Immediate enlistment opportunities in the military?

After a lot of soul-searching, I've decided a 4-year college right after high school might not be the best choice for me. I was just wondering which branches of the US military can you join directly without any specialty training beforehand? I feel like a dork for not knowing, but any information would help a lot, thanks!

Not to worry at all, and it's great that you're looking to find the path that feels right to you! To answer your question, the basic branches of the U.S. military that require no prior specialty training for most entry-level positions are the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. This simply means you enlist and they will provide the necessary training you'll require.

As you may know, each of these branches also has different roles and specialties that you could consider depending on your interests and skills. For example, if you are interested in aviation, the Air Force or Navy could be a good fit. The Marines or Army might be more suitable for you if you are interested in ground combat roles. The Coast Guard primarily focuses on domestic maritime operations like search and rescue, law enforcement, and environmental protection.

You should be aware that after your enlistment, you'll go through Basic Training (boot camp). This is usually an 8-12 week program that will acclimate you to military life and teach you the basic skills of your branch.

I'd recommend speaking with recruiters from the branches you're most interested in, as they can provide more specific information. It's essential to have a clear understanding of what to expect before you enlist.

And finally, remember that following your military service, you will have access to the GI Bill, which can fund your college education should you choose to pursue it in the future. That's a great way to gain excellent experience, build skills, and have your education funded when you're ready.