College Before Military?

Hey everyone. I'm a high school junior currently looking into how things might play out if I were to do college before joining the military. Any experience or advice on the topic? Would a degree help with my rank in the military?

Joining the military after obtaining a bachelor's degree could indeed provide a boost for your military career. This is because having a degree typically allows you to enter as an officer, rather than enlisting. Officers hold a higher rank, often have more leadership opportunities, and typically receive better compensation.

Furthermore, having a degree might expand the range of jobs you could acquire in the military, including more specialized or technical roles. For example, fields such as cyber security, engineering, or medical services often require specific educational backgrounds.

However, keep in mind that joining the military as an officer involves more than just having a college degree. You also typically need to go through Officer Candidate School (OCS) or a similar training program depending on the branch of the military.

Also remember that many individuals use their military service to pay for their college education. The G.I. Bill, for example, helps veterans cover the costs of tuition, housing, and books.

Lastly, the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs may be a perfect combination for you. These programs offer scholarships to college students in exchange for a commitment to serve in the military after graduation.

So, while it could be beneficial for your military career to attend college first, it's also important to consider other factors, such as financial circumstances, personal preferences, and your overall career and life goals. Your academic counselor might be a great resource for further discussions on this topic.