Community College Before Enlisting in the Military

Hello, everyone! I've been contemplating attending a community college before enlisting in the military. Is this a reasonable path? What might be some advantages or disadvantages?

Hey there! It's completely reasonable to consider attending a community college before enlisting in the military – many people take this route. There are certainly advantages and drawbacks to this decision, though, so let's break them down.

Starting with the advantages, community college allows you to earn an associate degree, which can lead to a higher pay grade once you enlist. You'll be entering the military as an E2 or E3 rank rather than an E1, which is the starting rank for those without a degree. Furthermore, having some college education expands your career opportunities in the military, as certain job roles may require specific educational qualifications. Additionally, if you decide later to transition out of the military, having that degree under your belt can make the career shift easier.

Community colleges also tend to offer smaller class sizes, which could provide a supportive environment for you to enhance your academic and personal skills before joining the military. It can be a time to gain maturity, leadership, and discipline, all of which are highly valued in military service.

Moving on to the potential drawbacks, one of the main considerations is time. Enlisting after attending community college means you'll be starting your military career later than those who enlist straight out of high school, and this could potentially affect your retiring plans. There's also the cost of college to consider; while community college is generally much more affordable than a four-year institution, there's still tuition, fees, and potentially living expenses to account for.

What's important is that you weigh these factors and choose what's best for you. Consulting with a military recruiter might also give you a better idea about the implications of your decision on your possible military career.

Good luck with your future endeavors! Whether you choose community college, military, or both, you're embarking on a meaningful path.