Worth Pursuing Military After College?

Hey there, I've been thinking about doing something a bit untraditional after college - joining the military. Just wondering if anyone has any insight into the benefits or downsides of this? Is it worth going into the military after completing a college degree?

Approach towards joining the military can certainly vary from person to person, and the decision to serve ultimately depends on your individual goals, priorities, and values.

One major upside of joining the military post-college is the possibility of entering at a higher rank and pursuing leadership roles sooner than those who haven't completed a degree. With a bachelor's degree, you may qualify for Officer Candidate School (OCS) or Officer Training School (OTS), which could lead to becoming a commissioned officer.

Entering the military as an officer generally means better pay than enlisted personnel, along with increased responsibilities and potential for growth within the military's leadership ranks. In terms of career advancement, taking the officer path can offer opportunities not available to enlisted personnel.

Furthermore, military service could provide you with pertinent and transferrable skills for future civilian career opportunities. The ability to operate under pressure, lead teams, and manage logistical challenges are all valuable proficiencies that employers often seek out.

Another often considered advantage is the ability to have your student loans repaid or forgiven under certain military programs, provided you meet certain criteria.

On the other hand, there are also challenges to consider. Military life can be physically and emotionally demanding. You may face rigorous training, deployments, and extended separation from your family. In addition, exiting the military can sometimes pose difficulties in finding civilian work, although the military does offer transition support and career counseling.

The decision also pivots on your convictions and feelings regarding potential active combat duty. You could be placed in dangerous situations, which is a risk inherent to military service.

It is important to take all these factors into account when making your decision. I'd recommend reaching out to military recruiters or individuals who've taken similar paths post-college to gain more insights into what the experience might be like. They could provide more details about the process of joining, available career paths based on your degree, and personal insights into the lifestyle and values inherent to military service.