Troy Thompson of Salem, NH, is a proud military veteran who was drafted to the United States Army in 1965. While he was drafted due to the military needs of the United States at the time, he encourages all men and women unsure of their next step to consider the Army. Troy Thompson of Salem, NH, credits his time in the Army for teaching him what it means to have discipline, for showing him what it means to have empathy, and for instilling in him the fact that freedom is not free. There’s an incredible pride that soldiers gain knowing they are helping protect the freedoms that make America great.
Troy Thompson of Salem, NH, received several promotions during his time in the Army. These promotions allowed him to learn skills he could utilize later in civilian life. With the current astronomically high college education prices, many people join the United States Army knowing that the services can help alleviate some of the financial burdens of higher education. In fact, financial relief for recruits is often the number one sales pitch of those in charge of recruitment. Most college-age students are asked to choose a major area of study without having much confidence in the direction they are going to take. Soldiers are given time to mature and learn more about their passions before deciding.
Many soldiers who volunteer for the Army fall in love with military service and decided to pursue a life-time career in the military. Others pick up skills in the service that help them decide they want to pursue a career in tech, business, or even the medical industry. The lessons learned through basic training will help provide a clearer picture of what the future may have in store.
Troy Thompson of Salem, NH, on Benefits After Serving
By the time soldiers fulfill their initial commitment to the Army, they will have accomplished a lot. For starters, they will likely be in the best physical shape of their life as boot camp will push them past their limits. In addition to the physical benefits, soldiers will gain incredible self-confidence and discover that they can do so much more when they work together as a team. No matter what duties a soldier is assigned, they will learn specific skills based on their assigned role. Those that decide to move on from the Military will have one of the strongest resume boosters imaginable. Companies often seek out veterans for open positions. There are also assistant programs in place through Federal Veteran Affairs to ensure soldiers can transition smoothly to civilian life.
Soldiers often form bonds with their fellow soldiers that lead to lifelong friendships. Troy Thompson of Salem, NH, is very proud to have so many incredible people in his life thanks to his time in the Army. These relationships endure whether you see a person you served with a week from exiting the service or a decade later. We all benefit from strong support systems, and the Army guarantees a person will have a great social support system for life.
After serving, a soldier understands how to deal with change. A culture shock can be overwhelming at the start of basic training. However, soldiers learn to lean into change and embrace the challenge. These problem-solving skills make the challenges looming in civilian life feel much less frightening. With every goal and mission accomplished, a soldier gains much more confidence.
It goes without saying that those who join the military should understand the inherent risks that come with military service. Yes, there are incredible benefits, and those seeking their purpose are provided the skills they need to find their path. Still, there are also the possibility of being placed in dangerous situations. American soldiers can be called anywhere across the globe to protect American interests as well as the freedoms of our allies. Troy Thompson of Salem, NH, served several tours in the Vietnam War and understands the dangers of active duty. As long as volunteers consider these dangers seriously, there’s much to be gained from military service.
