College to Military: Enlisting After My First Year

I've just completed my first year at college but I'm leaning towards the military. How does the process of enlistment work in my situation? Has anyone made a similar switch and can provide some advice?

Switching from college to the military can be a big decision, but it's not uncommon. Here are a few steps you might follow:

1. Decide on the Military Branch: Consider the difference among the six branches of the U.S. military - Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force. Each has unique opportunities and requirements.

2. Talk to Recruiters: Visiting your local recruiter's office can provide you with a better picture of what each branch can offer. They can guide you through the differences in enlistment qualifications, obligations, benefits, and more.

3. Pass Military Entrance Processing: Once you've decided to enlist, you'll need to pass the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). This involves a physical examination and the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) to determine what jobs you're qualified for.

4. Choose your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) and Enlist: This is basically choosing what job you'll train for and do in the military. Once that's done, you'll participate in the oath ceremony and sign your contract.

5. Attend Basic Training: Also known as "boot camp," this is where you'll be trained on military conduct, combat and survival skills.

On the bright side, having college experience when entering the military can be beneficial. It can assist in advancing to higher ranks quicker due to your college credits. In regard to advice, one thing many individuals who've made the switch mention is to thoroughly research and understand what you're undertaking beforehand. Remember, enlisting in the military is a big commitment, typically of 4 to 6 years, so being sure of your decision is important.

Please also note, you have the option to join ROTC or military service academies if you're considering returning to college in the future. You'd serve as a military officer upon graduation in these scenarios. You could also enlist in the military reserves or the National Guard, which can offer you more flexibility than active-duty enlistment and allow you to continue college after basic training if you prefer. Good luck with your decision!