Hello,
My name is SSG Lee, Ho Yong, and I am a U.S. Army Recruiter currently serving at the Fairfax Recruiting Center in Virginia.
Through real conversations with applicants, I noticed that there is already a lot of information online about the U.S. Army, enlistment, pay, and benefits. However, some of that information may be outdated, incomplete, or difficult to understand.
Many applicants also feel overwhelmed because there is so much information available, but it is not always clear what applies to their personal situation.
That is why I created this page.
As an active-duty Soldier and a U.S. Army recruiter who works directly with applicants, I wanted to organize key information in a way that is easier to understand, more realistic, and closer to what applicants commonly ask during real consultations.
This page provides a general overview of topics such as:
U.S. Army enlistment process
Military pay and benefits
Basic eligibility information
Active Duty vs. Reserve options
MOS / Army career opportunities
Common questions applicants often ask
Although I am based in Northern Virginia, I also assist applicants from other states, including California, Texas, Georgia, New Jersey, and many other areas across the United States through online consultation.
Because the U.S. Army enlistment process can often be coordinated online, applicants do not always need to live near my recruiting office to receive guidance. In most cases, the actual MEPS processing and shipping process are handled based on the applicantβs residential area.
For more detailed information about MOS options, Army careers, military benefits, the enlistment process, and frequently asked questions, please use the detailed page buttons below.
Real recruiter. Real answers.
U.S. Army enlistment requirements, benefits, pay, BAH, and GI Bill explained.
Eligibility for green card holders, MEPS medical screening, and waiver guidance included.
This page explains US Army enlistment requirements, pay, and benefits based on real regulations.
If you are wondering how to join the US Army or whether green card holders can enlist,Β
this guide provides clear and realistic answers.
β οΈ Most pay and benefit examples on this page are based on Active Duty (Full-Time Army) service.
Reserve service is typically part-time, and pay and benefit structures may differ.
Even if you are considering the Army Reserve, key benefits such as pay, BAH, BAS, TRICARE, and GI Bill may work differently from Active Duty.
If keeping your current job or school schedule is your top priority, the Reserve may be a good fit. However, if stable income, housing support, healthcare coverage, and long-term education benefits are more important, it is important to compare Active Duty as well.
US Army pay includes base salary, housing allowance (BAH), and food allowance (BAS).
Both BAH and BAS are tax-free, which significantly increases your take-home income.
Example (E-4 Entry level / With Dependents / Washington DC Area):
Base Pay: $3,142
BAH: $3,096 (tax-free)
BAS: $476 (tax-free)
π Total: About $6,700 per month
β» Actual pay varies depending on location, rank, and personal situation.
Military pay should not be viewed based on base pay alone.
When comparing actual compensation, it is important to consider additional factors such as BAH, BAS, healthcare coverage, and whether housing or meals are provided.
The overall financial picture may feel different for a single Soldier compared to a Soldier with dependents, so it is important to review each applicantβs situation individually.
US Army benefits include education, healthcare, and housing support:
GI Bill: Full college tuition + monthly housing allowance
Tuition Assistance: Up to $4,500 per year
TRICARE: Medical coverage for you and your family
VA Loan: Buy a home with no down payment
Consultation β ASVAB Test β Medical Screening β Job Selection β Enlistment
The process typically takes 2β6 months.
Q. Can green card holders join the US Army?
A. Yes, if you meet the required conditions.
Q. How much does the US Army actually pay?
A. It depends on rank and location, but BAH and BAS significantly increase your real income.
Q. Can I join if my English is not strong?
A. It depends on your test results. Each case is evaluated individually.
US Army enlistment requirements, pay, and benefits may vary depending on your individual situation.
Even with similar backgrounds:
π Some applicants qualify immediately
π Others may require waivers or additional steps
SSG Lee Ho Yong, US Army Recruiter, provides guidance based on official regulations.
All information is accurate and based on real standards.
[ Honest Army Career Guidance ]
π 703-594-6878
π§ hoyong.lee4.mil@army.mil
Fairfax Recruiting Center, Virginia
π Fairfax Recruiting Center
11240 Waples Mill Rd STE 110
Fairfax, VA 22030
Army MOS / Army Benefits / Enlistment Information for Korean Applicants
I currently serve at the Fairfax Recruiting Center in Virginia, where I assist applicants in the Northern Virginia area.
Because many parts of the U.S. Army enlistment process can be coordinated through online consultation, I also assist Korean applicants from other states across the United States, not only those living in Virginia.
Note: Actual MEPS processing and shipping procedures are generally handled based on the applicantβs residential area.
#USArmy #ArmyBenefits #ArmyPay #Enlistment #MilitaryBenefits #SSGLeeHoYong