Lifestyles 1
Military and Civilian Lifestyles
Sua’ava A. Poti
English 121
Sonia Giordani
February 09, 2009
Lifestyles 2
I have been enlisted in the military for sixteen years and I have always thought
about how life would be as a civilian. Although the military has provided me and my
family a stable life, there are many times that I wish I could be a civilian. I have learned
that things are not always greener on the other side. As I observe and compare a military
and civilian lifestyle, I realize that there are many differences between the two.
The military offers many great benefits to service members and their families.
First, the medical benefits are second to none. My family and I are fully covered
100% for both medical services and medication. We can travel anywhere in the U.S. with
peace of mind knowing that we can receive emergency and routine care when needed.
Education is another important benefit and I am fortunate to receive 100% tuition
assistance while on active duty status. My G.I. bill has recently been upgraded to $80,000
and I can use this benefit for up to fifteen years after I retire from the military. I can also
transfer portions of my G.I. bill for my spouse and children’s college education. I would
not be writing this essay and enrolled at Ashford University if it were not for this great
benefit.
I do not know of any career or company that offers the vacation and retirement
package that the military offers. I earn thirty days of leave per year. I can take multiple
vacations during the year to unwind and enjoy leisure time with my family. When I
retire, I can earn up to seventy-five percent of my base pay. I also earn cost of living
allowance and my pay increases each time the military receives raises. On top of
retirement pay, I will also receive a stipend from the veterans affairs for any...