Patriotism, duty and honor? Maybe. But most FHS students who choose to enter the military seem not to join for traditional reasons but to learn specific skills without having to pay for the training. “The military is a good career and I get training in a specific field and I get money for college if I want any additional education,” said senior Brad DeVinney, who will join the Air Force. “Plus I get additional benefits.” The military offers immediate income, so instead of struggling to stay out of college debt, students choosing the military can expect to earn money for their education, not spend it. DeVinney will receive $150 after he completes basic training and can expect to earn as much as $1,200 a month after six months. “I think as a whole, the appealing things about the military are money for college and instant employment — you start earning money immediately,” said career center director Craig Hunnicutt. “The recruiters do a really good job of showing the income potential. Those going into the military can expect more substantial earning within three to five years.” Not only will students who choose the military be paid, they will also have additional benefits, such as dental and medical coverage as will as paid housing and food, according to DeVinney. Senior Josh Pilsch found that the military suits his desires for continuing his education after high school. “I like the service,” said Pilsch, who will join the Army. “I like everything about it. They offered me a lot of great benefits.” Pilsch’s high school activities will also benefit him when he joins the service. “I took ROTC (in high school),” said Pilsch. “So I go in as a higher rank.” Although many students join the service for monetary reasons, recruiters have also seen other reasons. “Usually what it is, is there is more than one reason for people (to join the military),” said Army recruiter Sergeant M. Louis Williams of Kalispell. “Some people do it because they want to experience a different country. Some of them go into the military for the adventure.” Pilsch’s father fought in Vietnam and his grandfather also was in the military. He feels that joining the military may be a “continuing of the family thing,” but he also feels the military will fulfill other desires. “I don’t want to get out of high school and stick around here,” said Pilsch. “I want to go around, see the world. I don’t have to sit behind a desk” in the military. Just as their reasons for choosing the military are numerous, students’ goals and expectations differ. These goals often lead to choosing different branches, since each is distinct in what they offer. “There is a certain sense of pride among the branches,” said Hunnicutt. For example, the Marines are often thought of as the toughest branch while the Air Force seems to encourage independent thinking and good decision-making, according to Hunnicutt. DeVinney chose the Air Force because he believes they “have a better standard of treatment for their people in the armed services.” DeVinney’s sister and brother-in-law are also in the Air Force. Pilsch picked the Army for much of the same reasons, saying that the Army gave him the most benefits. Despite the branch a student chooses, the military offers them many opportunities for skilled training, education and benefits. “My emphasis is there’s no such thing as a bad branch of the military,” said Williams. “Get out of the service what you want.” Said DeVinney: “It’s a different way of life. You get discipline in your life. It’s going to make me make the right decisions and stay out of trouble.” |
