Pound for pound, a Roman “Legionaries” was the most capable, best equipped, and best trained fighting machine that existed during Rome’s over 1,000 year period of world domination.  When not at war, a Legionaries was training for war, practicing hand to hand combat, use of various weapons, general fitness and swimming, and battle strategies.  A typical day while in the field included covering 20 miles at a fast pace while carrying full battle armaments, and then building a fully protected camp complete with encircling trenches and wooden staked fortifications before resting for the night, only to get up the next day to do it all again.

Unlike other armies who relied on conscripted soldiers who were enlisted when needed, a Legionaries term of service was 20 – 25 years.  That length of service, with constant training, allowed the Roman army to easily vanquish foes even when they were vastly outnumbered on the battlefield.  Just how did Rome convince these Legionaries to remain loyal and dedicated during that length of service back when life expectancy was less than 50 years?  The biggest incentive for fulfilling your full term of service was the promise of FREE LAND when your service was complete. 

That piece of land was well worth the cost and hardships of service.  Landownership provided freedom and status and respect.  It still does today!  Although service in the US military doesn’t qualify you for free land when you’re done, when you consider that you have the right to buy a home while you’re still serving and part of your pay (BAH) helps you pay for that home while you serve and you get to use the amazing VA Home Loan Benefit to buy your home, our system today seems actually better to me.  But it’s only better if you act and take advantage of the opportunity!

Shopping for a home can be tough. There are lots of buyers fighting over not enough homes, and you’re not going to win every bid you submit. But remember what you are fighting for: Freedom, status, respect, the ability to take care of your family, and the promise of a better tomorrow. The fight is worth it and the rewards are great.

You defended it.  Now own a piece of it!