Should I join the military before or after college?

Hi. I'm seriously considering a career in the military, and I'm stuck between joining right after high school or attending college first. What are the pros and cons to both paths? It would really help me out to hear some perspectives.

There's no definitive right or wrong answer as it ultimately comes down to your personal goals and circumstances. However, let's go over some pros and cons of each pathway.

Joining the military after high school:

Pros:

- You begin your military career and training right away, which may be appealing if you're eager to start.

- The military often offers educational benefits that you can use later if you decide to attend college.

- You'll gain work and life experience that could be beneficial when you eventually transition to a civilian career.

- If you aren't entirely sure what you want to study yet, the military can provide you with the time to figure that out.

Cons:

- It might be more challenging to go back to school later, especially if your military service includes deployments or long work hours.

Attending college first:

Pros:

- If you're interested in a military career that requires a bachelor’s degree (such as becoming an officer), going to college first may be necessary.

- College can provide you with opportunities to explore different academic and extracurricular interests.

- Participating in a Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program in college can provide you with a foundation of military skills while you earn your degree.

Cons:

- If you join the military after college, you'll be older than many of your peers in basic training, which could potentially be a social disadvantage.

- Student loans and debt may be a concern, although ROTC scholarships can help defray some costs.

These are just some things to consider as you're making your decision. You should also consider speaking with military recruiters and college admissions counselors, as they can provide more detailed information tailored to your specific situation and interests. Keep in mind, you can also serve in the military and attend college simultaneously through certain programs if that’s something that interests you.