Deployment Benefits: Does Military Pay For Anything at All?

Hello all! Considering taking the route of military service post-high school. I was wondering though—does the military provide any financial benefits or cover any costs while you're on deployment? If anyone has any information, it'd be really helpful.

Absolutely, the military does provide a number of financial benefits to its service members, both during and after their service.

For instance, while on active duty, the military covers the cost of your basic needs such as housing, meals, and health care. Housing is provided either through on-base housing or a housing allowance for off-base living. This is known as Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). In terms of meals, you'll get a Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) if you're not receiving meals directly from the military.

Another significant benefit is the military covers 100% of out-of-pocket healthcare costs for active-duty members. This takes care of doctor and hospital visits, medications, and even dental care.

The military also offers a retirement plan. This comes in the form of the Blended Retirement System (BRS) for enlisted personnel.

But it doesn't stop there; deployment brings added benefits. You might be eligible for additional allowances or incentive pay based on your specific circumstances. Such bonuses could be for hazardous duty, family separation, or overseas duty.

Once you leave active duty, benefits continue. One most significant one is the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The GI Bill pays for a significant portion, if not all, of your tuition and fees at many universities. It even extends to some trade and vocational schools, meaning you could go to school basically cost-free. Veterans also have access to programs for mortgage assistance, life insurance, and job training.

Remember, these benefits vary based on factors like your length of service, duty status, and even where you are deployed or stationed. It could be a good idea to contact a military recruiter or someone else within the military to get more specific details on these benefits.