So What I am getting is that money should not matter to join the Army, right?

I served 20 years, been to Iraq 3 times and never got a single bonus.

I would do it all over again, and give any bonus I received to the college fund of a deceased veterans child...

No the money should not be the deciding fact, it should be the feeling of duty honor country. That is why I serve Yes I took a bonus but that was just what it was a bonus. I did not even ask the retention NCO about one he just said this is what you will get in five days I said ok thanks. You should have an overwhelming feeling of wanting to protect the freedom that 250 years have brought you and think of the countless solder that have died for that. It does not matter if you agree or disagree with the current conflict or any of the past one’s. Solders are not to decide what is or is not the right war but to do as there elected politicians tell them is the right war. You speak with a vote but you fight with a weapon regardless if you like the battle or not. Our nations freedom was fought for and won by solders that barely got paid we even fought our own brother to make sure every man was free. That is how important freedom is to every American. You don’t deter you enemy at the UN you deter them by having the most well trained and equipped fighting force in the world. Our Army started out as an all volunteer Army and has ended up the same way and we all have our reasons of being here but bottom line it is about freedom you have the choice to join or not to join the U.S. Army So look at the next soldier you see and say thanks. If that soldier is you in 9 week of basic, be proud because you are giving the right to disagree with you and me to the people that are on this very web page.ctor

Personally it didn't matter to me. I wanted to serve my country and do something different with my life. Now when I look back I'm sure glad I joined. I have the job I have now because of the being in the U.S. Army. It makes me so mad when young kids only join for college money or whatever. I had the GI Bill, but that wasn't the reason I joined.

Good luck with your retirment pay, my brother was in the army for five years and also went to iraq for 6 mounths during OIP and he was promised a lot but did not recieve a thing. He doesnt even get Vetran support He was a Bradly linebacker driver for the 1st calvery ADA out of fort Hood. He was just thrown back into America, started drinking a lot and his first sargent did not care about his drinking problems and the fact he did not recieve healthcare and the money they promised him. The fact is that the military can lie all they want to you after youve joined because once you join you become government property.

Not everyone joins just to be patriotic and to serve their country. A lot of young soldiers state they join for the college money and they want a stable job. These days staying at a job and being able to retire at 20 years is out of the question in the civilian world. In garrison its not that tough but you know while deployed it is a different story. They are giving large reenlistment bonuses and enlistment bonus now too.

I joined for the college money, follow in my grandfathers footsteps, become independent, and because of job stability. I stayed in because of the money and I enjoy what I do.

If money wasn't an issue we wouldn't have recruitment and retention issues.....money talks. If the Military paid minimum wage how many people would be in? Exactly....and if you calculate the hours normal soldiers make it is well above the minimum when you factor in you don't have to pay rent, medical care, or food.

Only if you now actually believe that invading Iraq was the right thing. That Iraq and its people would be better off even if the U.S. military was to stay there indefinitely. That the current bombings and killing of Iraqis would actually ceased. You must understand that without the vast majority of the Iraqi people's cooperation, the sectarian violence will not stop. Instead of reading and listening to pros and cons about the occupation of Iraq, you need to study a little the history of the Iraqi people and their Islamic religion. Lastly, find out for yourself which Islamic countries are enjoying full democracy as you know it.

Money matters it always matter. But it should not be the only reason. If it the only reason that person probably would not make it through the vigorous training that he or she would endure. I want to join because of the life experience,the training, education, money and more importantly to save the lives of others as a combat medic.

first of all, grammar. i cant understand your question. but if you're asking is the money matters when joining the army, then it depends. Some people need the money (they have no skills, education). But other people, it doesnt matter. Like me, i would never join the army for any amount of money. I have an education, so i will use that to get a career and make money that way. Its hard work, but worth it.

Are you going to report answers that DONT agree with you?

You won't get rich in the Army, unless you are a General who then goes to work for a Defense Contractor. Its a job you have to want to do. I always wanted to be a soldier.

I'm not really sure what your asking.

I can tell you that an analysis of zip codes indicate a large number of middle to upper middle class volunteers.