Expert: Rod Powers - 12/13/2006

Question
I am a college student studying to go into law enforcement. Some people I know think I should just continue in school and then become an officer, while others say the military would be better experience than college and that I could become an officer after serving for a couple years. I was wondering what your opinion on the matter was?
And another question as far as the G.I. Bill goes, does it only cover for continuing school, or will it pay back my past tuition/loans?
thanks serg

Answer
Hi Sergio,

Whether you are a civilian or an enlisted member, you have to have a college degree to become a commissioned officer in the military. Period.

In other words, it doesn't much matter whether you enlist or not, you're going to have to get a college degree before you can apply to become a commissioned officer in any branch of the military. Enlisting first doesn't get you any advantage.

The Montgomery G.I. Bill, and the College Loan Repayment Program are two separate deals. Not the same thing. For details on the Montgomery GI Bill for active duty, see my article at: http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/education/a/admgib.htm For details on the MGIB for Reservists, see: http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/education/a/reservemgib.htm

The College Loan Repayment Program is not available to officers, and additionally -- if one participates in the program, they give up the GI Bill. For details, see: http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/joiningup/a/clrp.htm

On the other hand, officers get a whole lot more base pay than enlisted members (see: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/2007paycharts/a/2007basicpay.htm), which -- over time -- may more than make up for for the college loan repayment.

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com