Profile: U.S. Army Recruiting

The training and salary you get as a Soldier are only some of the ways the Army strengthens you for tomorrow. The Army also offers money for education, comprehensive health care, generous vacation time, family services and support groups, special pay for special duties, and cash allowances to cover the cost of living.

As a Soldier, you and your family are automatically covered by a comprehensive HMO-type health care plan called TRICARE that provides medical and dental care at little or no cost.

TRICARE enrollees receive most health care at a Military Treatment Facility (MTF), where a primary care manager (PCM) supervises their care. The Army's health care team is one of the biggest health care networks in the world, utilizing state-of-the-art technology in world-renowned facilities.

A network of "preferred" or "in-network" providers add to the services offered at MTFs. Soldiers and their families are free to make appointments with any authorized provider.

Separate programs are available for Soldiers and their families who are on remote assignment or overseas.

Time off is an important component of Soldier life and well being. Soldiers on Active Duty receive:

• 30 days vacation earned annually
• Weekends free*
• National holidays*
• Sick days as needed

* As with any job, missions and training may require work on weekends or holidays.

Army Child and Youth Services (CYS) provide affordable childcare programs for Army families. Costs are typically based on rank and pay grade. Programs range from daycare facilities to sports and fitness programs.

• Child development centers provide full-day care, part-day care and hourly care for children 6 weeks to 5 years of age.
• Family childcare homes offer full day, hourly, extended hours and long-term care in government quarters and off-post residences.
• School-age services deliver before- and after-school care during the school year and camps during vacations.
• Middle school/teen programs focus on sports and fitness, life skills and leadership, arts and recreation and mentoring and education for youth grades six through 12.
• Sports and fitness programs are available for children up to 18 years of age and include team sports, individual sports, fitness and outreach.
• Youth education support services include school transition support, instructional programs, youth sponsorship and home school support.
• Outreach programs include referrals to off-post childcare programs, parent co-ops, trained babysitters for evening hourly care and partnerships with community organizations.