Hey guys, I'm a rising high school senior who plans to go to college after graduation. But then, I'm strongly thinking about entering the military right after college. Anyone have insight on benefits or advantages of this move? Could really use your help on this!
Choosing to join the military after college can provide a multitude of benefits. It's worth noting that these benefits can vary based on the branch of service and the position you enter into. Here are some potential advantages you might want to consider:
Leadership Opportunities: One of the strong advantages of entering the military after college is the strong leadership training provided. Officers are expected to lead teams from the get-go and this is something that is emphasized throughout your entire military service. This experience can pay off in civilian careers afterwards.
Advanced Career Training: Many military careers provide advanced training in various fields. You might have access to job training in fields such as intelligence, engineering, healthcare, etc. that would be considerably expensive in the civilian world.
Educational Benefits: The military also offers programs that assist with the repayment of student loans. Moreover, you can pursue additional education while serving or after you've completed your service as the military offers tuition assistance and programs such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Healthcare and Retirement Benefits: Comprehensive health and dental care are provided while you're in the military. In terms of retirement, the military offers a Blend Retirement System (BRS) which provides a pension after 20 years of service, but also contributes to a retirement account which you can take with you if you decide to leave the service.
Veteran status: This can be beneficial with civilian employers who value the transferrable skills you've acquired in the military. It can also provide you with access to specific resources and benefits tailored for veterans.
Lastly, service itself can forge lifelong bonds, instill discipline and resilience, and offer a sense of purpose that's impactful and rewarding. It's advisable to contact a military recruiter or a military officer commissioning program such as ROTC to get more personalized information based on your interests and career path.
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