Looking at Military Options for Women After College. Suggestions?

Hi there! I'm a prospective college graduate and I'm considering military service after college. I was wondering if anyone has any advice or insights about military options for women specifically after graduation? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

Absolutely, it's great you're looking at different career paths. Choosing to serve in the military can certainly be a strong and rewarding career path for women post-college.

First, it's important to know that all branches and positions in the military are open to women. This includes the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and the more recent sixth branch, the Space Force. So the world is your oyster in terms of choosing the branch and role you want to pursue.

Infantry, armor, artillery, special forces - these are some roles that women would have been excluded from in the past, but that's not the case anymore.

Another notable point is that if you're joining the military after college, you might be eligible to enter as an officer, rather than an enlistee. That usually means higher pay and additional leadership responsibilities right from the start.

There are also some military programs specifically designed for recent college graduates who want to become officers, such as the Navy's Officer Candidate School. This is a 12-week program designed to give you the basic knowledge necessary to become a Naval Officer.

If you’re more interested in medical or legal fields, you may want to consider joining as a professional. Scholarships and student loan repayment are often an option if you commit to a number of years in the military following your schooling.

Keep in mind your choice should align with your interests and long-term career goals. If you're leaning towards healthcare or social work, for instance, the Army and Air Force both have strong human services divisions.

Lastly, it's important to know that you can still pursue a civilian career after your military service. Many employers value the leadership experience, discipline, and unique skills that veterans bring to their companies.

Remember, talking with a recruiter can be helpful. They have the most recent and detailed information on different career opportunities within each branch, and they can guide you on how your specific college degree might lead to a direct career path within the military.

I hope this gives you a good starting point for your research.