A large number of people work in the Armed Forces of India, which comprise of the Army, Air Force and the Navy. Even though these 3 are separate entities, there are some commonalities with regards to how professionals in the Army, Air Force and Navy lead their lives. Find out what they are below.

What are the jobs really about?

Protecting the Country

Whether you work in the Army, Air Force or the Navy, your primary duty is to protect the country and its citizens from all kinds of dangers such as intrusions from other countries, terrorist threats, big criminal activities etc. People working in the Armed Forces spend their lives strategizing and making plans, following orders from their seniors and performing daily operations. You can join the Armed Forces as a soldier or in technical roles like Engineers or Doctors.

Why do people join the Armed Forces?

Passion to Serve the Country

The biggest motivating factor for people to join the Armed Forces is the passion to do something for the country. Professionals who join the Armed Forces are willing to put their bodies and lives at risk in order to protect the country. The passion to serve their country and its citizens, to protect the sovereignty of the country and to defend the nation from its enemies drives them to join the Armed Forces. Without this passion and love towards one’s country, surviving or even getting in to the Armed Forces is impossible.

Find out about the 7 Reasons You Should Join The Armed Forces.

Social Respect

Professionals who work in the Armed Forces are immensely respected by society. They are seen as honest and courageous individuals who sacrifice their whole life to protect the country and its civilians. People look up to them for their bravery, honesty, patriotism and courage. The tremendous amount of respect that comes with the job often tends to be a big enough reason for people to join the Armed Forces.

Find out about the Top 7 Respected Careers.

Lifestyle, Benefits

People who join the Armed Forces lead a certain lifestyle which in itself is a big attraction for many. This includes things like working with sophisticated equipment, living in barracks and messes, leading an adventurous life, participating in sports and recreational activities and building strong relations with like – minded people. Additionally, people who work in the Armed Forces receive a lot of monetary benefits from the Government including accommodation, travel, discounts etc. This further serves as a motivating factor for people to join the Armed Forces.

What is it really like to work in the Armed Forces?

Discipline and Organized Lifestyle

People who work in the Armed Forces have to follow a very disciplined and organized lifestyle that is not subject to changes and offers no flexibility. This includes things like living in a mess, getting up early in the mornings, following a strict fitness regime, wearing a uniform, always being available for duty etc. It is not an easy lifestyle to maintain in the long run, especially when compared to the lifestyles followed by professionals in normal 9 – 5 jobs.

Find out about the 7 Reasons You Should Not Join The Armed Forces.

 No Creativity

Working in the Armed Forces does not provide much space for innovation or creativity. You are expected to follow orders, codes and procedures accurately and never question them. This might be frustrating as you might often face situations while working in the Armed Forces when you don’t agree with the decisions of the higher authorities or with the strategies. The people who succeed in the Armed Forces are the ones who can keep their own opinions aside and follow the orders given to them to the best of their abilities.

Find out about the Top 7 Creative Careers.

Risk

Needless to say, there is a tremendous amount of risk involved while working in the Armed Forces. You can be asked to fight the enemy or deal with an attack at any given point. Injuries and deaths are common in the Armed Forces. Protecting the country from its enemies requires an immense amount of courage along with a willingness to put your life at risk if need be. You can only work in the Armed Forces if you are prepared to die for the country as there is no space for fear in this profession.

Find out about the Top 7 Physical Careers.

Constant Relocation

Working in the Armed Forces involves a lot of travel and relocation. Depending on where you’ve been posted, you can be living in a big city or a remote, small village. Not only that, but after you’ve been posted, it is very likely that you will have to relocate in a period of 2 – 3 years again. This can be extremely tough for families and for people who find it difficult to deal with changes. As a professional working in the Armed Forces, you cannot afford to get attached to a particular residence and should always be ready to move when required.

Slow Growth, Low Salaries

As compared to other professions, the Armed Forces offer a slower growth route. This is primarily because the Armed Forces take your experience into count along while offering a promotion, whereas other professions focus more on capability, rather than experience. This means that you will have to work in a certain post for a fixed period of time before you can get promoted.

Additionally, the overall salaries that the Armed Forces offer are much lesser than what people get in other professions. Even though professionals in the Armed Forces are entitled to benefits, the total salaries are still not comparable with the salaries for senior posts in corporate houses. People who work and eventually succeed in the Armed Forces are the ones who do it out of their love for the country rather than personal greed.

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