Bypassing College for military: Downside?

Have been debating this for a while now. Does bypassing college for military service put me at a disadvantage long term? Like, could it adversely affect post-military employment prospects?

There are certainly no straightforward answers here, as this depends on a variety of factors including your desired career path, educational goals, personal circumstances, and the practical skills you might gain in the military.

In many ways, serving in the military can be seen as a positive rather than a downside. Many employers hold military experience in high regard because of the discipline, teamwork, leadership skills, and specialized training it fosters. Furthermore, many military jobs are highly technical and transferable to civilian employment.

However, there might be some sector-specific occupations where a traditional college degree is valued more. If you are interested in science, engineering, or other specialized fields, most employers will still require that academic baseline. This isn't to say you couldn't achieve this after your military service; many veterans use the benefits afforded to them through the GI Bill to gain degrees following their service.

There's also the point of the relationships and networking opportunities you create in college. But the military also offers its own network, one that is often strongly committed to supporting its members.

Lastly, it's possible to have the best of both worlds. Some military programs, like the Army's ROTC, offer the opportunity to get a college education while also undergoing military training. This could be another approach, if you'd like to combine the experiences of both college and the military.

The key is to weigh your options and consider what best suits your long-term goals and aspirations.