops, including healthcare, housing, retirement contributions, financial stability, and more. However, there are far more benefits of serving in the military than what’s on the surface. Being in the military offers plenty of additional benefits that aren’t often talked about or acknowledged when discussing the advantages of joining the military. Below, we’ll discuss some of the additional benefits of serving in the military so you can decide if it’s the right choice for you.

6 Added Benefits of Serving in the Military

There are many reasons someone might decide to join the military, whether they want to be a part of something greater than themselves or they want some of the benefits they get from joining. While many people are familiar with the more notable benefits, there are some additional benefits of serving in the military that may be lesser known. Some of the extra benefits of serving in the military include:

1. Self-Improvement

One of the most notable extra benefits of being in the military is the unique opportunity for self-improvement. You’ll learn many different things and develop skills to help you become a better person. For example, some of the things you may learn include:

●Self-reflection: The military gives you an opportunity to reflect on your life, including your past and the decisions you’ve made to get you where you are now. You’ll have the chance to learn from your mistakes and focus on being optimistic about your future. Self-reflection is critical to self-improvement and the military gives you ample opportunity

●Independence: You’ll learn how to be more independent when serving in the military since you will be responsible for managing your duties at work and at home. Independence is critical to living a successful life in adulthood, and this skill will be useful during and after your time in the military.

●Accountability: Serving in the military forces you to be accountable for your actions and responsibilities, which is important for self-improvement. Rather than placing the blame on others or believing that everything that happens is out of your control, the military teaches you to be accountable for your responsibilities and duties, both at work and in your personal life.

●Inner strength: The military teaches you how to persevere in the face of adversity. There are many challenges you’ll face while you’re in the military, but learning to navigate these difficulties will make it easier to cope with the challenges you’ll face later on in life.

2. Skill Development

The training you get in the military will help you develop skills, both related to your field and broader skills you can use in any career and in life. Some of the professional development skills you’ll gain while in the military include:

●Self-discipline: The military requires service members to be disciplined in their work, which means they must have the motivation to handle their work and life responsibilities. This skill will be useful after the military when you start your civilian career and need to be disciplined to climb up the ladder.

●Leadership: Service members are taught to lead with confidence and integrity, and the leadership skills they develop will help them excel in their life and career outside of the military.

●Teamwork: Part of being in the military means being apart of a team. In nearly everything you do in life, you will need to work with others, so learning to work as a team in the military will set you up with the skills you need to be successful in your personal and professional life.

●Adaptability: There are various challenges you’ll experience in the military that will require you to adapt, which is a valuable skill you can use outside of the military to handle the challenges you may experience in other parts of your life.

●Communication: Learning how to communicate effectively is important in your professional and personal life. The military requires efficient communication between service members to facilitate smooth operations, so you’ll learn how to best communicate with your fellow troops.

These are just a few of the many skills you’ll develop in the military that will help you be more successful in your personal and professional life, both during and after your military career.

3. Relationship Development

Being in the military helps you develop interpersonal skills while you build relationships, whether it’s with your fellow troops or the people you meet around the world while you’re serving. The camaraderie among fellow service members creates a deep bond that can turn into lifelong friendships, which are important for long-term mental well-being.

You also learn how to work well with a team and how to cooperate with others, even through disagreements. Learning this skill will help you develop mature and healthy relationships in your personal and professional life beyond the military, which is important in quality of life.

4. Cultural Exposure

One of the many reasons that people join the military is to travel and experience the world when they may not have the opportunity to do so otherwise. You’ll likely be stationed away from home at least once during your service, but there’s a high likelihood that you’ll be stationed at several duty stations during your career. You may even have the opportunity to be stationed or deployed overseas, which exposes you to cultures and lifestyles different than what you know.

This exposure has many benefits, including expanding your worldview and making you more accepting of cultural differences outside of your own. Learning how others live their lives and hearing about their struggles and experiences can even make you more compassionate to the struggles of others back home, making you a more caring and well-rounded person.

5. Sense of Purpose

One of the most notable benefits of joining the military outside of the standard benefits like healthcare and retirement is the sens of purpose a military career offers. Having a sense of purpose and something to work towards creates a more fulfilling life experience. If you’re feeling lost or like you’re not sure what you want to do with your life, joining the military can give you a sense of purpose and direction.

6. Discounts and Perks

Being in the military means you gain access to discounts and perks that civilians don’t have access to. Many businesses will offer service members and their families discounts when making purchases as a way to show gratitude and support for their sacrifice. Some airlines may also offer discounts, and active duty service members won’t have to pay for their luggage when traveling.

Service members also have access to the Information Tickets and Tours Office (ITT), which can be found at most bases. This office provides information on travel and event tickets that are discounted for service members and can even help you access them. This office makes it easier for service members to enjoy events and recreational activities with their families to ensure they live a well-rounded life.

Find the Gear to Support Your Military Career at MLC

Regardless of why you decide to join the military, Military Luggage Company can help you with your gear needs throughout your career. We offer an impressive selection of gear for your operations, such as assault packs, deployment bags, admin accessories, kit bags, and more. We personally vet every product we have to ensure they can withstand the rigors of military life. Check out our selection to get started, or contact us with any of your questions.