Should I get a college degree before joining the military?

I've been considering both college and joining the military after high school. I'm just not sure which one should come first. If I get a degree before enlisting, would it give me any benefits? Like starting at a higher rank or something?

Having a bachelor's degree can indeed give you certain benefits if you decide to join the military afterwards. One significant benefit is that it may qualify you for a position as an officer, rather than enlisting as an enlisted service member. Essentially, officers are the managers of the military, leading soldiers and planning missions, while enlisted service members are the workers who carry out the tasks. Officers generally have a higher pay grade and more responsibilities than enlisted personnel.

Moreover, you also have the possibility of participating in an ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) program while in college. These programs offer scholarships and deliver military training along with your degree. Upon graduation, you are commissioned as a second lieutenant (Army, Air Force, Space Force, and Marine Corps) or ensign (Navy and Coast Guard).

However, this isn't to say that enlisting right after high school is a bad option. There are a wide variety of jobs and opportunities in the military, and you can even gain college credit for some of the training you'll receive. In addition, the military provides tuition assistance for active-duty members, and the GI Bill provides substantial educational benefits for those who serve and then decide to go to college.

Both paths have their advantages, and the choice largely depends on your personal goals and circumstances. If you see yourself in a leadership role with more responsibility, you might lean more toward earning a degree first and then becoming an officer. If you're eager to enter the workforce right away, starting military service earlier could be an attractive option.