Attending College and Being in the Military Simultaneously

Hey, I'm really interested in joining the military, but I also want to go to college. Is it possible to do both at the same time? Anyone with similar experiences willing to shed some light on this?

Absolutely, you can definitely be enlisted in the military and attend college at the same time. Many service members pursue their education while serving in the military.

One of the programs that allows you to do this is the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program. Many colleges across the United States have ROTC programs for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, where you can get military training while studying for your bachelor's degree. Typically, ROTC cadets commit to serve in the military for a certain number of years after graduation. In return, they're often eligible for generous scholarships that can cover a significant portion of tuition, fees, and sometimes even housing or living costs.

There are also military service academies like the United States Military Academy (West Point), the United States Naval Academy, and the United States Air Force Academy which provide a comprehensive education and military training, although these are highly competitive and rigorous.

Another path is serving in the military reserves or National Guard while attending college. This allows you to serve primarily on weekends and a couple of weeks a year, so you can attend college full-time.

Keep in mind, blending military service and college can be challenging due to the commitments required for each. There may be times when military training or service interferes with academic work. However, many colleges offer support for student veterans, including academic advising, tutoring, and counseling, so definitely seek these resources out.

Also, the military offers benefits such as Tuition Assistance and the G.I. Bill which can help offset college costs.

Lastly, a growing number of colleges and universities offer online degree programs. This option provides you with the flexibility to study at your own pace, which may be a more feasible option depending on your military commitments.

This is a brief overview and each path has its own pros and cons, so I highly recommend speaking with a military recruiter, the ROTC program at your desired schools, and the Veterans Affairs office to better understand these opportunities.