Military enlistment post-AA degree

So, I'm about to get my AA degree, and the idea of joining the military is appealing to me. Is there any advantage to having an Associate's degree when enlisting? What potential paths could this open up for me in the military world?

Having an Associate's degree when enlisting in the military could certainly provide benefits and open up potential paths. Firstly, higher education can influence the rank at which you enter the military, which directly impacts your pay grade. For example, with an Associate's degree, you may enlist as an E-3 (Private First Class in the Army, for instance) vs. E-1, which is the typical entry level for someone with no college experience.

Secondly, depending on the subject matter of your degree and the needs of the military, you might also find it easier to get into specific types of training or to be assigned to job roles that require specific skills or educational backgrounds.

Lastly, your Associate's degree can be further leveraged once you're in the military. The U.S. military has excellent education benefits, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which can cover a significant portion of your tuition fees if you decide to continue on to a four-year university. You may be able to finish your Bachelor's degree while serving, or you could save this benefit for after your term of service to continue onto a postgraduate degree, depending on your long term goals.

Remember that each branch of the military has unique offerings and requirements so it's essential to do thorough research and speak with recruiters from different branches to ensure you find the best fit for you.