Thinking of Joining the US Military with My College Degree. What Should I Know?

Hey folks, I've just wrapped up my bachelor's degree and I'm seriously contemplating enlisting in the military. What's the best way to go about this? Any advice on specific branches which value college graduates more? How about my chances of operating in a role related to my degree field?

Hello! First off, congratulations on completing your degree. That's a significant milestone. Now, considering the military as the next step in your life is also a big decision, and I'm glad you're thinking it through.

Firstly, you might want to look into becoming an officer given your academic background. One way to enter the military as an officer is through the Officer Candidate School (OCS) or Officer Training School (OTS), depending on the military branch.

- The Army, Navy, and Marine Corps all have Officer Candidate Schools, while the Air Force and Space Force use Officer Training School.

- The Coast Guard refers to its officer training as the Officer Candidate School, but it is a separate program unique to the Coast Guard.

These programs are designed to transition individuals with bachelor's degrees into leadership roles in the respective service branches.

Different branches have different needs and demands, and they all have unique cultures and roles. I'd recommend finding a branch that aligns with your interests and goals. If you're interested in a specific area like cyber warfare, aviation, or naval operations, that can help you decide as each branch has special strengths in various areas.

In regards to aligning with your degree, the military offers a vast array of roles that require a wide range of skills. While it might not be a direct alignment, many roles will be able to take advantage of your analytical skills, discipline, and experience from college.

Keep in mind, as an officer, your primary role would be seen as a leader and manager within your respective service branch. That might mean leading a platoon, running a military hospital, piloting an aircraft, or managing the logistics of a base's supplies. This means that while your job might be broadly related to your degree field, you'll also have to carry leadership responsibilities as part of your role.

Lastly, be sure to speak with recruiters from various branches to get a better idea of what they have to offer and how well they align with your personal goals. Remember, they're there to provide you information to help make your decision. Good luck, and thank you for contemplating service to your country!