Information on Notable Military Service?

Anyone have a resource where I can find out who served in which branch of the military? I feel like it could provide some interesting context and might influence my decision about whether to enlist or pursue higher education first.

Sure, it's not uncommon to look at examples of notable people who have served in the military for some perspective. For a historical approach, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has a list of notable veterans across various fields such as politics, arts, sciences, and sports. This list pairs individuals with their service information, including which military branch they served in.

In the modern context, many media outlets and military-focused sites publish pieces detailing current prominent figures who have served. You can look them up online by using keywords like "famous military veterans" or "notable military service."

Keep in mind, going straight into higher education or enlisting first before pursuing higher education are both legitimate paths. It's important to consider not just what others have done, but what aligns with your own career goals and preferred timeline. For instance, if you're interested in fields like engineering or IT, the military often offers hands-on experience and valuable training in these areas. On the other hand, if your interests align more with humanities or social sciences, getting your degree first may better position you in those fields.

The military also offers educational benefits that can go a long way in making higher education more affordable. The Montgomery G.I. Bill, for example, provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least two years of active duty. It might be worth researching how these benefits might influence your decision about the sequence of enlisting and pursuing higher education.

In the end, both paths can lead to impactful careers, and your decision can be influenced by factors such as your professional goals, financial situation, and personal preference for immediate employment or further education.