What are the implications of joining the military with just a high school diploma?

I'm currently a high school junior and thinking about my next steps. College tanking up an insane amount of debt isn't really my thing, so I'm considering the military. Does only having a high school diploma limit my options or affect the positions I can apply for in the military? Would pursuing some college before enlisting be better?

Joining the military with a high school diploma versus having some college experience can indeed impact your starting position and advancement opportunities within the service. With a high school diploma, you generally enter at the enlisted level, starting as a private in the Army or a seaman recruit in the Navy, for example. Your responsibilities at the enlisted level usually involve more of the hands-on, direct type of work.

Having some college experience, or completing a degree, opens up the possibility of entering the military as an officer. Officers generally perform more leadership and managerial tasks, and they receive higher pay than enlisted personnel. For example, someone with a bachelor's degree could potentially start off as a second lieutenant in the Army or an ensign in the Navy.

Take note, however, that achieving officer status usually involves more than just having a degree. You'd also need to complete an officer training program, such as ROTC or Officer Candidate School (OCS).

Therefore, whether to pursue some college before enlisting really depends on your personal goals and financial situation. Some find value in the leadership opportunities and higher pay associated with being an officer. Others feel more drawn to the hands-on work and skill development that come with starting at the enlisted level.

Finally, keep in mind that the military provides several scholarship and GI Bill programs to help cover the cost of education, either before or after your service. So it's possible to pursue higher education without accruing significant debt, if that's a path you're interested in. The decision ultimately lies in what you feel most aligned with your ambitions and lifestyle expectations.