Hi all, I'm a junior considering the military after high school but don't want to abandon my desire for higher education. Would it be possible for someone to join the military first then transition to college later? Are there any potential barriers or difficulties one might face during this transition?
Absolutely, joining the military before attending college is perfectly doable and a path that many individuals take. The U.S. military itself provides several educational benefits that can make this process easier.
One program to consider is the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which pays up to 36 months of education benefits for service members and veterans who have served at least90 aggregate days on active duty after September 10, 2001. These benefits can be used for college, vocational training, trade school, or on-the-job training depending on your vocational interests.
One potential challenge returning to college as a military veteran is the adjustment to civilian life and academic routines. Life in the military follows a strict schedule and has a clearly defined chain of command, which can be vastly different from the more relaxed and self-directed nature of college life. But remember, colleges often have resources such as veteran support groups and counseling services to help you in this transition.
Another aspect to consider is that you might be older than traditional college students. While there's nothing wrong with this and it does give you unique life experiences that you can bring to your studies, it may require a different approach to socializing and networking on campus. Finally, bear in mind that military training and experiences, while valuable, do not always translate directly into college credits. Most institutions have a process to evaluate military experience for potential credit, but this varies by school.
Overall, transitioning from the military to college is a deeply personal decision with various factors to consider, but it's definitely possible and can be a rewarding journey.
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