The U.S. Congress sets the pay scales for the military after hearing recommendations from the president. The pay for equivalent grades is the same in all services; for example, anyone with a grade of E-4 will have the same basic pay whether in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, or Coast Guard. In addition to basic pay, personnel who frequently and regularly participate in combat may earn hazar...

The work environment for military personnel depends a great deal on what branch of service they are in and their specific job. For example, someone serving on a submarine will spend months living in extremely close quarters at sea; someone else working at a military hospital will experience the hustle and bustle of a health care facility; and an individual assigned to an international peacekeep...

Employment for well-qualified people in the military will be very good through 2028, according to the Department of Labor. Political and economic conditions have an influence on the military's duties and employment outlook, but the United States will always need the armed forces, both for defense and to protect its interests and citizens around the world. In the coming years, the primary barrie...