Hey, here's my situation. I've just completed two years at a regular college, not a military one. I've been considering joining the military now. Are there any benefits I'd receive in the military from having completed these two years? Additionally, would it make a difference if the college I attended was a community college?
Your decision to consider joining the military after two years of college is a significant choice and can come with certain benefits. Prior college experience, including community college, can increase your standing when entering the military, depending on the branch and your field of study. For example, the number of college credits you have could allow you to enter at a higher pay grade. In the Army and the Marine Corps, having completed some college might qualify you to enlist as an E-2 or E-3, rather than an E-1. The specific requirements for these ranks would depend on the military branch, and typically, you need an associate degree (or at least 60 credits) to qualify for these benefits.
Regarding your question about community college versus a four-year college, the military generally doesn't differentiate between the two when considering college credits for enlistment. What matters more is the actual number of credits you earned.
In addition to higher rank and potentially pay, your college experience could also prove beneficial if you decide to pursue an officer path in the military. Officer candidate school (OCS) or Officer Training School (OTS) typically requires a bachelor's degree, but having some college credits under your belt already puts you closer to this requirement should you choose this path in the future.Finally, the military’s tuition assistance programs and the GI Bill could be used to continue your education during or after your service. These could help you to complete your bachelor's degree with minimal to no debt.
Keep in mind that while these are some potential benefits, the specific advantages can vary by branch and circumstances. Therefore, I would recommend that you talk to a recruiter from the branch you're interested in to get the most accurate information for your situation. Good luck!
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