Studying military courses in college

Hey everyone, I'm a junior and recently been thinking about the military route. Does anyone have experience with studying military courses in college? What does this usually entail, and what are the benefits? Any feedback would be appreciated!

Studying military courses in college often means being part of an ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) program. These programs are available at many colleges and universities across the country and are designed to prepare students for service in the Armed Forces. They're usually split into two parts: academic courses and training drills.

For the academic portion, you'd take courses alongside your regular college coursework. The classes typically cover leadership, management, ethics, and military science. For the training element, you'd participate in physical training drills and leadership labs, where you enact combat situations.

Among the several benefits of enrolling in an ROTC program are scholarship opportunities which can significantly help with tuition and other college expenses. After graduation, you're commissioned as an officer and can serve in the active duty military, National Guard, or work as a reserve. Other benefits include leadership development, discipline, and fitness training.

It’s important to note that by enrolling in the ROTC, you are making a commitment to serve in the military after you graduate. The length of commitment varies depending on branch and whether or not you received an ROTC scholarship. So, it’s a considerable decision to make.

Another option for military-related studies in college is a degree in Military Science, History, or Strategy. These programs focus less on preparing you for service and more on understanding the history, strategy, and social aspects of military institutions.

And finally, don’t forget about service academies. These are federal academies that provide a high-quality undergraduate education and train students for service in the military. Admission to these academies is highly competitive and comes with a commitment of service after graduation.

I hope this information is helpful in your decision-making process. It can be a beneficial pathway if it aligns with your career goals and interests. It would be beneficial to speak with current military students or professionals in the field to gather first-hand experiences before making a decision.