High school junior here, feeling a bit lost. I noticed quite a number of students enlist in the military after high school. Just wondering if there any stats on this trend, and the reasons behind it?
In the United States, the trend of enlisting in the military after high school is quite evident. According to the Department of Defense, as of 2020, close to 150,000 individuals enlist in the U.S. military each year. Keep in mind, this set includes not just high school graduates but also individuals from various other groups.
The reasons for enlisting in the military after high school can be quite diverse, similar to why some students decide to go to college and others might start their career. Below are a few frequently cited reasons:
1. Educational Opportunities: The military offers numerous opportunities for further education, either during service or afterwards, through programs like the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This can include vocational training, undergraduate degrees, and graduate studies.
2. Financial Security: The military provides a steady income and benefits, such as healthcare, which can be a significant factor for young individuals looking for security.
3. Leadership and Skills Development: Military service fosters valuable life skills like leadership, teamwork, discipline, and specific technical or tactical abilities. These skills can be beneficial in many sectors and industries, making veterans competitive candidates in the job market.
4. Patriotism or Service Mentality: Some individuals are motivated by patriotism and the desire to serve their country.
5. Vocational Clarity: The military offers diverse roles, from IT to logistics, medical, engineering, etc. For individuals uncertain about their career path, this offers an opportunity to explore and gain vocational clarity.
6. Craving Adventure: The military can provide the opportunity to travel and experience new challenges, which can be particularly appealing to those with a sense of adventure.
Each individual's reasons can be personal and unique. Please keep in mind that while military service offers many benefits and learning opportunities, it also requires significant commitment and poses its own set of challenges. It's important to research thoroughly, consider your own interests, skills, and future goals, and ideally have in-depth discussions with veterans or current military members to help in your decision-making process.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.