Hey guys! I'm planning on joining the military after my high school graduation. However, I don't want to abandon my academic pursuits. Can anyone share their thoughts or experiences on combining military service with college studies? What should I expect?
Certainly! There are multiple routes you can take to continue your academic pursuits while serving in the military.
The Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) is a popular option for many students. ROTC programs are offered at many universities across the country and allow you to pursue a regular college degree while also participating in military training. Upon graduation, ROTC cadets commission as officers in the military. The bonus is that the ROTC offers scholarships that can partially or fully cover college tuition.
Another option is attending a Service Academy such as the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy (West Point), or U.S. Air Force Academy. Here, you'll receive a strong academic education alongside military training and have a guaranteed job upon graduation, though you will have a commitment of several years of service after graduation. These schools are highly competitive and prestigious.
You could also consider enlisting in the military and then taking advantage of the G.I. Bill to fund your education. The Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, for example, provides benefits for education and housing to service members with at least 90 days of aggregate service after September 10, 2001, or service members discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. Finally, you could join the National Guard or Reserves while attending college. These roles typically require one weekend a month and two weeks a year of service. In many states, National Guard members are eligible for tuition assistance or waivers at state schools.
However, do anticipate challenges - serving in the military while studying can be demanding. You may face scheduling conflicts, deployments, or balancing the rigors of military life with academic deadlines. It's also important to ensure the college or university you choose is military-friendly and provides resources to support active duty and veteran students.
Good luck with your journey!
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