By Philip Berkwit
For decades, the military has been a way for many high school students to start a career. According to The Gun Zone, “recent data indicates that approximately 1 percent or less of graduating high school seniors directly enlist in the U.S. military.” Although this seems like a small percentage, a few Ponte Vedra High School (PVHS) students are still enlisting in the military. The United States military is a widely diverse occupation with many departments and benefits.
“It has good benefits, it builds good character as well, plus I like planes. I would love to work on them, maybe fly them,” stated Anthony Cavallo, a PVHS senior who is considering joining the Air Force.
According to Military One Source, “The military provides notable compensation benefits, ranging from paid leave days to retired-pay plans that beat those which many private sector employers offer. It also offers free or reduced cost housing, a host of special and incentive pays for qualifying conditions, free financial and tax consultations and more. At the same time, the military offers your service member opportunities to develop both professionally and personally. Tuition assistance and opportunities to travel and develop leadership skills are just some of the reasons a military career is unlike any other.”
“I’m looking forward to a guaranteed job, good health care, and the opportunity to see a lot of different places”, stated PVHS senior, Decan Riely, who has committed to going to United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point to become an officer in the Army.
“I wanted to join the military to serve my country in the highest capacity, while also developing myself physically, mentally, and as a leader.” Stated Riely.
However, military service is still not the first choice for most PVHS seniors.
“I think I would like to serve my country regardless of the political circumstances, but I would say with the current political circumstances, I would be more encouraged to.”
Anthony cavallo (12)
“I would rather pursue my career in finance… College gives you a lot of intellectual abilities and you learn a lot of information that’s good for the real world depending on what you major in.” Stated Andrew Campbell, a PVHS senior.
College, on average, is still the most popular choice for high schoolers in the U.S. The risks of joining the military are also high. The military can be a physically demanding job that can be extraordinarily dangerous. Even non-combat roles will also have to adjust to the structure of the military and the impact it will have on their personal relationships. Seniors thinking about the military must also face the fear of uncertainty. Due to the ever-changing political landscape of the world, these seniors may have to face bigger conflicts than they initially believed that they signed up for.
“I’ve been second guessing myself because I’m kind of scared with how everything’s getting. I think with looking at what President Trump is doing, I think there’s been good positives, but it’s getting a lot scarier. He wants us to go to other countries and do what we have to do, like the Coast Guard might be dealing with South America soon,” stated Jack Griffin, a PVHS senior who is considering joining the Coast Guard or the Merchant Marines.
“I think I would like to serve my country regardless of the political circumstances, but I would say with the current political circumstances, I would be more encouraged to,” stated PVHS senior, Anthony Cavallo.
“To prepare I’ve been practicing the ACFT (Army Combat Fitness Test) , running and rucking. I’ve also reviewed some things that I’ll be learning this summer during Cadet Basic Training,” Stated PVHS senior Declan Riely.
However, the diversity and security of serving in the military is still a draw for some students to enlist. According to College Vine, the army alone has over 150 different jobs. The diversity of jobs in the military is large.
The military is also not in decline when it comes to the governments focus on it. According to USA Facts, “Since 1980, defense spending has risen by 62 percent, climbing from $506 billion to $820 billion by 2023, after adjusting for inflation. In 2023, the US military spent approximately $820.3 billion, or roughly 13.3 percent of the entire federal budget for that fiscal year.”
Graphic by Philip Berkwit
