Costs associated with joining the military

So, I'm considering the military after high school, but I'm not rolling in cash. Do you need a lot of money saved up to get into the military, or do they cover everything, like boot camp and uniform?

Joining the U.S. military doesn't require any up-front costs from the recruit. Once you've enlisted, the military typically covers the cost for necessary items and experiences like basic training, uniforms, meals, equipment, and medical care.

Here's an overview of what you can expect:

1. Basic Training (Boot Camp): The cost of basic training is covered entirely by the military. This includes your housing and meals for the duration of your training.

2. Uniform: Your initial issue of uniforms is also covered by the military. As an active duty member, you may also receive a yearly clothing allowance to replace worn out items.

3. Meals: If you live on base, meals in the Dining Facility (DFAC) are part of your benefits. If you live off base, you'll receive a Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) to cover the cost of your food.

4. Equipment: Any equipment needed to perform your job is provided by the military. This could range from specific tools and weapon systems to vehicles, depending on your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).

5. Medical Care: Health care, including dental, is provided at no cost to active duty military personnel.

6. Housing: Military personnel are either provided government housing or a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) if government housing is not available.

Keep in mind, the military may not cover costs for personal items, like razors, toothpaste, shampoo, and so on, so you may want to have some personal savings or budget for these items. It also might be worthwhile to have some savings in case of emergencies.

In summary, joining the military doesn't require a substantial financial investment on your part, as the military covers many of the necessary costs.