High school football vs. Military training: How comparable?

I've been really active in my high school's football program and now I'm thinking about going into the military after graduation. Never been a huge fan of studying, so this route feels like a better fit. My question is, what's the difference in physical demand and mental toughness between high school football and military training? Would my football experience give me some edge?

From a physical standpoint, both high school football and military training do share some similarities. They both require physical strength, endurance, and agility. However, the physical demands of military training usually far exceed those of a typical high school sport. Military training programs use a variety of exercises to build full-body strength and endurance, whereas football focuses more on speed, mobility, and force. They include components like long-distance running, load-bearing runs, obstacle courses, and various strength-building exercises. Whereas football practice might last a couple of hours, military training can take up the majority of the day.

Regarding mental toughness, both football and the military require resilience and determination. In football, you need to remain focused, aggressive, handle pressure situations, and get back up after being knocked down. In the military, mental toughness is also essential, but it's applied in more varying and intense situations. Military life can involve coping with extreme stress, fear, and potential physical harm, far beyond what you might experience on the football field.

Your experience in football can certainly provide some advantages when entering the military. The discipline, teamwork, and physical conditioning you've developed will be valuable. However, entering the military is a significant decision that should not be taken lightly—it goes far beyond just being physically fit or mentally tough. It involves a commitment to serve your country, potentially facing life-threatening situations, and embarking on a very specific career path.

We encourage you to seek advice from individuals who have served in the military or speak with military recruiters to gain a fuller understanding of what military service entails.