College Requirement for Military

Is it necessary, or even advisable, to go to college before joining the military? I'd appreciate some advice on this topic.

Going to college before joining the military is not necessary, but it does open up different career paths within the military. If you enlist in the military with a high school diploma, you will typically undergo training and then work in an enlisted position. This path has many opportunities for growth and advancement, but it might limit you to certain roles.

On the other hand, if you have a bachelor's degree, you could apply for Officer Candidate School (OCS) or Officer Training School (OTS), and start your military career as an officer. Officers generally have responsibilities that require more leadership and management skills, as they are often put into leadership roles right away. Additionally, officers tend to have higher earning potential than enlisted personnel.

However, remember that the officer route can be more competitive and may require more years of service. Therefore, whether or not college before military is advisable depends on your career ambitions in the military, your financial situation (considering the costs of college), and the timing of when you want to start your military career.

If you're interested in both college and a military career, you might also want to consider ROTC programs or military academies. ROTC programs offer scholarships that pay for most, if not all, of your tuition in exchange for a commitment to serve in the military after college. Military academies, on the other hand, provide full tuition in exchange for service after graduation, and you graduate as an officer.

In the end, the "best" path depends on your individual circumstances and career goals. Each route offers unique opportunities for personal growth and career advancement.