Military and College - Balance?

As a current college student, I'm giving serious thought to join the military. I'm not sure about the balance though. Which branch would be best for someone who wants to continue their college education and also serve?

The decision to balance military service with a college education can be a challenging one, but it's absolutely feasible and multiple paths exist that cater to individuals in your situation - including Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) and serving in the reserves or National Guard.

If you're in college and considering military service, one option is to join your college's ROTC program. This would mean that you'd be a student and a cadet at the same time. The ROTC allows you to receive a commission in the Armed Forces upon graduating from college, making this a great option if you're more interested in becoming an officer. The Army, Navy, and Air Force each have ROTC programs.

Another option would be to serve in a branch's reserve or National Guard unit. Military personnel in reserve units undergo training one weekend a month and two weeks per year. Some units might get deployed, but in general, service tends to be part-time. The same goes for the National Guard, which operates both under state and federal authority. Both options would give you flexibility to continue with your college education.

Which branch would be best largely depends on your interests and career goals. Each branch of the military, be it the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, or even the newly formed Space Force, offer unique experiences, opportunities, and roles.

Before making a decision, it's advisable to talk to recruiters from different branches and to students or veterans who have embarked on similar paths. This can provide you a firsthand understanding of what each branch has to offer and how it could potentially align with your education and life goals.