Life Paths: College or The Military?

Hey there, I could really use some advice. I've been torn between going to college and joining the military after graduation. What reasons might there be for someone in high school not being able to join the military, like physical or mental health criteria?

Both college and the military have unique benefits and potential drawbacks depending on your individual circumstances, goals, and interests. If you're trying to weigh the military against college, you might want to consider the following.

Joining the military does have quite a few criteria that you would need to meet - these generally fall into the categories of physical, age and health requirements, education requirements, and character/behavior standards.

For instance, the military generally requires you to be at least 17 years old (with parental consent) or 18 years old without consent, and typically has an upper age limit, which varies among different branches.

Physical fitness is also critical in the military. Each branch has its own specific fitness standards. Before being recruited, you'll need to pass a Military Entrance Processing Station medical exam. This exam includes a physical exam, a hearing test, a vision test, and height/weight measurements.

In terms of education, you'll typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent, though some branches may accept GEDs.

Medical conditions can be potential disqualifiers for military service, for instance, certain mental health conditions, heart problems, or certain types of surgery might disqualify an individual depending on the specifics.

Character/behavior criteria refer to your legal history - having a criminal record or history of drug use might be disqualifying, again depending on specifics.

It's highly advisable that if you're considering this path, to reach out to a recruitment officer who can provide detailed information and advice on your eligibility and potential career paths within the military.

On the other hand, college can give you time to further develop your skills and knowledge base, provides a great opportunity for personal growth, and typically increases lifetime earnings potential over someone with only a high school education. It can also provide opportunities for internships, networking, and other experiences that can help with career development.

Visiting a career counselor or guidance counselor might be a good next step. They can help you weigh your options and find the path that’s best for you based on your strengths, interests, and long-term goals. They can also help explore further options such as Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs, service academies, or attending college using military benefits such as the G.I Bill.