What military programs allow you to attend college first?

Hey everyone, I'm interested in joining the military after high school, but I don't want to jump straight to that. I've heard about some programs that allow you to go to college first then serve, anyone know any details about how those work or any specific recommendations?

Sure, there are several programs in the U.S. military that let you attend college first and then serve. They are geared toward providing you with an advanced degree and leadership training, allowing you to serve as a commissioned officer in the military.

One option is the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), which is available for the Army, Navy, and Air Force while you are in college. ROTC offers scholarships for college that usually cover the bulk of tuition fees, and sometimes even room and board. In return, students commit to serving in the military as officers for a certain period of time following graduation.

Another path is attending a service academy such as the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the U.S. Naval Academy, or the U.S. Air Force Academy, where your education is fully paid for by the military. After graduation, students commit to serving in the military for a certain amount of time. These are very prestigious institutions and admission tends to be highly competitive.

A third pathway is the Officer Candidate School (OCS) route, also known as Officer Training School (OTS) in the Air Force. This is a program for individuals who already have a bachelor's degree or are near completion. Once you're accepted, you undergo intense leadership training and, upon completion, you're commissioned as an officer.

Do note that each of these pathways has its own set of requirements and commitments, so it's advised to research each program carefully and possibly talk to a military recruiter to find out which path is most suitable for you. Best of luck with your journey!