Pros
I have achieved some lofty goals while enlisted for 20 years in the best Army in the world, I am very proud of the service I was able to be a part of during the last 20 years of my life. I was most impressed by the commitment to excellence I learned from several leaders who mentored me and encouraged me to grow as a professional and as a person. The benefits are unparalleled anywhere in the world. My family enjoys full medical benefits, I bough my 1st home with no money down as a VA loan guaranty benefit, 30 days leave every year beginning from year 1 and all federal holidays, GI Bill for further education and also paid college while on Active Duty, the list goes on because some of the benefits stay with you for life and truly are priceless. I was trained as a Test Measurement Diagnostic Specialist (TMDE) which is a Career in itself, but I was also given the opportunity to transition into an IT Career which is what I am currently focusing on as I leave the Service.
Cons
One of the biggest cons is having to leave your family behind when you are deployed to a combat zone, the time missed is never recovered. However with modern technology you are able to connect on a regular basis and maintain strong relationships with family members.