For individuals who have always dreamed of joining the military or seeing it as a means to improve their lives, there may be significant pressure to lie in your recruitment application. Lying to join the military is a terrible idea, mainly because there is a high likelihood of the lies not holding up, which could lead to a penalty and is considered a felony liable for up to 3 years imprisonment. If you do manage to lie your way in and it is discovered while on duty, you could also be dishonorably discharged.
Why Do People Lie To Join The Military?
There are a lot of reasons why people lie to be a part of the military; mostly, it is because of the benefits that come with serving, which include:
A sense of duty and patriotism- Military men and women have a sense of duty to their country and belong to an organization that has been present for decades.
Excellent remuneration and added benefits- The starting salary for a 2nd lieutenant starts at 40,000$ yearly with additional bonuses, offsetting student loans, and good retirement benefits.
Superb health coverage– A career in the military guarantees you and your family full health coverage during your service, and after honourable discharge, you can still enjoy this benefit.
Training and development– The military imparts technical skills that can be useful when transitioning back to the civilian community.
Barriers To Joining The Military
Joining the military can be difficult due to the strict requirements that need to be met to be eligible, from the height and weight, medical, education, and background requirements. This, however, does not mean that you should lie. Some of the requirements can be dispensed with if you work with your recruiter, who will guide you during your application.
What If Your Recruiter Asks You To Lie?
This happens very often because recruiters have targets and quotas they have to meet to enjoy benefits and bonuses. You must understand that the consequences of deceit during your application will only be borne by you alone. There will be no leniency, and it is not a valid excuse to mention that you were under advisement from your recruiter to be dishonest.
A background check or medical assessment could easily expose your dishonesty, which becomes a fraudulent enlistment case. The consequences are being discharged from the military, a penalty that will cost you money, or imprisonment, which would then scar your record, affecting future opportunities. It is not worth it!
What Happens If You Do Not Meet The Requirements?
You need to be honest with your recruiter and let them know all the facts. They will be able to advise you on which requirements can be waived and set up an application process for you. The worst that can happen is that you fail and are not selected. While disappointing, there are other opportunities for you to serve your country differently, e.g., customs, TSA, and law enforcement.
Realities Of The Military
The truth is that enlisting in the military has a lot of benefits; it is not a bed of roses. The training is difficult, there are many months apart from family and loved ones, and the possibility of going to war is almost guaranteed.
Considering the realities of joining the military is imperative because once you enlist, there is no going back. The trauma associated with war and killing and the limitations on the benefits and funding need to be clearly understood before sending in your application to join the armed forces. You should also research the challenges faced by veterans. Considering all angles may relieve the pressure to lie and make sure you make the best choice for yourself without misdirection from a recruiter.
Conclusion
Now we have learnt “Do Not Lie To Join The Military”, Enlisting in the army poses a lot of benefits to recruits and their families. If you want to join, you need to research the requirements and waivers and candidly discuss your best options with your recruiter.
Who is a military impostor?
Anyone who deceives people into believing that they served in the military.
What are the qualifications to join the military?
The qualifications include age, criminal history, medical status, background check, and drug and substance use.
Do military service employees who serve on court-martial get paid?
This depends on whether your conviction includes confinement, in which case all remuneration and benefits cease, except for unique circumstances.
What is the age range for enlisting in the military?
Depending on the military group you would like to enlist, the age ranges from 28 years to 39 years of age.
