Myths vs Reality

It's not what you think.

Many people have misconceptions, or outdated ideas, about Today's Military. Yes, you can still go to college. No, women don't have to shave their heads. Yes, you can make it through boot camp. Take a look at some common misconceptions, and find out the truth for yourself. The U.S. Military has never been more diverse, more educated, or more ready to help you succeed.

Click on each myth below to reveal the truth. If you have any questions, check our FAQs.

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Transcript of video clip

Myth:

The Military is a roadblock to a higher education.

Reality

Reality:

  • Qualified servicemembers can receive more than $70,000 in tuition benefits.
  • The Military operates over 300 schools, teaching more than 10,000 courses.
  • The Military offers retired personnel up to $100/month reimbursement for tutorial assistance.

Get more information about the tuition support available in the Military.

Myth:

People in the Military are not compensated as well as private-sector workers.

Reality

Reality:

  • Military pay is comparable to, and in some cases better than, its civilian counterpart.
  • The Army, Navy, and Air Force offer up to a $20,000 enlistment bonus.
  • After 20 years of service, retired personnel can potentially receive military retirement pay for life.

Compare military vs. civilian pay across multiple occupations.

Women have a hard time achieving success in the Military.

Reality

Reality:

  • Approximately 95 percent of all jobs in the Military are open to women.
  • Women account for close to 15 percent of the U.S. Military.

Myth:

Military training and jobs have little relation to the civilian world.

Reality

Reality:

  • 88 percent of military jobs have direct civilian counterparts.
  • Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces are less likely to be unemployed than nonveterans.

Get more information about careers in the Military.

Myth:

It's nearly impossible for ordinary people to complete Basic Training.

Reality

Reality:

  • About 90 percent of recruits successfully complete Basic Training.
  • Despite a tough reputation, drill sergeants sincerely want recruits to succeed.

Learn more about Basic Training.

Reservists don't receive tuition support like active-duty servicemembers.

Reality

Reality:

  • Selected Reservists can receive up to $309 a month through the Montgomery G.I. Bill.
  • The Reserve Educational Assistance Program awards Reservists money for education after 90 consecutive days of active duty.

Military food is bland and unappealing.

Reality

Reality:

  • Modern military meals are varied and nutritionally balanced.
  • Options include hot and cold meals and even popular fast-food chains.
  • Food is similar to college cafeterias and is prepared by professional chefs.

You don't need to finish high school to join the Military.

Reality

Reality:

  • You must have a high school diploma or equivalent to enlist.
  • A GED may be accepted with special approval.

You must have perfect vision to serve in the Military.

Reality

Reality:

  • For the most part, an individual can serve as long as their vision can be corrected (i.e., with glasses) to 20/20.
  • Certain jobs, such as pilots and snipers, do have strict vision requirements. Talk to a recruiter for details.

Military housing is not as nice as private-sector housing.

Reality

Reality:

  • Off-base housing allowances keep pace with the cost of living in the area in which a servicemember is stationed.
  • New servicemembers without families generally live on-base, in comfortable quarters that resemble college dorms.