Enlisting in the Military vs. Going to College

It’s junior year and I'm under pressure to figure things out, you know? So, I'm torn between enlisting in the military straight out of high school or heading off to college. Can anyone share what the benefits of enlisting over going to college could be? Any first-hand experiences?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer, and the decision between enlisting in the military and attending college depends greatly on your personal goals, values, and circumstances. But let's break both options down to help you evaluate your choices.

Enlisting in the military straight from high school can present a range of benefits. First off, the military offers solid job security and a steady income. It also provides extensive training and development opportunities across a range of fields, and not all of them are combat-related. You can gain skills in areas like engineering, healthcare, aviation, and communications while serving. In addition, the military provides benefits such as healthcare and retirement plans — these are advantages that aren't typically available to many jobs you might have directly out of high school.

There are also educational benefits to consider. For instance, using the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the military can cover a significant portion of your tuition costs if you choose to pursue higher education after you've served. There are also programs that allow you to take classes while serving, though the feasibility of this will depend heavily on your specific role and deployment.

As for college, it also offers unique benefits. College allows you to explore different academic fields and career paths in a relatively low-risk environment, and many students find their passion during college. The support network that a university provides — such as professors, academic advisors, career guidance — is invaluable. In addition, many higher-paying professions require a college degree, and often, a college graduate can expect to earn a significantly higher lifetime salary compared to someone without a degree. Finally, college allows for the development of soft skills. Living on your own, managing your time, engaging with people from diverse backgrounds — these experiences cultivate skills that are beneficial in just about any career path.

To address your request for first-hand experiences, it's been observed that individuals who spend a few years in the military and then attend college often bring a more mature perspective to their studies after having real-world experience. They can prioritize their academics with a clear mind, knowing they've got a safety net upon graduation.

In summary, there are pros and cons to both paths. The best choice depends on where you see yourself in the future, and what kind of path you want to follow to get there. You might talk to people who've been in both situations: veterans who went to college after their service, or those who went straight into a career or started their own business. Research, seek counseling, and take your time to make such an important decision.