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The main disadvantage of being in the Roman army was, for some, the loss of the rights of Roman citizenship. A wayward soldier could be flogged and even crucified in extreme cases. The personal freedom, such as civilians enjoyed, was denied him as he had to obey orders. There were also long enlistment hitches and after discharge, a period of five years when he had to be on reserve. Despite all the discipline, marching, being away from home, many men remained in the army, reenlisting as they loved the life.

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The obvious disadvantage of being a soldier is death or injury. Apart from that, being a Roman soldier after the Marian Reforms of 107 BC was greatly advantageous. Recruitment was made voluntary and the a standing professional army was created. The career was 16 years and Augustus extended it to 20 years. On discharge the retiring soldiers were given either a plot of land (agrarian missio) or a sizable lump sum (numanria missio). This is why the poor flocked to the army. They got a career, a pay and a pension. During the period of imperial expansion there also war the incentive of a share in the loot of war.

A long career and being stationed around the empire also gave the soldiers a distinct career and made them loyal to their military commander. It could also give them political power. In the 3rd and 4th century AD many emperors were military commanders who were proclaimed emperors by their troops. Keeping the army happy was an important priority for emperors.

Things started becoming more disadvantageous after the period of expansion as the attacks from peoples outside the empire increased, the army became overstretched and stressed an casualty rates increased.

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11y ago
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What is the advantage of being a Roman soldgeir

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15y ago
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Some disadvantages of joining the Roman army were long enlistment times, low basic pay, and being subject to strict discipline.

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13y ago
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They can't get better sometimes

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Anonymous

4y ago
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Q: What are the disadvantages of being in the roman army?
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