Pros and cons of attending college before enlisting in the military?

Hi all, I’m currently a junior and I’ve been pondering about the idea of joining the military. However, college also seems like the natural path. I want to know, from those who might have been in my shoes, what are some pros and cons of attending college prior to going into the military?

Sure, there are several pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to attend college before joining the military.

Pros:

1. Degree: Obtaining a college degree allows you to enter the military at a higher rank. For instance, you could commission as an officer, which often comes with higher pay and additional leadership responsibilities.

2. Development: College can also serve as a time to grow both personally and acadically, providing you with a breadth of experiences and perspectives that may offer valuable context to bring into a military career.

3. Networking: College gives you the opportunity to build connections, form relationships, and engage in internships that can foster broad skill sets and open doors for you in the future, whether within or outside the military.

Cons:

1. Time: Attending college before enlisting will delay your entrance into the military by at least 4 years. If serving in the military is your ultimate goal, this might feel like unnecessary postponement.

2. Cost: The cost of attending college can be astronomical and result in significant debt. Even though the military can help pay off student loans, it may still be a financial burden.

3. Loss of Military Benefits: By joining the military after college, you might miss out on some military benefits such as the GI Bill, which could otherwise pay for your tuition and additional costs related to education.

Deciding between college and the military is a personal decision that should align with your long-term career and life objectives. You might want to consider speaking to a military recruiter who can provide you with more precise information on the advantages and disadvantages given your specific circumstances and ambitions.