Considering the military after college - advice?

I've been giving some serious thought to joining the military after college. Haven't done ROTC or anything like that. Is this a common path or should I look into ROTC more? Any experiences or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Deciding on a path like joining the military after college is a major decision - no less significant than choosing a college or a major. It's certainly not uncommon to join the military after graduating college, even without background in ROTC. Many college graduates enlist each year and some even opt to go for officer's training due to the added benefit of having a degree.

That said, it all depends on what you're aiming for in a military career. If you're considering becoming a military officer, then participating in an ROTC program during your college years could definitely give you a head start. In this program, you'd receive both academic and physical training, and you'd likely enter the military at a higher rank (such as a second lieutenant in the Army, for example) upon graduation. Note that participating in ROTC often comes with a commitment to serve in the military for a certain number of years after graduation.

On the other hand, if you don't want to commit to ROTC during your college tenure, you can still opt to enlist after graduation. You might find it beneficial to have a degree under your belt; depending on your field of study, the military might place you in a position related to your major. For instance, a graduate with a degree in computer science might be placed in a cybersecurity role.

If you're serious about the possibility of joining the military, I suggest taking the time to do thorough research. Consider speaking with a military recruiter who can provide you with information tailored to your situation and aspirations. It may be also helpful to connect with anyone in your personal network who has served in the military to gain firsthand perspective.

At the end of the day, opting to serve in the military is a substantial commitment and one that should be made with a full understanding of the implications. Good luck as you navigate this potential path!