Military or college? Does anyone have advice?

Hi there, just like everyone else, I'm feeling stressed about college and considering alternatives like the military. Which branch is considered the most active? How might that affect my career prospects after the military? Any advice would be appreciated!

There's definitely a lot to think about, and it's great that you're considering your future in such a thoughtful manner. Both choices have their own sets of advantages and it really aligns with what your life goals and career aspirations are.

In terms of activity, the Army and Navy historically see the most active-duty deployments. Also, the Army and Marine Corps are known for more ground action, while the Navy and Air Force deal with more technical roles and have a larger amount of roles that support combat operations from afar rather than direct combat. As for the newest branch, the Space Force, its mission isn't combat-related, but rather it aims to protect U.S and allied interests in space like monitoring ballistic missile launches, tracking space debris, and maintaining communication satellites.

In terms of career prospects post-military, roles in the military can provide invaluable skills, training, and experiences that could greatly benefit your subsequent career. However, it's important to note that this will largely depend on the role you have within the military. If you have a specific career path in mind, you might try to pursue related roles in the military to gain experience and skills that could translate well into the civilian workforce.There are many advantages of joining the military like benefits including college tuition assistance or GI bill, job/skill training, healthcare and potentially life-long pensions. But it’s also demanding physically and mentally, and you may be asked to make the ultimate sacrifice.

On the other hand, going to college right after high school can give you exposure to a variety of academic disciplines, allow you to explore your intellectual interests and provide you with an environment to mature as an individual. College degrees are still considered to be a good investment for many careers, and the networking opportunities a college offers can also be beneficial.

You also might want to consider ROTC programs in college. These programs prepare college students to become officers in the U.S. Military. In exchange for a paid college education and a guaranteed post-college career, students commit to serve in the Military after graduation (generally 4 to10 years of service, depending on the branch).

Think about your personal and professional goals as well as your tolerance for risk and stress. It's also important to have discussions with adults in your life who know you well - teachers, parents, coaches, mentors, etc. They can help provide you with perspectives and implications that you might not have considered.

Don't rush into a decision, remember there are also options that combine both paths like attending a military academy or a university's ROTC program. I hope these thoughts were helpful and best of luck making this significant decision!