Pros
First and foremost: the United States Army is an excellent employer *if* you (and your family) are willing to make difficult sacrifices for your job and country. I will venture to say that the Army is the premiere social-mobility employer in America. Equal opportunity for minorities and women? The Army paved the way and continues to do so. High school diploma and minimal experience? The Army, in alignment with ad-campaigns and government propaganda, actually *will* equip Soldiers with skills, schools, and scalable experience throughout and (and thanks to the GI Bill and other VA programs) after their military careers. Free health care, to include behavioral, dental, and vision? The Army will provide it to you and your dependents for as long as you serve. Income gaps? The most senior officer I've worked for (a Major General, 0-8) makes about tenfold what a fresh Private makes. I dare you to compare that income gap with corporate America. Many other benefits, often overlooked, should also be mentioned: superb childcare at highly competitive costs (based on the Soldier's income), competitive retirement and savings plans (TSP C/S/I), and a full-fledged retirement and pension program. If you are fit of form and sound of mind, you are eligible to be hired. If you work hard and smart, you will be promoted and your pay and opportunities will multiply. You will be trained in varied fields. You will live throughout the country and the world. Most of all, you will be serving and institution which has kept our nation, our ideals, and our families safe for over 230 years.
Cons
As mentioned above, the United States Army is an excellent employer *if* you (and your family) are willing to make difficult sacrifices for your job and country. The Army will demand more of you than any other job you can take in the United States. You will be early to rise, and late to sleep. You may work 14 hours a day, and never see a dime of "overtime" (no such term in the Army). You may work three weeks in a row, in the burning sand in the middle of Nowhere, California, without showers, comfort food, or weekends. You may be sent half a world away from your friends and family to fight for your life for years at a time, never knowing if you will ever see home again. The Army demands the highest sort of commitment, which, while described here in the "cons" section of this review, is also tacitly a "pro". The level of personal responsibility which is endowed to and required of each and every Soldier who serves is unmatched outside of the Army. If you are single and are considering a term of service in the Army, you are in for the ride of your life! If you have a family and are considering a term of service in the Army, please discuss it with your family to great lengths; they will, in effect, wear the uniform and bear the burden with you every day of your service.