College Credits and Military Advantage

Hey, I'm currently considering the option of joining the military after high school but I'm also taking some college courses. Will earning college credits help my progression in the military in any way?

Absolutely! Achieving college credits prior to enlisting in the military can be advantageous in several ways. For instance, certain branches of the U.S. military offer a higher rank upon enlistment for candidates with a certain number of college credits. This increase in rank not only means higher pay but can also open up opportunities for leadership roles sooner.

Furthermore, your college credits can contribute towards pursuing a degree while in service. Most branches of the U.S. military offer tuition assistance programs for active-duty service members seeking higher education, and your pre-existing credits could get you closer to a degree.

Moreover, having college credits or a degree can potentially make you a more competitive candidate if you decide to become an officer. The selection process for Officer Candidate School (OCS) or Officer Training School (OTS) is competitive and usually requires at least a bachelor's degree.

It's important to check out the specific policies for the branch you're considering, as each can have slightly different rules concerning rank, tuition assistance, and officer candidacy. For example, the Army and Navy often provide enlistment at a higher rank for those with a certain amount of college credits or a degree.

Just keep in mind, that a military pathway is a long-term commitment, so it's important to weigh all your options and ensure that this is the right move for you. Also, recall that you can continue your education during or after your military service, so those college credits will still be valuable.