What are military junior colleges?

While researching about post-high school options, I came across this term - 'military junior colleges'. But I'm super confused. What exactly are these and how do they differ from regular military colleges? Any help would be appreciated.

Military Junior Colleges (MJC) are a unique type of school found in the U.S. that provide students with an accelerated path towards a career in the military. They are a subset of the five main types of service academies in the US: federal service academies, senior military colleges, maritime academies, military junior colleges, and other military schools.

MJCs differ from typical four-year military colleges, often called Senior Military Colleges, in their length of study and the military career opportunities they offer. MJC programs are typically two years long and are designed to provide students with an Associate's degree, as well as a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve or the Army National Guard upon graduation.

In contrast, Senior Military Colleges traditionally offer a four-year Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program, and graduates can commission as officers in any branch of the military, not just the Army. These graduates often have the option to serve in the military full-time or part-time while pursuing a civilian career.

Currently, there are four Military Junior Colleges in the United States: Georgia Military College, Marion Military Institute, New Mexico Military Institute, and Valley Forge Military Academy and College.

Each institution has its area of focus, structure, and culture, so it would be beneficial to research specifically each college and see how well it aligns with your future goals and preferred educational environment.