Buzz
Despite the U.S. having a population of over 330 million, only 1.4 million individuals, or 0.4 percent of the total population, are enlisted in the military. Additionally, by 2014, the number of veterans residing in the U.S. was estimated to be 22 million.
For many, the idea of joining the military never crosses their mind. Their only exposure might be through movies, which often provide an inaccurate portrayal of military life. While some films depict the armed forces realistically, the majority of them get it wrong, contributing to widespread misconceptions about military service.
10. The Military Is Just a Last Resort for Those Who Can’t Stay Out of Trouble
Before you can even begin the enlistment process, every branch of the military requires a comprehensive background check. Conducted by the FBI, this investigation includes your juvenile record, even if you thought it was sealed after turning 18. (It isn’t.)
In 2006, a man from Arlington, Virginia, pled guilty to aggravated assault, and his lawyer tried to convince the judge to allow him to enlist in place of serving a prison sentence. While the judge agreed, the army declined, as their regulations clearly prohibit enlisting anyone who is coerced into joining.
9. Basic Training Is Set Up to Ensure You Fail
Each military branch tracks the failure rates of their basic training programs, with none exceeding 14 percent. Far from being designed for failure, the military has a vested interest in seeing recruits succeed. It is costly for the government to train someone, so it’s more efficient to offer opportunities to retake tests rather than process them out.
There are military schools that present significant challenges, like SEAL and Special Forces training. However, Basic Training is designed to transform civilians into servicemembers. All branches recognize that most recruits are not physically or mentally prepared for military life. Therefore, Basic serves as the foundation, preparing individuals to become soldiers, sailors, airmen, or Marines. The learning process doesn't stop after Basic, as military training is continuous.
8. Joining the Army or Marines equates to becoming an Infantryman
Basic training in the Army and Marines includes infantry skills, but it does not mean that every recruit becomes an infantryman. After Basic, soldiers and Marines move on to Advanced Individual Training (AIT), where they focus on the specific roles they'll be filling, such as cooks, mechanics, electricians, and intelligence specialists. The Army encompasses over 100 job specialties.
Marines receive comprehensive infantry training during Basic. Those attending the School of Infantry are taught that 'every Marine is, first and foremost, a rifleman.' Despite this, there are various noncombat roles in the Marines, including positions in linguistics, maintenance, food service, and more.
7. Combat Veterans Are Time Bombs Waiting To Go Off
Some veterans who return from combat deployments are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as I personally have experienced. For many years, Hollywood has depicted these individuals as time bombs—similar to the character Rambo—primed to erupt at any given moment. However, this portrayal is not accurate in most cases. PTSD is a serious, debilitating condition, but with the right treatment, affected servicemembers can lead fulfilling, healthy lives once again.
A number of military personnel have been reluctant to seek treatment out of fear of losing their jobs. Extensive resources have been allocated to address this issue, leading to a significant increase in the number of veterans receiving treatment.
Incidents like the 2016 sniper shootings of police officers by Micah Johnson in Dallas often cast a negative shadow on veterans. However, violent crimes committed by veterans occur less frequently compared to the civilian population. Unfortunately, servicemembers and veterans are twice as likely to die by suicide as those who have never served in the military.
6. Not Everyone in the Air Force is a Pilot
A common misconception about the Air Force is that everyone is involved in flying aircraft. The reality is that each plane requires a large team for maintenance. Additionally, many airmen work in roles outside aviation, such as in intelligence, administration, and various other specialties. Moreover, most pilots in the Air Force operate transport planes like the C-130, rather than fighter jets.
The Navy actually has more fighter pilots than the Air Force. Each of the Navy's 11 carrier groups operates its own air force, with approximately 70 aircraft per group.
If you want to become a pilot with the least amount of educational requirements, joining the Army as a warrant officer helicopter pilot is the way to go. This is the only type of pilot role that doesn’t require a college degree.
5. ‘I Can Always Join The Military’
For the 2012–13 school year, the average graduation rate across US high schools was about 82 percent. Many people assume they can always enlist in the military if life becomes difficult. While this may have been true decades ago, the creation of the all-volunteer force in 1973 significantly raised the enlistment standards.
To be eligible for military service, you must have no medical conditions, be a high school graduate, have no criminal record, and pass a test. Many applicants either fail the test or perform poorly on it.
Approximately 40 percent of civilians are qualified to enlist, according to average rates. However, the Pentagon’s analysis suggests the number is much lower, around 25 percent. The most common issues among today's youth are obesity, followed by criminal records and drug use.
4. Boot Camp Is Not Like What You See In Movies
Many people are surprised when they experience boot camp because the portrayal in movies is far from accurate. If you expect to be harshly treated by someone like R. Lee Ermey’s character in Full Metal Jacket, you're mistaken. Drill sergeants or instructors cannot touch you without permission, and they are prohibited from using profanity. The modern military is a professional environment where hazing and shaming are strictly forbidden.
The practice of making soldiers perform push-ups as punishment for behavioral issues, like the famous “Drop and give me 20!”, has been phased out. Instead, leaders are trained to directly address the issue and guide their personnel toward improvement without causing embarrassment or resorting to hazing.
3. Being at War Means Nonstop Combat
While many films accurately portray intense firefights, in reality, service members often go about their duties just as they would back home. Cooks prepare meals, and intelligence officers process information. The job itself is largely the same, though there are unique aspects such as constantly wearing uniforms, carrying weapons, and living under the constant threat of attack.
Most service members rarely leave the forward operating base (FOB), and those who don’t are humorously called FOBBITS. Despite the dangerous environment, the routine of military life for many can be quite ordinary—just with the added tension of being under constant threat.
Life in a combat zone may not be as harsh as one might expect. Nevertheless, there are exceptions—many are stationed in remote and perilous regions. The larger the base, the better the facilities available. Thanks to organizations like the USO, most Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) offer a gym, dining options, and spaces to watch movies, play games, or simply unwind.
2. Women Face Limitations in Career Advancement
Women have consistently demonstrated their exceptional abilities across every branch of the military. Following the removal of the combat role restrictions, women now have greater opportunities to rise through the ranks than ever before.
Since 1948, women have been an integral part of the active-duty military, when President Truman signed the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act. Even before combat restrictions were lifted, women made invaluable contributions in every military engagement the United States participated in. The Army Nurse Corps, established in 1901 after the Spanish-American War, marked the first service of women in the military.
Since women were previously excluded from combat roles, no female general had the opportunity to hold the position of chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This role has always been filled by a servicemember from a combat branch—typically a man. Now that the ban is lifted, women are set to begin taking on these prestigious roles.
1. Every Member of the Military Carries a Weapon
When deployed, every individual, with the exception of chaplains, is armed with either a sidearm or a rifle. While not deployed, only military police officers have permission to carry firearms. Servicemembers are restricted from carrying firearms in public or while in uniform unless they are involved in training. It is also illegal to bring a firearm onto a federal facility without prior authorization, and doing so can result in serious legal consequences.
Following recent violent incidents on military bases, there is a push to amend the policy for personnel authorized to carry concealed firearms. Some lawmakers are advocating for changes that would permit servicemembers to carry firearms in response to the rising security concerns.
