The U.s. Armed Forced - Army Has The Best Benefits

Q: I am Trevor Borseth. This is my account of the recruiting process for the United States Armed forces. I had a lot of meetings with the Army, Marines, Navy, and Air Force. I joined the Army active duty as a 31charlie (radio operator-maintainer.) No other branch of the military can even come close to the benefits that the army has to offer. I haven't gone to basic training yet but I have already received a promotion because I went to college for 2+ years... They pay off school loans that you may have out, up to 65,000 dollars. I received an 8,000 dollar signing bonus as well. They give you room and board, and a generous monthly income (depending on your rank.--$1290/mth--) I am going to S.Korea after all my training (20 weeks), I am really excited. I was working with Sergeant First Class Darrell A. Olson while signing up. He works out of Mankato Minnesota, but can work with you no matter where you are. He answered all of my questions that I had in detail. I would highly recommend working with him during your recruiting process. I mean signing up for the army is a big decision so you might as well receive the best recruiter out there. If you're not comfortable talking with him yet you could also contact me and I could have the right people contact you.

A: This is a great benefit but be aware that the IRS expects to collect taxes on the amount of money the Army pays on your loans yearly just like it was income. I have several friends who had to write a rather substantial check at the end of the year because of this. Make sure you set aside a few hundred or thousand dollars to pay the taxes. It's still better than paying the whole loan though. ALL entitlements are the same across the board. They apply to all services and do not change from service to service. The only change you will see would be dependent upon your location, i.e., high cost of living area vs low cost of living area. All services are regulated for pay and allowances under the Department of Defense Pay Manual and the Joint Travel Regulation. I commend you joining the Army (and the Signal Corps), however, a majority, if not all, of the benefits you listed are offered by the other branches of service as well. In fact, I believe it's the Air Force whose Basic Allowance for Substinance and Housing is greatest. Good luck with basic and the 20-week stay at the lovely resort they call Fort Gordon. :-)

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