Originally Posted by
AZFlyer
I have a 4 year degree (aviation management degree, I know, don't say it...), but I've had several guys currently in the military on separate occasions express a general resentment/ball busting towards guys who enlist with a college degree....in other words, I get the 'why would you enlist if you could be an officer?' rap. Is there any merit to that? I don't know, I want to be in an airplane and do a service for my country. That *should* be enough.
That might be the case for active duty army grunts, but it's very common for guard/reserve enlisted to have a degree. Many started out enlisted before/during school, got their degree, and stayed enlisted out of personal preference. Others have a degree and a career and decide to enlist later in life. Nothing wrong with that at all, just make sure you understand what both tracks entail before you decide.
Late in your career, the officer payscale is much, much better...especially if you get mobilized for an extended period. If you have a high end civilian job/career and get mobed as an enlisted it could be a financial hardship depending on your rank.