The U.S. Army: The Most Progressive American Institution
Start writing a post
Community

The U.S. Army: The Most Progressive American Institution

When we think of the US military most people, especially college students, will not think of it being a bastion of liberalism, but upon closer inspection it is the most progressive modern government program.

88
The U.S. Army: The Most Progressive American Institution

In modern American politics gun control, government provided higher education, healthcare and guaranteed income are all hot button issues, but what if I told you there is a place in America where all of these services are not just afforded, they are highly defended by both sides of the political aisle? Here are 7 reasons why the US. Military is in fact the most progressive institution in America.

*Quick background/disclaimer before we get started, I am not in the Army yet but I will be commissioning as an infantry officer in May and have spend my entire time in college in ROTC, current servicemembers feel free to roast me. *

1. Healthcare for all

Health Care GIF by INTO ACT!ONGiphy

Forget Medicare for all, think Tricare for all that is what the healthcare system all US servicemembers and their families use and under this system patients do not pay out of pocket for any necessary medical procedures and even some nonessential medical procedures are 100% covered like braces and laser eye surgery.

2. Free College

Giphy

Ok, so technically you don't get your G.I. bill immediately, but while in the service there are a plethora of tuition assistance programs that make part time enrollment completely free and full-time enrollment close to free and many of these benefits are transferable to spouses and dependents. Not only that, but these are only federal programs, each state has its own benefits for active duty servicemembers and veterans.

3. Common sense gun control

machine gun america GIFGiphy

It may seem ironic for an outsider to think about, but there are actually much more gun regulations inside a military base than in most US states. Servicemembers are not allowed to keep firearms in the barracks, open and concealed carry is much more restrictive on base and overall servicemembers realize that firearms should only be kept in the hands of individuals who have the skills and need for them.

4. Livable minimum wage

Fist Fight For 15 GIF by INTO ACTIONGiphy

All services are subject to the same basic pay chart and as of 2021 the absolute lowest a brand spanking new Private (or any E-1) can make is $1,650 a month or $19,800 a year and that is before any other benefits like deployment bonuses, Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) or subsistence pay is taken into account, meaning that most servicemembers make much more than this minimum.

5. Intercultural experience

Travel World GIF by Delta Air LinesGiphy

Although the military has not been the most culturally sensitive institution at times (it is filled mostly with 18-25 year old dudes after all) most servicemembers have more international experience than the average American, are more likely to speak multiple languages and are more likely to live in the same neighborhood as someone of a different race as themselves.

6. Racial diversity

Excited Season 1 GIF by The OfficeGiphy

Although the US. Military skews heavily towards males it is in fact more racially diverse than the US. Population where Black and Hispanic Americans are overrepresented even in upper level leadership and includes a higher percentage of immigrants when compared to the US. Also little known fact: the military became desegregated before American society at large did in 1948 under President Truman.

7. Meritocracy

ladder GIFGiphy

Although the military is not a perfect meritocracy, no institution is, being the son or daughter of a general in the Army will not bring you the same benefit as being the child of a CEO. In the military there are promotion charts and a minimum time in grade and other qualifications that must be served in each rank by law before being promoted. Compare this to a corporation where a CEO could, an often does, pack the board of directors with his/her children.




In conclusion the military can in fact serve as an example for what America could be, after all no one in American politics will claim that college or healthcare for servicemembers/veterans is impossible, too expensive or not worthwhile. My hope is that one day we as a nation can care for the poorest and most downtrodden Americans just as much as we care for our servicemembers.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
writing
Green Chameleon

Welcome to June on Odyssey! Our creators have a fresh batch of articles to inspire you as you take a break from campus life. Here are the top three response articles of last week:

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

No Boyfriend, No Problem

Why it is okay to not be in a relationship when you are 19

2048
No Boyfriend, No Problem
Blakeley Addis

I think that as a 19 year old girl that is in college, we often get caught up in the idea of being in a relationship.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Summer Slump

Summer isn't alway just fun in the sun.

2363
Summer Slump

Summer is a time for fun in the sun, hanging out with friends, and living it up, but for some people, that's not the case. Summer is a nightmare for idle minds. Let me explain what I mean by that. For people with mental illness having the extra time to think and relax can be devastating for their mental health. Now, this isn't a problem for everyone but for some people who suffer from mental illness, this is a reality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Which "Star Wars" Character Are You Based On Your Zodiac Sign

"The Rise of Skywalker" really got me thinking...

2216
Which "Star Wars" Character Are You Based On Your Zodiac Sign

Here we go...

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

NYC Classrooms struggle with marijuana and high students

The Cannabis landscape has changed, and so have what schools experience

1829
Weed
Instagram
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reported that about 35.7% of 12th graders in the U.S. had used marijuana in the past year, and 11.8% reported daily use. As for coming to school under the influence, specific statistics can be hard to come by, but there is concern that the increasing social acceptance of marijuana may lead to higher rates of use among teenagers.
Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments