Benefits of College Before Military Enlistment?

I'm in my junior year and I've been exploring various post-high school options, including both college and military service. I'm particularly interested in the benefits of attending college before joining the military. Is there any advantage to this path? Is it beneficial in terms of advancing more quickly in the military ranks or any other aspects?

Attending college prior to enlisting has potential benefits depending on your specific goals and circumstances.

One of the primary benefits is the opportunity to enter the military as an officer, rather than an enlisted service member, upon completion of a bachelor's degree. This is achieved through programs like the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) which is available at many colleges, or Officer Candidate School (OCS), which college graduates can attend after enlisting. Being an officer often comes with more leadership responsibilities, better pay, and can provide a faster route to higher ranks.

Acquiring a degree also provides valuable skills and knowledge that can be beneficial in a military career, such as critical thinking or specific expertise in fields like engineering, cyber security, or foreign languages. These skills may open up job opportunities within the military that might not otherwise be available.

Another advantage to consider is the availability of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which allows service members to attend higher education institutions and vocational schools during or after service. It also allows service members to transfer those benefits to a dependent. Earning a degree before enlisting and then retaining those benefits could equate to potentially funding a higher degree later or supporting a child's education.

However, it's important to note this path may not suit everyone and there are also benefits to enlisting straight out of high school, such as gaining immediate employment, gaining skills and experience, and the military may offer to pay for your education while you serve or after your service.

In summary, attending college before joining the military can offer potential benefits in terms of rank advancement, career opportunities, and potential future educational opportunities for yourself or dependents, but it depends greatly on your individual goals and circumstances.