Associates Degree and the Military

Hey guys, I'm thinking about getting an associate's degree before enlisting in the military, but I'm unsure about which branch would value it the most. Has anyone done this or have any info they could share?

There are multiple advantages to having an associate's degree before entering the military. In terms of which branch values it more, it can vary, but all branches offer advancements and incentives for higher education.

In general, possessing an associate's degree prior to enlisting may allow you to enter at a higher enlistment grade, typically E-3 or E-4 depending on the branch. This is an advantage as it offers higher pay and a faster track to leadership positions. The specific policies can differ by branch, so it's a good idea to speak to a recruiter from each one to understand the most current rules.

Army: Recruits with an Associates degree start out as an E-3, Private First Class.

Air Force: Entering with an associate's degree or higher qualifies you to enter as an E-3, Airman First Class.

Navy: Similarly, an associate's degree allows you to enter as an E-3, Seaman.

Marine Corps: With an associate's degree, you start as an E-2, Private First Class.

Coast Guard: A bachelor's degree is required to be eligible for the Coat Guard. However, an associate's degree is allowed if applicant is an active duty Coast Guard E-5 with at least 4 years of Coast Guard service.

Space Force: As a relatively new branch, the Space Force follows similar officer/enlisted ranks to the Air Force.

Keep in mind that another benefit of having a degree before enlisting is the potential for it to act as a stepping stone toward becoming an officer later in your military career. Many commissioned officers have at least a bachelor's degree, so entering with an associate's degree puts you halfway there.

Lastly, you should also consider what career in the military you're interested in. Depending on your aspirations, higher education might align more directly with requirements in certain jobs or specialties within the different branches.

Good luck!