Considering a military career after high school? Discover expert advice on how to prepare for enlistment, the benefits of joining and what to expect.
Article: 5 minutes
Updated: February 23, 2026 Published: March 31, 2021
By: Josh Andrews, CFP® Reviewed by: Editorial contributors
Joining the military after high school is a significant decision that requires preparation for the recruiting process, basic training, and the transition to your first duty station, involving crucial financial and lifestyle considerations.
Congratulations on your recent graduation! After all you've achieved over the past four years, you're starting a journey that less than 1% of Americans take.
Joining the military after high school is no small decision, so let's say this in advance: Thank you for your willingness to serve. You'll sacrifice time, freedom and sleep to keep the other 99% of us safe.
USAA understands your sacrifice. We were founded in 1922 by the military and for the military. That's when 25 Army officers came together with the goal of insuring one another's vehicles because no other insurance company would. These officers and their military lifestyle were considered too risky. So they founded USAA.
From those beginnings, we've followed the same military values our founders prized: service, loyalty, honesty and integrity.
More than 100 years later, we're still committed to serving military members and their families. The core of our mission is to “empower our members to achieve financial security.” That goes for enlisted, officers and veterans from any branch of service.
The military lifestyle is unlike any other. We understand how to navigate service members' unique challenges to help them gain and retain financial security.
Financial security in the military starts before your first day of basic training. That's why we created the Joining the Military experience. You can use this guide to help you focus on your new career and better understand the milestones you'll face during the recruiting process, basic military training and arriving at your first duty station.
"The Joining the Military advice page helps you prepare for military service — whether that's through immediate enlistment or by pursuing a college degree to become an officer," says Rod Roederer, USAA Product Management Director for Military Life Experience and retired Army lieutenant colonel. "You will learn about the steps you should follow while you are joining, how much pay is possible and how to use that pay to enable a solid financial future."
There are a few steps you can take when you join the military to help set you up for financial success.
We'll walk you through the process in this video.
Video Duration: 1 minutes 48 seconds
When you join the military, here are the first financial steps you will want to take. First, set up direct deposit so your pay goes straight into your bank account.
Second, set up a budget or spending plan. It’s easy to overspend, and a budget can help you reach your short- and long-term goals.
Third, prepare for the unexpected. Accidents, fire or thefts can be costly, so consider renters insurance to protect your belongings, including your military gear.
Fourth, build an emergency fund. While a fully funded emergency fund has three to six months of living expenses, that can be a large goal. So, start with a smaller goal and build it over time.
Fifth, save for retirement by contributing at least 10% of your income. The Blended Retirement System offers help in reaching your retirement goals. If you contribute 5% of your basic pay into the Thrift Savings Plan, once eligible, the Department of Defense will match your 5% with 5%, which is free money. If you can’t start at 10%, start small and increase your saving with each pay raise or promotion.
Sixth, avoid overspending on vehicles by keeping total vehicle expenses to within 10% to 15% of your income. A reliable used car is often a smarter choice.
Finally, be cautious of predatory lenders with high interest rates. If you need help, military relief organizations can often provide assistance.
For more information and advising on steps to take as you are joining the military, please visit usaa.com/militaryjoining.
Description of visual information: [This material is for informational purposes. Consider your own financial circumstances carefully before making a decision and consult with your tax, legal or estate planning professional.
USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affiliates.
No Department of Defense or government agency endorsement.
8996847] End description of visual information.
Frequent moves are one aspect of the military lifestyle and is one aspect that you need to learn about as you join the military. Your first military move will come up quickly.
I moved every two to three years. It's just part of being in the military. When it comes to a military move or PCS (permanent change of station), there are many things you can do right and many things you can do wrong. There are also many ways to save — and lose — money.
To help members come out on top after a PCS, we've built another experience on the art of the military move. Each military move brings enough stress to your life. There's no reason to bring more stress by not being prepared.
The following videos provide high-level information about how to make your military career a success:
Finally, we realize that joining the military is a big step. It's normal to feel nervous and excited at the same time. Plus, the military lifestyle isn't for everyone.
Your days will be regimented. You must be willing to put yourself in harm's way at a moment's notice. And you'll actually forgo the ability to control certain aspects of your life, such as where you'll live or what job you might be doing. However, the military lifestyle is also filled with purpose, solid career opportunities and world-class training. It also provides the ability to gain a solid financial foundation.
Our podcast series, “Military Moves,” discusses what it's like to join the military from both enlisted and officer viewpoints. These podcasts also help you learn more about active duty, Guard and Reserves.
Congratulations again on your decision to join the military. Here at USAA, we stand with you. We want to help you understand the ins and outs of military life and navigate them successfully.
There's no need to learn these lessons on your own when so many before you have already learned them. With a little bit of effort, you can use each stage in your military life to become more financially secure.
Visit USAA's Joining the Military page for advice and resources to help you secure your financial future as you join the military.