Differences between the Peace Corps and armed services (Army, Navy, Air force)?

Question

I am a 19 year old female; I am going into my second year of college at a university. When I’m done with college, I want to join the Peace Corps. My parents are okay with this; however, my dad (a retired Lieutenant Colonel) prefers that I join armed services such as the Air force, Army, or Navy. This might seem like a stupid question, but what are the main difference between the Peace Corps and the armed services? Like benefits after service, training, goals, etc? I know a lot about the PC but have never really studied up on armed services. I am trying to make the most educated decision as possible on joining, and I want to make sure I’m going to the service that is right for me.Thanks, and any advice is appreciated.

Answer 1

The armed services will give you a huge chunk of cash to go college with, after your service. You get VA medical care. They have enlistment bonuses and re-enlistment bonuses. You earn enough to keep a spouse on a modest budget; if you are an officer, on a middle-class budget. If you serve for 20 years you can retire (at 42) on a pension. After a term in the Peace Corps you get about $6,000 to tide you over until you get a job. The Peace Corps gives you a living allowance. You don’t starve, but you don’t save any and you take the bus instead of owning a car.

The armed services’ training is more job-specific and isn't focused on a single country. Peace Corps training involves training for your job, plus the language(s), history and culture of your host country.

All PCVs are invited by their host country. Some soldiers are not. PCVs are often on their own; members of the armed services are almost always part of a group.

The core mission of the armed services is to find people who are a threat to the USA, then make them surrender or die. The core mission of the Peace Corps is to help developing countries and to convince their people that Americans aren’t as bad as their reputation would have them believe.

Answer 2

The Peace Corp isn't a part of the military, of course. So the training is completely different.  The purposes are quite different.  The military is our country's defense.  The Peace Corps members are sort of cultural and social ambassadors from the US to other nations.  You would be expected to take the skills you've learned in college and use them to aid your host country.

Answer 3

one you get paid to waste your time the other one you don't

Answer 4

Ones armed, ones not.

One uses bullets, one uses words.

One starts wars, others finish it.

Answer 5

there is quite a difference...

like jscott said, there ARE many choices in the military where there are non-combatant duties to be performed that would be in line sort of with what you can do in the peace corps; civil affairs, the medical corps, engineering corps, logistics, etc.

the armed forces are composed of several services (Army, US Navy, the Marine Corps, and the Air Force [Coast Guard too if you wanna include them in it]).

the primary function is the defense of the country, and therefore armed conflict is most likely what the members of these services will see outside of garrison life...

the services offer a h**l of a lot to people despite what some people may argue on the contrary...military service offers the GI Bill for one, certain careers offer competitive training for civilian jobs; especially technical and admin jobs, the money ain't too bad, there are a host of benefits dependent on each service, and a lot more!

this is probably too big of a topic to cover in a answer, but just do a little research and you'll see the difference and there's alot to see...

oh, by the way...being a female....you'll be limited in your actual service in the military to so-called 'non-combat roles' even though many females see plenty of combat!

Answer 6

Both will open a myriad of doors after you get out so they're both good choices.  Keep in mind not every job in the military is geared towards killing the enemy.  Based on your desire to join the PC, one area you might want to look into is Civil Affairs in the Army--they focus on helping people and rebuilding infrastructure.