Hello! I've been equally passionate about college and the military. But, I'm stumped on whether I should get my degree before enlisting or not. I've heard there might be certain advantages to having a college degree in the military? Can anyone shed more light on this?
You're right that there are advantages to having a degree before enlisting. With a bachelor's degree, you can apply to Officer Candidate School (OCS) or Officer Training School (OTS) which can lead to a commission as an officer. The officers rank starts from Second Lieutenant in the Army, Air Force, and Marines, or Ensign in the Navy and Coast Guard. This is a higher rank than you would achieve by enlisting without a degree, and it generally comes with more responsibilities, leadership opportunities, and higher pay. Furthermore, specific roles like doctors, lawyers or chaplains in the military require advanced degrees.
However, there are programs which could allow you to combine these paths. For instance, the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) scholarship programs can cover your tuition in college and provide a monthly housing allowance. This path requires you to commit to the military after graduation, where you'd immediately enter as an officer. Similarly, U.S. Military, Naval, and Air Force academies provide a fully sponsored undergrad education along with a commitment to serve after graduation.
Alternatively, if you decide to enlist first, the military provides a number of programs such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Tuition Assistance Program that could help cover the cost of your education after or during service.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal circumstances and career goals. It can be helpful to talk to a recruiter or someone currently serving in the military to learn more about these options and get advice based on your specific situation. Consider what roles you are interested in, whether they require an advanced degree, and how college or military would best fit in with your long-term plans.
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