Comment From My Daughter About Military

Gaushia T. Thao
I currently serve our country as an Army National Guard soldier. Almost anyone can become an American soldier. These are a few things that you would have to be or have FOR SURE to be in the military:
1. US citizen
2. High school diploma or GED
3. Pass the ASVAB test, a skills test given by the military.
4. Medical. People who are healthy and have no medical problems usually pass this with no problem. But if you've had surgery or other health problems in the past, it may hinder you from joining the military.

Reasons for joining the military:
There are many reasons people join the military. A person can make a career out of the military. An example would be a lawyer or a doctor. Some people enjoy both the military life style and their career as a doctor so they will become a military doctor. Other reasons people join is because their family members have served in the past. I've met many people who serve because their family members have served in Vietnam, World War I & II... etc. So to them it's a family tradition. I see a lot of that from American (white) families. But as for Hmong families it seems that the elders and parents tend to not want them to serve in the military due to what happened in Vietnam. But of course, there are some Hmong parents who encourage their children to join regardless of Vietnam or previous war experiences. Another BIG reason why people join the military, especially the National Guard and Reserves is the school benefits that they receive. This is a HUGE advantage to students who need help paying for their education. But the downfall for these people is the possibility of deployment. When I joined in 2001, I had to put school on hold for 6 months. I also never expected to be deployed but I was deployed in 2004. I had to put my education on hold for almost 2 years. I was bummed to put my education on hold but I graduated with no student loan debts. But it also made it hard to come back and start school back up. It's sad to say but it's true because other people join because of the money. The military offers a huge bonus for signing up.. I believe right now is $20,000. And for people who are already in the military and their contract is coming to an end and they're still in Iraq... they can sign up and get the $20,000 TAX FREE... another huge bonus for soldiers. Ask any more questions if you need.