Defering Military Service for College - Is it Possible?

Hey, so I'm thinking about dual paths that involve both the military and higher education. Is it possible to defer military service to attend college first? Are there any programs in place that might enable something like this?

Absolutely, there are several routes you can take that strike a balance between military service and college education. A popular option is the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) scholarship programs. These programs provide scholarships for college students in exchange for military service after graduation. To apply, you'll need to meet the age, physical fitness, and academic requirements.

Another option is to enlist in the reserves or the National Guard while in college. Members of these units usually commit to a certain number of years of service, and they are typically required to train one weekend a month and two full weeks a year. In return, they receive tuition assistance and other benefits.

There's also the service academies like West Point, the Naval Academy, and the Air Force Academy, where you can obtain a college education for free in return for military service after graduation.

Or lastly, you can simply delay your enlistment after high school to attend college. Once you've obtained your degree, you can then enlist and may even qualify for officer training school or direct commissioning programs which can lead to a notable level of responsibility and pay within the military.

Keep in mind that different branches have different programs and options, so it might be helpful to contact a recruiter to discuss these options in detail. Each path has its pros and cons in terms of commitment, schooling, and military service, so it will be important for you to research and consider all options before making a decision.