Brookelynn Taylor

Writer

Entering the military can come with many benefits including, health care, education and training, GI bill, house loans and many more. 

Although the military has an abundance of perks, the first thing many people think of are the negative effects such as, depression, anxiety, stress, moral distress, post traumatic stress disorder and many more.

Although there are plenty of disadvantages there are an equal amount of advantages according to the Marlow High School counselor Amy Herchock. 

“The life changing affects the military can have on an individual, in my opinion, are primarily positive.  They develop strong values, give selfless service to others, and are truly loyal people.  They develop life skills and training skills that will help them attain employment outside of the military when they reach that point in their career,” Herchock explained. “One can develop personal accountability and a new appreciation for life.  I do think deployment away from friends and family would be the most difficult. But, the military becomes an extension of one’s family and therefore one is not necessarily alone in that sense.”

Not many people know about the military unless they are involved in some way or another, but with Marine Staff Sergeant Quinten Johnson coming to the high school on Tuesday, Sept. 20, many students were able to gain more knowledge on the subject.

Johnson explained to the students that entering the military is almost like enrolling in college and going straight to work at the same time.  

For example, people in the military can get an education, meet new people and get paid while doing those things. 

Students who enter the military right after graduating high school are participating in a journey that fewer than 1% of Americans partake in. 

Johnson also explained his thoughts on students entering the military right out of high school. 

“I think students entering the military right after graduating high school is probably best for their benefit. So, high schoolers do not really see it, but life moves quickly after high school, whether you do college or you are waiting,” Johnson stated. “If you are waiting, then entering the military is the best thing to do because it helps you figure out what you want to do while you are also getting paid full time.”

Along with Johnson, Herchock believes it is extremely beneficial for students to enter the military for many different reasons. 

“The military also helps students who need funding for a college education. There is a mutual relationship between the military and their commitment to paying for educational expenses on behalf of their members in a sense that it also helps them advance military personnel into specific job tasks associated with the college education their member is receiving,” Herchock added. 

In addition, there are eight out of the class of 2023 who are hoping to join the military. 

For example, senior Lane Johnson wants to become a part of the United States Marine Corps. 

“I am feeling nervous but excited at the same time to see what is to come,” Johnson stated. “I have a tremendous amount of pride for my country. I am very patriotic, so I have always wanted to join the military since I was a little kid.” 

Fellow senior Caleb Sloan, also expressed his thoughts on his choice to join the military.

“I know they will teach me discipline,” Sloan stated. “The first thirteen weeks are going to be rough because of bootcamp, but I am still meeting with a recruiter on Wednesday.” 

Students who are wanting to join the military should meet up with a recruiter to discuss their goals to make sure the branch they are wanting to go into is the right one for them. 

Although the military is not for everyone, there are still plenty of students who admire the work the military does for their country.