Joining the military after graduation – what's the process?

Hey guys, I've been thinking a lot about my options after college and the military sounds quite tempting. Does anyone know what the process is like to enlist after getting a degree? Moreover, how could this serve as an avenue towards medical school?

Joining the military after college graduation is certainly a viable path, and many individuals found it rewarding both personally and professionally. The process to enlist vary by branch of service (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard), but it usually involves these general steps:

1. Research the Different Military Branches: Learn about the different branches of the military to find out which one aligns best with your career goals and personal interests.

2. Contact a Recruiter: The recruiter will provide information about life in the military, benefits, and potential career paths. They can also help you understand the steps to enlistment.

3. Take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB): This is a series of tests to determine your qualifications for enlistment. The test assesses your skills, knowledge, and aptitudes and helps the military match you with potential roles.

4. Medical Exam: The military requires a rigorous physical exam to ensure you are physically fit to serve.

5. Complete the Enlistment Process: This will involve signing your contract, taking the enlistment oath, and potentially attending a formal military entrance ceremony.

As for the part about using military service as an avenue to medical school, yes, that's also possible. There are a couple of paths available.

The first is through the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP). This program provides full tuition coverage for medical school in exchange for a commitment to serve as a military doctor for a specified number of years. Military doctors serve in the Army Medical Corps, Navy Medical Corps, or Air Force Medical Service Corps and have all their medical training paid for, including a monthly stipend.

Another option is the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS). This is a medical school run by the U.S. military that offers a full scholarship in exchange for a service obligation after graduation. Military medical students have the freedom to choose from all the specialty areas that civilian medical students do, though there may be some limits because military medical needs come first.

Both of these avenues require acceptance into medical school. They provide a great opportunity to attend medical school without accruing significant student loan debt, and they provide invaluable experience working in unique settings, but remember they come with an obligation to serve as a military physician for a specified period of time. The time commitment varies depending on the program, so be sure to thoroughly research this commitment before deciding if it's right for you.

Lastly, note that you cannot simply enlist and then apply for these programs – you must apply for both medical school and the military programs at the same time. If you've already completed college, you could enlist and then apply to medical school and these programs simultaneously, but ensure to have a clear conversation with your recruiter about your plans.