Army Careers Provide Options Post-COVID

COVID-19 has been hard on employment in Chicagoland. It’s difficult to know when the economy will recover which leaves many, especially our youth, frustrated and confused about how to build a future. However, there may be an opportunity hiding in plain sight: The U.S. Army. I know, I know I’ve seen the movies and heard the stories too. How much of what we think about the Army is true and how much is a Hollywood creation or simply outdated? To find out, I sat down with Captain Nicholas Bonavia.

Patch: First off, thank you for your service. Many people are skeptical about Army service because they don’t want to fight in a war. Are there any options for people who don’t want to see the front lines?

CPT Bonavia: Thank you for your support and having me here today. Absolutely, it might be surprising to hear that MOST Army jobs aren’t directly related to combat. The Army has 150 different career options, and individuals can choose the path that fits their skills and goals, whether it is part-time or full-time service. Almost any job you see in society we have in the Army. Everything from cooks, plumbers, carpenters, electricians, and truck drivers to lawyers, doctors and engineers.

Patch: Wow, I never knew. For many families, earning a college degree is a great source of pride. How can you tell those people to give up their college dreams?

CPT Bonavia: I’m glad you brought that up, I’m in the Army AND have a degree. No one has to choose between service and school. In fact, you can get a degree while you serve and have the Army pay for it. If you’d rather go to college before or after you the Army, we’ll still pay. If college isn’t for you, you could transfer those benefits to a family member.

Patch: Chicago is a great place to live. I don’t think I could leave. I guess the Army isn’t for me and my family.

CPT Bonavia: For many people Chicago is hard to leave but the good news is they don’t have to! The Army Reserve allows people to serve part-time in their community while keeping their normal jobs and homes. For others, getting out of Chicago seems exciting. We have opportunities in 29 states and 74 countries for those who want to serve full-time.

Patch: I know the Army is all-volunteer, does that mean you don’t get paid?

CPT Bonavia: We do but pay is just the start of the benefits. As a Soldier you earn a guaranteed paycheck, free food and housing, 100% tuition for college, skill training, 100% medical/dental insurance coverage, 30 days paid vacation, the opportunity to travel the world and up to a $40,000 signing bonus. You will be ready for the next step in your life with increased skills and marketability and 100% financing on home and small business loans.

Patch: That’s incredible. Maybe the Army is worth a second look. Thanks for joining us.

Right now during the Army’s National Hiring Days (May 10th-June 14th) qualified recruits will earn an extra $2,000 signing bonus in addition to any other bonuses they qualify for up to $40,000. Visit ArmyChicago.com for more information.