Military before college. Bad or good idea?

<p>So I'm almost outta high school and considering the military [Army], but I'm not sure about college. If I don't die by a bullet or get eaten by a camel spider I do plan to attend a college, but everyone's giving me crap about it. Obviously after the military college are hard to get into, but there are always commercials about the colleges the military provides. I need a military back ground to do the job I want, but I'm cautious now, the Army instructors won't talk to me till I'm 17 either [which I will be in a few months] so I want others opinions.</p>

<p>It seems to me your experience in the military will probably be better if you go to college first. Find a school that fits you that has ROTC, and graduate. You'll go into the military as a second lieutenant, rather than a private. The pay is better, and you are probably seen as a tad less expendable.</p>

<p>Military during a war. Bad idea.</p>

<p>What do you want to do? Some possitions are only open to enlisted members, some only to officers, and some to both.</p>

<p>I agree with dbc9todd.</p>

<p>I'd also recommend ROTC. I have friends that did it in undergrad and are really happy with their decision, even now after we've been out of college for over a year.</p>

<p>It's a terrible idea.</p>

<p>ROTC really helped a friend of mine attend a top college...he is extremely happy in the navy</p>

<p>It is up to you. For some people, enlisting is the better option. One of my father's good friends enlisted in the USMC straight out of HS. He served for several years, then got out and went to college. He did extremely well in college (he stated because he was more mature and knew what he wanted). Then, he went on to get a very lucrative job at IBM.</p>

<p>For others, going to college and doing ROTC or OTS/OCS was the right decision. They got their degree earlier, entered the military as officers (more responsiblity and better benefits). Quite a few successful business leaders were military officers (it is highly dependent on what field you want to enter, though). </p>

<p>Look at HOW you want to serve and what benefits/costs are associated with each choice.</p>