Main reasons why Americans join the army

Americans join the military for many reasons: out of a sense of patriotism, because of family, and because of the social significance of the army. However, according to a new study among conscripts, the main motivation is relatively simple: money.

There are two reasons for serving in the military: institutional, such as family and a sense of duty, and professional, such as professional development and job stability.

The RAND Corporation surveyed 81 military personnel. 37% of respondents indicated both types of reasons, 46% joined the army only for professional reasons, and only 9% did so for institutional reasons. Those who called the service their vocation were mostly medics.

In other words, the vast majority of respondents had economic reasons for joining the military. The average salary of a private in the US army is about $ 1,600/month. Soldiers receive free health insurance, are guaranteed 30 days of leave, and after completing their service, they can enjoy benefits and receive free education, apply for loans on favorable terms, and receive employment assistance. Military service is a “lifeline” for some Americans, researchers say.

According to a RAND study, the main motivations for joining the military are:

- Institutional: the desire to serve — for 20 soldiers, family traditions — 11, a honor — 9;

- Professional: adventure/travel — 32, benefits — 25, stable employment/salary — 19, leave from unfavorable conditions-17.

42% of soldiers cited travel as a reason to join the army. “I’ve spent most of my life in Kansas, so I decided that if I joined the military , I would have a better chance of visiting new States and new countries,” one of them said in an interview.

See also

Articles about weapons, civilian self-defense and engineering projects in the blog OBERON-ALPHA.