(BPT) - For many Gen Z workers, launching a meaningful career can feel overwhelming in today's challenging job market, with recent reports showing that the nation's current unemployment rate rose to 4.3% in August - the highest level since 2021. This trend also disproportionately impacts young adults entering the workforce, as many organizations reduce their entry-level positions in favor of new technology.

For those who have found employment, dwindling benefits packages often leave them wanting more, with Gen Z placing the greatest value on benefits like health care (70%), time off (72%), learning and development (29%), and student loan repayment (22%).

But even in this turbulent market, one organization that stands out from the pack is the U.S. Army. For qualified individuals, the Army offers not only a rewarding career but also comprehensive benefits and stability for years to come.

The only problem? Many are unaware of the multitude of opportunities that come with an Army career. Read on to discover some of the many benefits that lay the foundation for lifelong success.

250+ careers in every field and on-the-job training

With more than 250 jobs to choose from - including roles in infantry, aviation, medical, engineering, music and more - Soldiers are encouraged to pursue their interests and find meaningful purpose in their careers.

Soldiers also have the flexibility to select from full-time or part-time options to better align with their goals and lifestyle. Soldiers of the U.S. Army Reserve and the Army National Guard have the opportunity to serve part-time close to home, while maintaining full-time civilian careers or pursuing higher education.

Throughout their careers, Soldiers have access to practical, hands-on training to build valuable skills that will serve them both in uniform and civilian life. This includes Advanced Individual Training (AIT), where enlisted Soldiers learn the technical skills required for their specific Army job to ensure they are confident in their abilities.

For those seeking to further specialize or advance their careers, the Army offers a variety of specialized schools, including Special Operations, Army Medical, Army Cyber & Technology and Army Aviation. Soldiers can also earn civilian credentials and on-the-job training for high-demand trade jobs through the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP), setting them up for success long after their service is complete.

Higher education benefits and training opportunities

The Army helps pay for education, student loans and certifications so Soldiers are set up for success both in the Army and in their careers after service.

Programs like the GI Bill help current and former Soldiers who have served at least three years pursue college, graduate school or certifications, without the burden of overwhelming education costs. Meanwhile, college students interested in an Army career can earn a scholarship and join the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). This leadership program provides Army-specific training, mentorship and camaraderie while covering up to the full cost of tuition. After earning a degree and completing ROTC, Cadets commission as Officers and immediately step into leadership roles within the Army.

The Army also offers loan repayment programs that can offset the cost of outstanding student loan debt.

Comprehensive total compensation packages

Soldiers earn more than just a paycheck with a full suite of comprehensive benefits and can receive up to $50,000 in total bonuses when they enlist in the Army based on factors like job selection, skills, training and ship date. There are also opportunities for re-enlistment bonuses for Soldiers who choose to continue their Army career.

Finding affordable housing is a growing challenge for many young adults, but eligible active-duty Soldiers have access to a range of housing options - including on-base houses, apartments and barracks - that offer financial savings and convenience. Army housing provides a sense of community with easy access to dining facilities, low-priced shopping, recreation and entertainment, day care centers and places of worship. For those interested in homeownership, the Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loan is a federal program that helps Soldiers and Veterans secure better terms and benefits when purchasing or refinancing a property.

Soldiers and their families also have access to the health insurance program, TRICARE, which offers medical, dental and vision plans, as well as life insurance and prescription options at little to no cost.

Planning for the future begins right away in the Army, thanks to a range of retirement savings options. Soldiers are automatically enrolled in a retirement savings account with government match contributions and will receive a pension and full retirement benefits after 20 years of service.

Opportunities to experience the world

Soldiers can pursue adventure, explore different cultures and develop their strengths while serving in locations like Italy, Germany, Japan and South Korea, as well as the 50 active-duty bases across the U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska. The Army also offers generous vacation time and 11 paid national holidays off each year, so Soldiers can take the time to explore and enjoy their surroundings.

Soldiers and their families can also participate in the Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) program, which is designed to support a high quality of life through resources like gyms, golf courses, bowling alleys, recreational lodging, child care, entertainment and travel opportunities.

Wellness programs that support mind and body

The Army's Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) system focuses on every aspect of health and wellness, including physical, mental, nutritional, sleep and spiritual health. Whether recovering from an injury, pursuing a goal or maintaining a training regimen, the H2F system provides Soldiers with experts and resources to ensure they are supported across every domain of their physical and non-physical health.

For some, the Army's benefits start well before they even join the force, thanks to the Future Soldier Prep Course (FSPC), which helps aspiring Soldiers overcome the academic and physical fitness barriers to enlistment by providing specialized training via two tracks. The academic track helps improve recruits' Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) scores, qualifying them for a wider range of Army jobs, while the fitness track helps recruits meet the Army's physical standards and learn the basics of holistic health and wellness. With a course graduation rate of roughly 95%, the FSPC has equipped more than 37,000 trainees with the skills needed to achieve their goals as a Soldier.

Are you ready to take the next step toward a rewarding future? Explore how the Army can help you achieve your goals at GoArmy.com.