After High School Military Service

I've been hearing a lot about high schoolers like me jumping straight towards the military after graduation. Just how many do that? And why do they choose this path? I'd appreciate any kind of information or stats.

Indeed, joining the military is a valid and respectable career path that many high school students choose to pursue immediately after graduation. Students who decide to enlist often see the military as an opportunity for personal development, skill acquisition, and a chance to serve and protect their country, amongst other things.

As far as statistics go, here's some context. The U.S. Department of Defense reported that in 2017, approximately 180,000 individuals enlisted into military service. However, keep in mind that these figures encompass not just recent high school graduates, but also older individuals with diverse backgrounds. That said, a Pentagon survey, conducted a few years back, revealed that 18- to 24-year-olds made up over 40 percent of the enlisted force.

Several reasons motivate high school graduates to join the military. To certain individuals, the military presents a viable alternative to college; not everyone feels that the traditional four-year college route is the right fit for them, and the military provides an environment where they can learn practical skills while obtaining hands-on experience. The armed services also offer various benefits such as access to healthcare, food and housing allowances, and scholarship opportunities for further education.

Moreover, for students who have a burning desire to serve their country, enlisting can present them with that quick and direct opportunity. Additionally, the discipline, camaraderie, and structured environment that the military provides can also be appealing factors.

It's also important to note that military service does not preclude college or higher education; in fact, the military often stimulates academic advancement. There are programs such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which can cover most or all tuition expenses at public colleges and universities (or up to a specific annual amount at private institutions), and the Military Tuition Assistance Program, covering tuition expenses for service members who decide to pursue college while serving.

In summary, the choice to serve in the military after high school is typically driven by a combination of factors, each individual's decision influenced by their personal goals, values, and aspirations.