Joining the military with pre-earned college credits?

Hi guys! Curious to know, if I were to join the military with some pre-earned college credits (like 15, 30, or even 60 credits), would that make a difference? Does it give me any advantages during enlistment or while serving? Thanks for any info you can provide.

Sure, I'm happy to provide some guidance on this. Having pre-earned college credits could indeed offer some benefits when joining the U.S. military, primarily in the form of an initial rank.

In numerous branches, such as the Army, Navy, and Air Force, an incoming servicemember with a significant number of university credits could start at a higher pay grade than someone with no higher education credits.

For example, in the Army, someone with 48-59 college credits could start as an E-2 (Private) rather than an E-1 (Private). If you have 60 or more credits, you may start as an E-3 (Private First Class).

Similarly, in the Navy, 24 or more semester hours can qualify you to enlist as an E-2 Seaman Apprentice, or 48 or more semester hours would allow you to enlist as an E-3 Seaman. Advancement in pay grade translates into a slightly higher salary, which can provide a head-start financially.

Also, during your service, these credits can make you a more competitive candidate for various military education programs and could be useful if you plan on pursuing officer candidate school. Remember, however, that every branch has its own policies, and the specifics can change over time, so you should contact a recruiter to get the most accurate and up-to-date information.

One more significant point to consider is the applicability of these credits to the military's education benefits, like tuition assistance or the GI Bill, which you can use to further your education while serving or afterward. Keep in mind that the courses and credits you already have might count towards a degree while you're in service, speeding up your progress.

Lastly, it's worth noting that the skills and knowledge you've gained earning these credits may be beneficial in your military career depending on your chosen occupational specialty. For instance, if you earned credits in a field relevant to your military job (MOS), you might be a smoother fit.

However, it's equally important to understand that while these benefits are valuable, they are just part of the bigger picture of serving in the military. Hope this information is helpful!