2-Year Degree and Military Service: What to Expect?

Hey guys, just had a quick question. I'm about to graduate with a 2-year degree and I've been thinking about joining the military once I'm done. Do you guys know if having this degree could affect my military training or potential rank at all? Hope someone can shed some light on this!

Sure, having a two-year degree can indeed have an impact on your military journey. In most branches of the U.S. military, having some level of higher education can potentially affect your rank upon enlisting. In particular, some services may allow you to enter at a rank higher than the lowest enlisted rank.

For instance, in the Army, a recruit with an associate degree, or sixty or more semester hours of college credit, typically starts their service as an E3 (Private First Class) under the current regulations, while those without any higher education start at E1 (Private). The same applies to the Air Force, where you could start as an Airman First Class (E-3) instead of an Airman Basic (E-1) with the relevant college credits.

In terms of training, having a two-year degree won't affect the initial basic training you would undergo, which every new recruit, regardless of their education, has to complete. However, your degree might influence your choice of Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). You might be pushed towards an MOS that requires or prefers recruits with some formal education; or your degree might give you a head start in areas such as information technology or healthcare, if those were fields you studied.

Of course, it's essential to connect directly with a recruiter for the specific branch you're interested in, as they can provide the most accurate, up-to-date and specific information given your situation. You should be prepared to discuss how your degree aligns with your future military career objectives.

Remember, while having higher education can indeed give you a head start in terms of rank, military service is about more than that. It's about serving your country, learning new skills, and developing as a person. Make sure it's the right choice for you, beyond initial rank and pay grade.