Guaranteed Paycheck

Here's a reason for some why the Army is so appealing: a guaranteed paycheck. In an officially receding economy in which we are now hearing that A-Rod is starting to feel the difficulties of economic struggle, the view switches to everyday youth who would rather risk their lives in the Army rather than risk testing the waters of the slumping job market. According to an MSNBC report, the retention rate of soldiers in their early careers has been steadily increasing since 2004 and now rests 20% higher than in 2004. One soldier was identified as not hesitant in re-enlisting for 5 years after serving in the 82nd Airborne Division which suffered the highest one year total of the units sent since the fighting between Iraq and Afghanistan started (MSNBC). The soldier reasoned, "I want a stable life for my wife in a very shaky economy. There were no other options. I figure if do another five or ten years in the Army, the economy will turn around and I can get a truck-driving job." Others who were noted in the report for enlisting as a result of the sagging job market included a factory worker being laid off and a 21 year old who wanted to get a 2 year college degree but opted to enlist in the army for security.

In turn the economic crisis has been a big help to the Pentagon, which had its strongest recruiting years since 2004. David Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness admitted, "We do benefit when things look less positive in civil society. What difficult economic times give us, I think is an opening to make our case to people who we might not otherwise have."

This may seem upsetting at first, to see America's jobless youth resorting to enlisting in the Army for job security because of the lack of other options. But when all is said and done, serving in the Army is a much better use for Americans than say, working at a dog racing track, which sparked debates recently about closing and eliminating jobs. And the job security that soldiers get is by far not the only benefit they receive. Many learn skills while serving in the Army that could serve them use once they finish their service. A Marine Staff Sergeant, Angela Mink stated her reason for deciding to re-enlist even after suffering a helicopter related injury, "Equivalent pay is nonexistent, once you factor in insurance premiums, housing costs...and we would definitely have had to relocate. I have a child with a disability and what civilian employer is going to take that into consideration when they think of moving you somewhere?"

At the same time people could argue that it is not right for people to have to put their lives in mortal danger in order to get better financial and employment security. It comes down to whether or not you would risk your life for a number of years instead of financial adversity, and no matter how many people join the Army, it is one job that will always be hiring.


"Soldiers choose war over bleak economy". Associated Press. 2 December 2008. MSNBC. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28019406/