There are many advantages of military service. Immediate benefits include educational and/or career training through graduate degrees, opportunity to become a commissioned officer through college ROTC or military academies, travel, specific guaranteed training upon entry, a community with a variety of attractions, free medical and dental care, lower cost commissary and post exchange service, guaranteed pay, promotion opportunities, access to a cadre of trained consultants and counselors, and free legal assistance. Long-term benefits may include the new G.I. Bill awards, scholarships and fellowships, pay bonuses, 30-day paid vacations every year, development of leisure-time skills, certain housing, medical, and educational services for families, low-cost life insurance, FHA loans, lifetime retirement benefits after 20 years of service, and job retention rights over all nonveteran federal workers.
