Applying for College and Enlisting in the Military Simultaneously - How Does it Work?

I'm a high school junior and I'm interested in both college and the military. What's the process like for someone who wants to apply for colleges while also enlisting in the military? Should I be applying to colleges first and then enlist, or does the order not matter? Are there special programs like ROTC that allow you to do both?

Firstly, it's commendable that you're exploring both avenues - college and military service. You can approach this several ways, and I'll walk you through three options.

One option is to apply to colleges in your senior year and also enlist in the military after graduating high school. Recruiters from military branches aim to help prospective enlistees navigate these dual pathways. You'd typically undergo basic training, and then you could request "delayed entry" to start your military service after your university studies.

A second path is to join the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) in college, which allows you to attend classes while also training for the military. After graduation, you'd serve in the military as an officer. This route would require applying to both the colleges of your choice and the ROTC program separately. Some ROTC programs offer scholarships that cover tuition, room and board, or books, but it's not a guarantee and sometimes comes with a requirement of military service after graduation, so make sure you're aware of all the terms.

Finally, you could look into the United States service academies (such as the U.S. Naval Academy or West Point), which provide a full four-year scholarship in exchange for a commitment to serve in the military upon graduation. Admission to these academies is quite competitive and involves a nomination, usually from a U.S. Representative or Senator.

Remember, the most important thing is to think about where you see yourself in the future and what kind of lifestyle and career you desire. These decisions shouldn't be rushed and should be made with careful thought and research. Best of luck in your pursuits!