Is it smart to enlist after college?
Asked by: Daron Harris | Last update: December 2, 2023Score: 4.6/5 (44 votes)
Should I enlist before or after college?
Enlisting in the military first means gaining the opportunity to retire earlier, have college paid for and potentially avoiding student loans. On the other hand, graduating from college first and then enlisting may allow you to start off at a higher rank and pay grade, with more opportunities for leadership roles.
Is it a good idea to join the military at 30?
There are many advantages to enlisting early in the military, especially when it comes to meeting physical fitness and weight requirements. However, joining the military at 30 also provides several benefits as you'll be far more mature, disciplined, and mentally prepared.
What rank do you get in the Army if you are enlisted with a college degree?
The top rank that can be earned for initial enlistment is E-3. You may earn an initial enlistment rank of E-1, E-2 or E-3 with 20 or more semester hours of credit from a degree-granting college or university. You may opt to earn a college degree first, then join as an officer.
Do you get paid for college if you go to college then join the military?
The GI Bill helps current and former Soldiers pay for college, trade school, technical school, licensing, certification programs, on-the-job training, online schooling, and more. Many Soldiers using the GI Bill receive full tuition for their service.
DON'T ENLIST | Why You Should Be An Officer
Is joining the military for college a good idea?
The Many Education Benefits of Military Service. Joining the Military means you'll have access to programs like the post 9-11 GI Bill and Montgomery GI Bill, which can make an education accessible and affordable. F1:There are many great benefits to military service, and one of those benefits is the actual benefits.
What happens if you join the military while in college?
You'll be glad to know the answer is yes – you absolutely can. Not only can you go to college while serving in the military, all branches have tuition assistance programs that cover all or part of the cost, whether it's a community college or technical school program, four-year degree or graduate program.
How much does an E 4 make in the Army?
Salary of E-4s in the U.S. Army
More than two years of experience: $2,307 monthly basic pay, or around $27,684 per year. More than three years of experience: $2,432 monthly basic pay, or around $29,184 per year. More than four years of experience: $2,555 monthly basic pay, or around $30,660 per year.
Should I go enlisted or officer?
While every grade and rank has a step-based pay structure, enlisted salaries start much lower than officer pay. Over time, officers often earn substantially more in salary than enlisted personnel.
How late is too late for military?
Each branch of the military has age limits to enlist in active duty: Air Force: 17 - 39. Army: 17 - 35. Coast Guard: 17 - 31.
What disqualifies you from joining the Army?
These disqualifications can include illegal drug use, alcohol dependence, not meeting height/weight requirements, having certain contagious diseases, among others. Additionally, law violations can prevent you from enlisting, such as being convicted of any crime that prohibits you from carrying a firearm.
What is the best age to join the military?
- You Have Time to Earn College Credits or a Degree. You will find added benefits after joining the military at 25 with some college credits or a degree. ...
- Maturity Pays Off. Self-discipline often comes with time and age. ...
- Other Job Perks.
What percentage of enlisted military have college degrees?
Indeed, 11 percent of active component and 8 percent of reserve component enlisted personnel hold an associate's degree as their highest level of education, and 8 percent of active component and 12 percent of reserve component enlisted have earned a bachelor's or higher degree (DoD, 2017, pp. iv, 199).
What rank do you get with a bachelor's?
If you have a bachelor's or better, you have 2 options: you can enlist (that's the right answer, in my opinion). Or you can take a direct commission. If you choose to enlist in the Army with a bachelor's degree, you will enlist as an E-4 (Specialist).
What is the easiest branch to become an officer?
Overall, in terms of requirements, the U.S. Marine Corps offers the easiest path for enlisted members to become an officer—especially in terms of possessing a bachelor's degree.
Do enlisted ever outrank officers?
Officers outrank all enlisted personnel. Table 1 below lists the number of active duty officers in each pay grade. Warrant officers (pay grades W-1 to W-5) perform highly technical or specialized work within their career field and also, in the case of the Army, serve as helicopter pilots.
Can an officer hook up with enlisted?
US NAVY REGULATIONS 1165: Prohibits personal relationships between officers and enlisted personnel that are unduly familiar and do not respect the differences in grade or rank. Such relationships are prejudicial to good order and discipline and violative of service tradition.
How much is E7 retirement pay with 20 years?
What is the retirement pay for an E7 with 20 years? As of 2022 the pay calculation projection an E7 retiring with exactly 20 years of service would receive $27,827 per year. It's important to note the present value of almost $800,000 for a 40 year old receiving this pension indefinitely.
Which military branch pays the most?
All military branches pay the same basic rate.
This means that there is not one military branch that is the highest-paid. Typically, how pay works in the military are that you are paid according to your rank. This generally correlates with how long you've been in the armed forces and your specific experience level.
Do soldiers pay taxes?
Who Qualifies for Tax-Free Military Pay? If you are a member of the military who served in a combat zone, your income may not be taxed by the IRS. Tax-exempt military pay applies if: You're a member of the U.S. Armed Forces.
What happens if you fail college in the military?
We have heard this question asked many times and the answer may surprise you. The VA doesn't care if you fail a class, nope they won't come after you for the money you got. In fact they will let you retake that class as many times as you need to until you get a passing grade, and they will pay you each time.
Does the military pay for your house?
If you live off base, the government pays for your housing up to a certain amount, which gives you the freedom and flexibility to find the type of home and location you prefer, although it doesn't account for costs of homeownership such as property taxes or insurance.
How long is basic training?
You're ready to start becoming a Soldier. In 10 weeks, you'll be physically and mentally stronger than you've ever been, and ready to join the team that protects America. Most recruits are curious about Basic Combat Training (BCT). What is it like?