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7 Things The Army Can Do For You

From buying a home to following your passions, what can the Army help you achieve?

U.S. Army
by U.S. Army

Brand Publisher

When you join the Army, you get a variety of benefits to help you and your family live fulfilled, well-rounded lives. Here are just a few things the Army can help you with:

1. Continue your education.

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Whether you want to attend college full-time or earn your master's degree, the Army has a way for you to achieve your educational goals while still pursuing an Army career. You can serve part-time in the Army to prioritize college. There are thousands serving in the Army who earn their degree each year through online courses. Plus, the Army helps pay tuition costs through assistance programs and merit-based scholarships.

2. Get help buying a home.

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Most of us dream of one day being a homeowner but right now purchasing a home is harder than ever. The Army offers a few ways to help make this dream a reality! If you are an actively serving member, a veteran, or select military spouse, you may qualify for the Veterans Affairs Loan, which allows you to purchase a home with a zero-down mortgage. This lifetime benefit also includes competitively low interest rates and no need for Private Mortgage Insurance on your loan. 

3. Receive 30 days of paid vacation a year.

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Time off is crucial to anyone’s mental and physical well-being. And believe it or not, soldiers receive more paid vacation days than the average American! As a full-time soldier, you’ll receive 30 days of paid vacation annually as well as time off on weekends and national holidays, so you can travel with your family, relax with friends, and pursue your favorite activities and hobbies. 

4. Prepare for retirement.

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While many people choose to have a lifelong career in the Army, soldiers are allowed to retire after only 20 years. You can even start receiving benefits from the Army retirement income fund after two years.

5. Develop skills for lifelong careers.

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The Army offers a variety of ways to keep advancing your skills for successful careers in the Army and beyond. The Army’s Credentialing Assistance Program allows you to pursue more than 1,500 industry-recognized certifications or licenses in whatever career field you like. You can also access one-of-a-kind leadership courses that will teach you how to lead in any field.

6. Feel supported as a new parent.

A US Army member sits inside an aircraft with his young daughter
US Army

Welcoming a new family member is always exciting and parents need plenty of time to adjust to this new chapter in their lives. The Army supports parents and offers generous paid parental leave, including 12 weeks for both parents (an ungendered benefit). That includes six weeks of convalescent leave for mothers.

7. Explore job opportunities across 200 unique career paths.

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US Army

The Army has hundreds of different job opportunities for you to choose from — some you probably didn’t even know existed! From culinary arts to animal handling and STEM, you can pursue a career in your dream field.

Explore all the benefits the Army offers at GoArmy.com.