Hey folks, I’m in my junior year and increasingly feel tugged towards military service, but I can't decide if I should first complete my college or enlist straight away. Some people on Reddit discuss joining the military to pay for college, while others suggest getting a degree while on active duty - are either of these paths more valuable? Looking for insights here!
In your position, it's important to remember there's no one-size-fits-all answer as it depends greatly on your personal goals, circumstances, and the type of military career you're interested in.
On one hand, enlisting right away can provide immediate job security, steady income, robust benefits, discipline, and the opportunity to serve your country. It can also alleviate any financial stress of college might pose as the military offers benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This benefit can cover up to 100% of your tuition fees at an in-state public college after you’ve served for at least 3 years, or it can be used towards private or foreign schools.
On the other hand, completing college first can benefit you if you're aiming for a more specialized military career. Some positions, especially officer roles, may require or favor candidates with degrees. With a degree in hand at enlistment, you might enter at a higher rank with increased pay. College might also provide experiences and skill sets that will be valuable during your military career.
Moreover, attending college while on active duty can be quite challenging due to the intense demand on your time and energy. If you're able to balance these demands or are willing to take a longer time to complete your degree, this could work for you.
Overall, it comes down to what you're hoping to derive from both your educational and military experience. Talking to a military recruiter might help clarify the benefits and requirements of different paths. Also consider reaching out to others who have taken each path, perhaps via Reddit or another networking resource.
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