After High school: Active Military then College?

I'm thinking about going into the military straight from high school, and then potentially considering college afterwards. Has anyone gone this route? What were some challenges/benefits you found?

Choosing to join the military before attending college can yield several benefits, but it does come with challenges as well.

One of the primary benefits is the opportunity to gain life and work experience, which can provide valuable context and direction for your eventual college studies. Serving in the military can offer unique experiences that can strengthen your future college application, set you apart from other candidates, and provide tangible examples of leadership and teamwork.

Another substantial benefit is financial. The military can provide educational benefits through programs like the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill. These benefits can assist with the costs of tuition, housing, and supplies, which can make a significant difference in your financial planning for higher education.

The challenges one might encounter after transitioning from active military duty to a college environment primarily revolve around readjustment. Transitioning from a highly structured, disciplined environment to the autonomy of college can be challenging. Many individuals in this situation might grapple with relating to their younger, less experienced peers.

Additionally, there can be logistical components to navigate when transitioning from military service to college. This can range from the application process, to understanding how to best utilize the available benefits, to ensuring transferability of any potentially relevant military training to college credit.

This route isn't for everyone but can prove highly worthwhile for some. The key is to genuinely understand your own desires, goals, and motivations before making your decision.