Should I join the military or go to college?
Asked by: Stanley O'Kon PhD | Last update: November 1, 2023Score: 4.7/5 (29 votes)
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 better to go to college or the military first?
You can join the military before college, after college, or juggle both options simultaneously. There's no hard and fast rule whether choosing the military or college first is better. However, if you want to become an officer, you must have a college degree.
Why join the military instead of college?
There are many benefits to military service. In fact, many individuals would not have otherwise had the opportunity to get a college degree, home, or life insurance without their decision to join the military. And, veterans who opt not to go to college are more likely to earn more than civilians who do the same.
Is it harder to get into the military or college?
Nearly 70% of high school graduates entered college last year. Roughly 75% of young men and women ages 17-24 would not be eligible for military service for the following reasons: 31% are too overweight to qualify for military service. 32% of all young people have other health problems that will keep them from serving.
Is it really worth it to join the military?
Some of the most popular benefits of joining the US military is the job training, educational assistance, steady paycheck, health coverage, and housing benefits. See a full list of the benefits here.
GOING TO COLLEGE vs JOINING THE MILITARY
What are 3 disadvantages of joining the military?
- It can be a dangerous job. ...
- You can be away from loved ones. ...
- It's physically demanding. ...
- Military life is highly structured. ...
- It's a huge commitment.
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 GPA do you need for military college?
If you have a 2.5 GPA and a 920 SAT score or a 19 ACT score, you'll meet the minimum requirements for all of the programs. To learn more about Military Junior College options, please visit the websites below: Valley Forge Military Academy and College: www.vfmac.edu/ Marion Military Institute: www.marionmilitary.edu/
What is the toughest military to get into?
There's a great argument that the Marine Corps has the hardest military training of anyone, and here's why. Of course, when you reach the top, you can find them becoming SEALs or a part of the Marine Raider Regiment (MRR), but the training of any Marine is some of the hardest military training in the world.
Is it smart to enlist after college?
The benefits of joining the military after college
Joining the military as a commissioned officer can offer the best of both worlds for those who want the college experience but who also want to serve their country. The benefits include: A guaranteed job after college. A leadership role at a young age.
What is a reason to not join the military?
Cannot Spend Time Away from Family or Loved Ones
One of the biggest reasons to not join the military is the fact that you'll be away from your family for long periods of time. Time spent away from family or loved ones is guaranteed for those who serve in the military.
What are cons in military college?
- Extremely challenging to get into a service academy.
- Many paths lead to a service requirement or commission.
- Not the traditional college experience many students think of.
- A very regimented and busy schedule.
What is the best reason to join the military?
Serving Your Country
One obvious and common reason people join the military is patriotism. The desire to serve our country is a major draw for prospective troops. Many of them choose to join so they can give back to the U.S., which is an expected value and motivation for active-duty members.
Can you be deployed while in college?
Yes, college students who are Soldiers can be deployed, but most schools will work with students to smooth out the details in the event that happens.
What are the pros and cons of military school?
- Offers a scheduled routine.
- Strict discipline.
- Low student-teacher ratios.
- Offers physical activities.
- Offer participation in JROTC programs.
- Available for all genders.
- Open to international students.
- Camaraderie can help with mental issues.
Is military school free in USA?
Each branch of the U.S. military has its own college-level service academy to train future officers. All of these academies are free to attend in return for a commitment to serve, but they are highly competitive in terms of admission.
What's the most badass military branch?
- ARMY SPECIAL FORCES. ...
- AIR FORCE PARARESCUE. ...
- AIR FORCE TACTICAL AIR CONTROL PARTIES. ...
- AIR FORCE SPECIAL RECONNAISSANCE. ...
- NAVY SEALS. ...
- ARMY DELTA FORCE.
Which bootcamp is the hardest?
#1. US Marine Corps. The Marine Corps' boot camp length is 13 weeks. Also, the 13 weeks of boot camp break down into four different phases.
Which military is easiest to get into?
Though there is a multitude of factors to consider, most agree that the easiest military branch overall is the Air Force.
Can you join the Army with a 1.0 GPA?
The minimum high school GPA allowed is 2.5.
What is the age cut off for ROTC?
Be between the ages of 17 and 28. Age waivers are accepted based on certain qualifications.
What GPA do you need to be a Navy SEAL?
You may also be expected to meet certain preferred requirements: GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. GPA may vary with work experience (e.g., students with a low GPA [less than 2.8] who worked their way through college will receive the same consideration as applicants with a GPA of 3.2 or greater who did not work)
Is 22 too old to enlist?
[1] Within the 17–35 age range, the Services have different age ceilings. The Army and Navy accept applicants up to age 35; the Air Force accepts recruits prior to their 28th birthday, and the Marine Corps age limit is 29.
Is 20 too late to join the military?
Here are the requirements to become an enlisted Soldier: Age: Between 17-35 years old. Medical, Moral, Physical: Medically and physically fit, and in good moral standing.
Does ADHD disqualify you from the military?
Current DOD accession policy lists ADHD as disqualifying for military applicants if they meet any of the following conditions: ADHD medication prescribed in the previous 24 months, an educational plan or work accommodation after age 14, a history of comorbid mental health disorders, or documentation of adverse academic ...