FAQs
Before you join the military you should ask how much you will be paid, how often you will be paid, how much personal time you will have off, what educational benefits you will receive, and what training, health care, housing, retirement and dependent care benefits you will receive.
Can military members kiss in uniform? ›
During dress uniforms, it is not acceptable for service members to display PDA or display affection in public. Handholding, kissing, and hugging are all frowned upon in general. While on deployment and returning from deployment, a small amount of hugging and kissing is acceptable.
Is it illegal to wear a military uniform if you re not in the military? ›
In some states like California, it is illegal for civilians to wear any kind of military uniform or dress that resembles one. The law prohibits civilians from wearing anything that could be mistaken for an official uniform of a public servant.
What are the military 7 questions? ›
The questions
- What is the situation and how does it affect me?
- What have I been told to do and why?
- What effects do I need to achieve and what direction must I give to develop my plan?
- Where can I best accomplish each action or effect?
- What resources do I need to accomplish each action or effect?
What is the hardest military to join? ›
The hardest military branch to get into in terms of education requirements is the Air Force. The military branch with the toughest basic training is the Marine Corps. The hardest military branch for non-males because of exclusivity and male dominance is the Marine Corps. What is the smallest military branch?
Can I hold my girlfriend's hand in uniform? ›
No PDA. PDA, or public displays of affection, is considered unprofessional, and a big no-no while in uniform. However, each unit, branch, and area treat this rule with different severity. This can include hugging, kissing, holding hands, and even holding children.
What not to do in uniform? ›
Service members are also forbidden from eating, drinking, smoking, or wearing headphones or ear buds while walking while in uniform. As you might imagine, it would be pretty hard to render a salute and offer a respectful greeting while stuffing your face. There are also safety considerations behind these regulations.
Do ex military get married in uniform? ›
It is up to the marrying couple to choose whether or not they will wear their military uniforms to their wedding, and whether or not they'd like attendees to wear their uniforms. If the couple would like the dress code to include uniforms, they should specify that in the invitation suite.
Can veterans be buried in uniform? ›
Though a veteran can be buried in their uniform if their family would like them to be, they are most often laid to rest in regular civilian suits. Military decorations are also a big part of a veteran's burial service.
Do you buy your own uniform in the military? ›
In basic training, you will receive your initial sets of uniforms. Depending on the branch, service members typically receive three to four sets of camouflage uniforms and at least one set of all other uniforms. Officers purchase their own uniforms and may receive a stipend to help offset the cost.
Military uniforms will not be worn in public or in the public areas of hotels or commercial establishments unless on official business or specifically authorized by COMUSNAVCENT/COMFIFTHFLT, U.S. Embassy, or other CENTCOM designated authority.
What is the shortest military contract? ›
Instead of the standard eight-year contract that you used to have to fulfill with the Air Force, you can now enlist for a period of four years for Active Duty and 2 years for the Guard and Reserves, which is the shortest, standard contract that the Air Force offers to all potential recruits.
What are the three Army rules? ›
The three Army general orders cover what your duties are on a day to day basis. You must maintain your assigned duties, quitting only when properly relieved, and performing everything in a military manner that would make your leadership proud.
Do my parents get citizenship if I join the military? ›
Citizenship and Adjustment of Status for Family Members
Members and veterans of the U.S. armed forces and their dependents may be eligible for permanent residence and citizenship under special provisions of the INA.
What is the most secret military force? ›
SOG is considered the most secretive special operations force within the United States, with fewer than 100 operators. The group generally recruits personnel from special mission units within the U.S. Special Operations community.
What is 0 7 in the military? ›
Brigadier General Rear Admiral
What is the golden rule Army? ›
The Army Ethic calls on us to recognize the dignity and worth of all people, treat them with respect and compassion, and place others' needs above our own. Respect leads us to give our best effort for the team, expect the best in others and humbly realize we are part of a greater mission: defending America's freedom.
What's the weakest military branch? ›
Overall ratings are highlighted below:
- Army: Marginal. The U.S. Army is aging faster than it is modernizing, receiving an overall “Marginal” rating. ...
- Navy: Weak. The Navy is rated “weak,” declining from “marginal” in 2022. ...
- Marine Corps: Strong. ...
- Air Force: Very Weak. ...
- Space Force: Weak.
What is the most respected military branch? ›
The Marine Corps is the most respected branch of the US military by a wide margin, according to a 2014 Gallup poll. Interestingly, the same poll found that Americans consider the Army to be the most important military branch.
What boot camp is the hardest? ›
Marine boot camp is extremely challenging -- both physically and mentally -- and considered to be tougher than the basic training programs of any of the other military services.
However ... Hand-holding, hugging and kissing are generally not allowed while in uniform. Remember that while in uniform, service members are expected to maintain military decorum and bearing. It's one of the hardest rules not to break, but an important one to remember.
Can military kiss in public? ›
Because members are required to maintain professionalism in uniform, personal displays of affection are typically frowned upon except in certain situations. For instance, moderate kissing and hugging is acceptable when there's a homecoming or deployment. It is not illegal and people do kiss in public.
Do you salute someone not in uniform? ›
A later amendment further authorized hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel. This was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which President Bush signed on Oct. 14, 2008.
How do you stand out in a uniform? ›
Pop your collar.
Instead of laying your collar flat like your classmates do, pop your collar up. It will make you stand out -- at least until everyone starts copying your look! You could even wear a brightly-colored collared shirt underneath your uniform and pop both collars for a unique look.
What are soldiers not allowed to do in uniform? ›
Examples include, but are not limited to, walking while eating, using electronic devices, or smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. Soldiers are not authorized to wear wireless or non-wireless devices/earpieces while wearing Army uniforms.
Do military wives get paid? ›
There is no military spouse pay or stipend, but the military offers a number of benefits to help service members and their families. Your first stop after the wedding should be the nearest military ID card issuing facility to enroll in DEERS, the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System.
What do military wives get? ›
As the wife or husband of a service member, you are eligible for many benefits, including health care, shopping privileges on base, and access to base facilities and programs. Once you arrive at a military installation, visit the Fleet & Family Support Center to find useful information on benefits and services.
Can you keep your uniform after you leave the military? ›
(d) A person who is discharged honorably or under honorable conditions from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force may wear his uniform while going from the place of discharge to his home, within three months after his discharge.
Do veterans get a flag on their coffin? ›
Why Does VA Provide a Burial Flag? A United States flag is provided, at no cost, to drape the casket or accompany the urn of a deceased Veteran who served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces. It is furnished to honor the memory of a Veteran's military service to his or her country.
Does military pay for caskets? ›
Fact 5: Veterans' Caskets Are Not Free
Neither the VA nor the individual branches of the military provide free caskets for deceased veterans unless death occurs while they are on active duty. Goods and services purchased from funeral homes or cremation providers are not covered by the VA and must be paid for privately.
For the funeral of a veteran, it is perfectly acceptable for service members to dress in a military uniform. Or if your religion or the religion of the deceased calls for a specific style of dress, you should certainly follow those rules.
What will the military pay raise be in 2023? ›
4.6% Military Pay Increase: 2023 Military Pay Charts
Considering that America is dealing with inflation levels not seen since the 70s, the proposed pay raise would certainly help those families struggling with the spiking prices of food and fuel.
Do you get free clothes in the military? ›
Both officers and enlisted members of the U.S. Armed Forces are entitled to an initial clothing allowance. Office , however, are only entitled to the allowance once except in the situation noted below: Upon first reporting for active duty (other than for training) for a period of more than 90 days.
How much does the average military uniform cost? ›
The total value of military uniform items for a newly enlisted service member ranges from about $1,600 to $2,400, depending on the military service. Over the course of their careers, service members must replace and maintain their uniforms.
How do I prepare myself to join the military? ›
Here's what you need to know.
- Speak with a recruiter. All recruiters know the Army well and can help you understand if it's right for you. ...
- Take a placement exam. ...
- Complete a physical exam. ...
- Find an Army Job. ...
- Sign a contract and prepare for Basic Training.
How do I prepare myself for the military? ›
Before You Go
- Get all personal matters in order prior to leaving. ...
- Be prepared for discipline. ...
- Take some time to learn about military life. ...
- Visit your doctor before you start training. ...
- Set realistic fitness goals. ...
- Don't forget to warm up and cool down. ...
- Time yourself. ...
- Drink plenty of water.
How do I prepare for a military interview? ›
Study this list and plan your answers ahead of time so you'll be ready to deliver them with confidence.
- What Are Your Weaknesses? ...
- Why Should We Hire You? ...
- Why Do You Want to Work Here? ...
- What Are Your Goals? ...
- Why Did You Leave (Or Why Are You Leaving) Your Job? ...
- When Were You Most Satisfied in Your Job?
What disqualifies you from the military? ›
These disqualifications can include illegal drug use, alcohol dependence, not meeting height/weight requirements, having certain contagious diseases, among others. Additionally, law violations can prevent you from enlisting, such as being convicted of any crime that prohibits you from carrying a firearm.