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Summary of Military BenefitsThe U.S. military offers some of the best benefits to be found anywhere! By being a member of any military service, you automatically receive a competitive starting salary, free medical and dental care, free (or very cheap) medical and dental care for your immediate family, 30 days paid vacation every year, free travel, educational benefits, commissary and exchange privileges and much more. Every branch of the United States Armed Forces offers the same basic military benefits. Some services may also offer special incentives, such as enlistment bonuses of extra college funds. This page will address only the basic benefit package. 1. How much will I make?A typical high school graduate, with no college or "Special Youth Program" (JROTC, ROTC, Civil Air Patrol, Eagle Scout, Sea Explorer, etc.) and no prior military service can expect to start out at paygrade E-1. According to the current Military Pay Schedule, this amounts to a BASIC PAY of $964.80 per month, under 4 months, and $1042.80 after your 4 month anniversary. This doesn't sound like much money, but keep in mind that you will have NO LIVING EXPENSES! The military will give you FREE housing, or pay you more. You will receive FREE FOOD, or be paid to provide your own. All of your medical and dental care is FREE! In additon to BASIC PAY, you may also qualify for additional money for SEA PAY, OVERSEAS PAY, FLIGHT PAY, SPECIAL DUTY PAY and more! Normally, your BASIC PAY amounts to about 1/3 of the total pay, if you are receiving housing and food allowances. Request further information by clicking on the service logo at the top of this page. 2. What other benefits are there?Being a member of the United States Armed Forces entitles you to many valuable benefits. Among them are:
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