Life as a Military Cadet Post-College?

Hi all, I've got a question that's been bugging me lately. If I spend four years earning a degree and then choose to join the military as a cadet, what would life look like for me? Is it worth the education? Anybody with experience on this?

Life as a military cadet after college can be challenging but also rewarding. Your experience largely depends on the branch of the military you join, the role you take on, and personal characteristics like your ability to adapt, leadership prowess, and physical endurance.

Typically, people with a college degree go on to Officer Candidate School (OCS) or Officer Training School (OTS) rather than enlist as a cadet. Here, you'll undergo rigorous training mentally and physically, and upon successful completion, you would be commissioned as a junior officer, such as a Second Lieutenant or Ensign, depending on the branch of the military. Once in the military, you'll have a steady job with built-in career progression and opportunities for further education like gaining an advanced degree or specific military training.

In addition to the steady paycheck and benefits, such as healthcare and retirement benefits, it's worth noting that the military can offer stability and a clear career progression that isn't always found in traditional jobs. Plus, you'll have the chance to lead teams and work on challenging projects early in your career.

It's essential to remember though that military life is not for everyone. It requires immense dedication, discipline, being away from the family for extended periods, and, of course, the inherent risks in protecting the nation.

Your college degree would play a significant role in this journey. The military values education, and your degree could provide a foundation for your leadership abilities. Not to mention, a degree is typically required for entry into OCS/OTS. In other words, seeing education and military service as complementary, not mutually exclusive, might be beneficial for you.

That being said, this is a big decision and it's recommended that you speak to others who have taken a similar path, look into military service options, and consider talking to a recruiter to understand your choices better.