Originally Posted by
Sidewinder27
or the trades and start a business later after learning the trade.
This is what my oldest did, started his own business. Lots of guys with skills, not as many who can navigate business startup, vision, b-plan, loans, gov red tape, marketing, etc. His degree was pretty much a necessity for that, or at least getting it up and running by age 30. Business degree is obviously useful, but also communication or marketing. I'd minor in business if going that route.
Originally Posted by
Sidewinder27
Another way is go to college while in the Jersey Guard, air or ground, and let them pay for college. Do the weekend a month and two-weeks a year; which puts ya in good standing. This status allows one to attend any state school for free. ANY state school. The army side needs pilots. Go to AIT and work in flight ops, be around pilots and then apply to attend warrant officer flight training.
A number of states offer good deals for vets, often free tuition in-state. That's in addition to any GI Bill bennies.
Be aware that routine guard/reserve service may not qualify you as a "veteran" for these purposes, per the fed you need IIRC 6 months federal AD (training probably doesn't count). Combat zone service may also count, and may also give you additional bennies (it does in CA, free tuition for your kids). States may have different rules. Guard/reserve who retire get Vet status, but obviously that doesn't help a young person for college.