Prospects in the military as a college graduate?

I'm graduating college this upcoming year and have been flirting with the idea of joining the military. What are the potential paths and opportunities for someone joining as a degree holder?

Joining the military as a college graduate definitely opens up a variety of opportunities and distinctive career paths for you. One significant advantage is that you would be eligible to join as a commissioned officer, as opposed to enlistment. This comes with increased responsibility, higher salary, and faster career advancement. As an officer, you would generally hold a leadership or managerial role within your specific branch.

There are several ways to become a military officer. One common path is through Officer Candidate School (OCS) or Officer Training School (OTS), depending on the branch of service. This typically involves an intensive 10-12 week training course designed to train future military leaders.

Alternatively, you could also consider attending a service academy for a graduate degree, such as the Naval Postgraduate School. Another option is to attend a civilian graduate school program via the military's funded graduate education programs, wherein you would serve in the military for a specified number of years in exchange for having your education paid for.

The career paths available to you in the military are numerous. You could serve in combat specialties like infantry or armored, support roles such as logistics or communications, administrative roles, or specialized roles like intelligence or law. Your degree might also give you a leg-up for certain roles; for example, if you have a degree in a medical or technical field, you may find relevant opportunities in the military's medical or engineering corps.

Keep in mind, however, that joining the military is a significant commitment and it's not just about the career prospects. It's important to consider factors like duty locations, deployment risk, family considerations, and your interest in the military lifestyle. It would be worthwhile to talk to a military recruiter or a career counselor who is familiar with the military to explore all your potential goals and options before making this substantial life decision.