Does anyone know if there's a way to get a head start on joining the military while still in high school? Is there like an early enlistment program or something for high schoolers?
Absolutely, high school students have the opportunity to start their military pathway prior to graduation via different programs.
One of the most common is the Delayed Entry Program (DEP) which allows high school students to enlist in any branch of the military. The enlistment can occur as early as the start of their senior year. They go to basic training after high school graduation.
Alternatively, the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) is a program sponsored by the United States Armed Forces in high schools across the country. The program is designed to teach students the value of citizenship, leadership, service to the community, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment. However, participation in JROTC is not a commitment to military service after high school.
One other avenue to consider is attending a service academy like the U.S Naval Academy, U.S Military Academy (West Point), U.S Air Force Academy, U.S Merchant Marine Academy, or the U.S Coast Guard Academy. These schools offer a high-quality education with the expectation that you serve in the military for a certain number of years after graduation. Admission to these academies is highly competitive and includes a screening process.
Keep in mind, all of these options have distinct advantages and challenges, so do your research and consider your long-term goals before making a decision.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.