Careers & Benefits
Military Employment Benefits
Serving in the Military unlocks benefits that empower and continue to support you long after service. Beyond opportunities to grow, learn and lead, the Military provides everyday support systems like healthcare, education assistance, retirement benefits and transition skills that build stability to help you plan for the future.
Some of these military benefits are ones you won’t find anywhere else.
Military Benefits You Can Count On
Military service is supported by a foundation of benefits that make a difference in your day-to-day life, including health care, housing, education and family resources. And these aren’t extras; they’re built into the experience, which gives you the freedom to focus on growing your future, not stressing about monthly bills.
Pay and Cost of Living
Military pay can contribute to real stability. You earn a steady base salary plus nontaxable allowances that help cover housing and meals, which means more of your paycheck stays in your pocket.
Health Care
Health care in the Military is designed to put you and your family first. Through TRICARE, the Military’s primary program and network, many service members may receive full medical coverage with minimal out-of-pocket costs both during and after service. Children may remain covered until age 21 (or 23 if in college). Besides TRICARE, additional support, including child care help and dental and life insurance, keeps you and your family protected through every chapter.
Military health benefits may also include:
- Life insurance through Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
- Child care support and resources
- Education support for children
- Dental and medical benefits for Reserve and National Guard members when activated or depending on enrollment
Education
If education is part of your plan, the Military provides flexible and affordable ways to make it happen. Tuition Assistance (TA), scholarships and the Post-9/11 GI Bill can help you earn a degree, level up your skills or return to school later with little to no debt.
How Military Benefits Stack Up
In the Military, core benefits like health care, housing and education aren’t add-ons; they’re built in from day one. In civilian jobs, benefits may vary based on employer, industry and location. Here’s a quick breakdown of military vs. civilian job benefits.
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Benefits
Health Care (2769)
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Military Jobs
Service members get comprehensive medical and dental benefits at little to no cost from day one. (2769)
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Civilian Jobs
Employer plans may require premiums or copays or change when you switch jobs. (2769)
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Education (2769)
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Service members receive many benefits, including tuition assistance, scholarships and the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and also have loan repayment program options. (2769)
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You will need to take out loans, apply for grants or use personal savings to pay for education. (2769)
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Housing (2769)
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Service members receive either on-base housing or allowances for off-base living to help with rent/mortgage payments. (2769)
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In a civilian job, you will have to independently secure housing and manage rent and home loans on your own. (2769)
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Life Insurance (2769)
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Service members are automatically enrolled in SGLI from day one. (2769)
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You will need to either seek out private coverage or secure it through an employer. (2769)
Note that these benefits apply to active-duty service members.
Military Benefits That Go Beyond the Basics
Military life isn’t just about the nine-to-five, it’s about empowering you to thrive. Whether it’s time off, access to on-base amenities or new ways to explore the world, these benefits help you make the most of life outside work.
Time Off and Leave
Active-duty service members accrue 30 days of paid vacation per year at 2.5 days per month. Unused leave can roll over: up to 15 days after the first year of service and up to 60 days in subsequent years. Beyond vacation, additional leave programs support parents, families, emergencies and major life events. Throughout it all, and even when you take time off, your salary and allowances continue.
Making Time for You
“I can take real time off to recharge. And that time is respected.”
Reece Williams,
Petty Officer Second Class
Coast Guard
Transcription
Reece Williams, Petty Officer Second Class | Coast Guard: We get about 30 vacation days a year. And so, you can put that in whenever you want and it for the most part gets approved. I work Monday through Friday and I have about two to three duty days a month and the good thing about the thing I love about my schedule is I'll have like little days off like sprinkled throughout my week if I have duty on a Sunday that means I'll get Friday and Monday off or if I have duty on Saturday I'll have Monday off, you know. I could put in three weeks of leave if I really felt like it and really wanted to and go on vacation out of the country.
Making Time for You
On-Base Amenities
On or near base, service members often have access to gyms, recreational centers, grocery stores, housing support and everyday essentials. Many installations offer on-base housing or nearby options supported by allowances along with maintenance services that simplify day-to-day living. These resources are designed for convenience and affordability.
Lifestyle and Travel
Military perks make exploring easier and more affordable. Think discounted event tickets and more affordable flights through Space-A travel*. Many bases offer recreation rentals, pools, sports facilities and outdoor trips through MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) programs.
*Space-A travel depends on seat availability.
Beyond official military benefits, thousands of brands voluntarily provide discounts as a goodwill gesture to service members.
These can include savings on travel, hotels, car rentals, tech, apparel, dining, groceries, entertainment, tools and more.
Support Services
Life happens, and through it all, the Military has your back. From relocation help to counseling, legal assistance and education services, these programs make major transitions and everyday challenges easier to navigate.
Parental Leave
When families expand, service members enjoy dedicated time to bond and adjust. The Military offers both birth and nonbirth parents up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave with full salary and allowances. This applies to all active-duty service members as well as qualified Reserve and Guard members on extended active duty. Birth parents may also receive additional leave time to support recovery before returning to duty.
Military Benefits You Keep After Service
The appreciation doesn’t stop when your service ends. These long-term benefits support both active-duty and qualified Reserve and Guard service members, helping you successfully transition out of the Military with confidence and follow-on opportunities.
Veteran Benefits and Support
In addition to education, housing and health care resources, the Military offers programs that help you build long-term financial security through both government contributions and your own savings elections.
Benefits may include:
- Post-9/11 GI Bill for education and training
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loans with no down payment required
- Retirement planning and savings through the Blended Retirement System (BRS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
- Health care support through VA programs
Transition and Employment
Transition programs help service members plan for civilian career moves, build resumes, learn interview skills and connect with employers.
How Veteran Benefits Stack Up
Veterans gain access to a range of support programs that can make milestones like homeownership and retirement more achievable. Here’s how key military benefits compare to what civilians typically receive.
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Benefits
Home Loans (2769)
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Military Jobs
Service members are eligible for VA-backed home loans with no down payment and often with lower interest rates. (2769)
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Civilian Jobs
Civilian home loans require down payments, may need mortgage insurance and depend heavily on credit requirements. (2769)
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Retirement (2769)
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Service members earn pensions along with a government-matched TSP. (2769)
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Many civilian jobs offer 401(k) plans, often with employer matching, but pensions are less common. (2769)
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Disability Support (2769)
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Service members get streamlined options to file disability claims before separating. (2769)
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Civilians can typically file after an incident, and the documentation process can be complex and time-consuming. (2769)
Frequently Asked Questions About Military Employment Benefits
Yes. Service members may receive on-base housing or a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to help cover rent or mortgage costs off-base, or they may live in on-base housing with maintenance support included.
Yes. Tuition Assistance (TA) and other programs help reduce or eliminate tuition while serving, and some credentials or certifications may also be covered.
Families can access health care, child care resources, counseling, education support and more.
Costs vary by plan and service status. Many active-duty members pay little to nothing out of pocket, while family members and retirees may incur fees or cost shares.
Veterans may access health care, home loans, GI Bill education benefits and transition resources that support employment, training and long-term stability.