Thanks for your service!
My personal recommendation since I am going through the same scenario now is to run through your private training at the local FBO for as cheap as possible. This will allow for two things to happen. Confirm that you want to go down this road and allow you to attain your PPL for as cheap as possible. Most colleges will charge $10k-$15k for the PPL alone which is outrageous. If you're focused and cruise through your PPL you should be able to get it done for well under $10k.
As of now, the positives of going to college for the aviation degree and 141 training for Instrument - Commercial you'll only have to get 1,000 hours for the R-ATP versus the 1,500 otherwise. No matter what way you look at it, 500 hours not a small amount.
Lately I am leaning towards to college route because Federal Financial Aid can be applied towards your flight training "lab fees" along with the R-ATP 1,000 hour rule. I think this would help you even further since you can use your GI Bill.
Good luck!