Post-college graduates in the military?

[MetalBlade]

Are there a lot of people who join the military after going to college? I know there is a lot after high school so they can get the military to pay for college...but I was thinking of going into the Air Force Reserves to serve my country and get some help if I go back to get my doctorates. Are there any benefits of doing this if I hold a bachelors degree?

 

[justanobserver]

Are there a lot of people who join the military after going to college? I know there is a lot after high school so they can get the military to pay for college...but I was thinking of going into the Air Force Reserves to serve my country and get some help if I go back to get my doctorates. Are there any benefits of doing this if I hold a bachelors degree?

I personally know/knew of many soldiers that enlisted after they had graduated from college. I also know/knew that got their Masters and higher while serving so yes, to your question.

As far as benefits go with a higher education upon enlistment (assuming your not planning on goping into officer training), you would have to ask the recruiter that - whether you go in as an E1 or an E4. But further along, the educational requirements for the NCOs in the Army for example, you would already have that done and behind you.

 

[Kasia]

I'm graduating in June and plan to join the Army (hopefully) soon afterwards

 

[daveleau]

I joined 5 years after getting my Bachelors. The benefits:

You're an officer and lead more quickly (enlisted military are leaders too, but leadership occurs later in the career)
The pay is better
You may be able to fly (physical-dependent) (...and, yes, lots of pilots/navigators are reservists)


The negatives:
The USAF will not cover your student loans (you can go in enlisted and they will pay student loans, but I've only met one person who did that)
As an officer, often you are less hands on (supervisorial role) unless you are a flier



The military offers the GI Bill (actually a Veteran Affairs program), which will provide $38,000 for school (doctorate?). You can use Tuition Assistance ($250/credit hour) for a master's degree, even if you already have one. The military will pay for one masters degree, regardless of the amoount of hours the masters is. My masters degree is 96 hours, and they pay for all the tuition.

There are a lot of benefits I didn't mention, but your pursuit is not a unique one.

God bless you,
Dave