Hey all, I was just wondering, what do you see as the main pros and cons of pursuing military service with the intention of them paying for your college education? I know it's a route a lot of people have taken, so I'm curious to get some actual opinions on it.
This is a complex issue with numerous factors to weigh in. Here are a few perspectives to consider:
Pros:
1. Expense offset: The GI Bill, or similar military educational benefits, can cover a significant portion of the expenses for schooling including tuition, fees, and housing. It helps students graduate with little to no debt, significantly reducing their financial strain.
2. Diverse skill set: Military service can instill leadership, discipline, teamwork, and crisis-management skills, which can serve a person well not only in college but also throughout their life.
3. Networking: The military provides a diverse environment where you get to connect with people from different backgrounds, which can lead to lasting friendships and valuable networking opportunities.
Cons:
1. Time Commitment: The military requires a substantial time commitment. This is typically a minimum of 2-6 years active duty, but can vary based on the specifics of an individual’s service contract and their career field. These years could be spent gaining other experiences or starting a career.
2. Potential danger: Military service inherently involves risk, including the risk of physical harm, severe stress, or deployment to unsafe areas. This can have both short-term and long-term impacts on physical and mental health.
3. Delayed Start: Depending on the length of your service, you might start your college education and subsequent career later than your peers, which could potentially influence career trajectory.
Remember, everyone's experience in the military varies greatly, based on factors including branch, job, and individual disposition. Make sure to do thorough research and consider all relevant factors before making a decision.
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