During freshman year, in Saperstein Theater, an alumnus turned military recruiter spoke to the entire grade about opening new horizons. He described his time in the military as a fulfilling experience that offers many opportunities for higher education along with service. As my friends and I exited the assembly, the reaction was unanimous: mockery and disbelief. “Who would ever do that?” “Imagine throwing your future away like that.” “Yeah, let me just skip the Ivies for boot camp.” Our culture has become so focused on a traditional, successful college path.
The school, like other college preparatory schools, pushes students to strive for their best and reach their full potential. However, what is traditionally seen as success has been incredibly rigid, with most students funneled toward the same elite colleges and conventional career tracks. Nevertheless, options like gap years and international schools, once seen as unconventional, are gradually becoming more recognized as viable paths.
The school’s mission statement includes being “a diverse and inclusive community” marked by “educational excellence” and “purpose beyond ourselves.” This mission statement is meant to guide students to decide their futures throughout high school and into the time ahead, yet its values are being forgotten. Military training fosters resilience, responsibility and leadership in ways that traditional education cannot. Students often disregard those benefits because they seem less tangible than the prospect of standard career paths. Some should reconsider their perspective and recognize the benefits that serving in the U.S. military would provide.
In accordance with the “purpose beyond ourselves,” students should find more genuine ways to engage with our communities and country. Service should be valued in and of itself because it instills discipline, leadership and a deep commitment to our country.
More than just personal growth, military service offers education and career advancement opportunities, aligning with the financial stability that many students prioritize when choosing a major. Military academies, the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944 can reduce the cost of college and make students appear more well-rounded and qualified for high level jobs. Military academies cover the cost of your education after five years of service. The Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944 makes it possible for veterans to receive benefits on their education retroactively.
Service academies and ROTC programs also provide students with career interests with a strong network and connection for fields they are interested in. For students who are wildly focused on financial success, many forget that having a military background can be impressive and set them apart from other individuals. 8% of S&P 500 chief executives have military experience, according to Syracuse University. Not only does this ring true for finance, but in the political realm as well; nearly 20% of the House of Representatives are veterans, according to a Pew Research Center analysis. Furthermore, people with military backgrounds often have a much more global perspective on the world around them.
Instead of staying in an elite academic bubble, the military exposes you to international experiences and allows you to meet diverse individuals. Ultimately, the military aligns with all parts of the values of the school’s mission statement.
Some people argue against joining the military for several reasons, with one of the most common concerns being the inherent danger. Military service often involves exposure to combat situations, physical risks and psychological stress. For individuals who have spent years focusing on academic achievement, the idea of entering a profession where their lives could be at risk may seem like an extreme departure from their educational goals.
However, military service is far more multifaceted than the media often portrays. There are many different ways to serve. This can include being an active-duty member engaged in direct operations, an officer leading teams, a strategist analyzing intelligence or an engineer developing technology. Each role allows individuals to utilize the skills that the school has helped us hone.
The school prides itself on shaping future leaders, yet they overlook one of the most successful paths towards leadership. In addition to military recruiter visits, the school could bring in military professionals more frequently to share their experiences, providing students with a clearer understanding of the armed forces. Organizing panel discussions or hosting veterans and active-duty service members on campus would help students make more informed decisions.
Our counselors should include military pathways alongside traditional colleges. Students should shift their perspectives on what the best career path looks like to broaden their options. By expanding the conversation around military service, the school can empower their students to make the best decision for their own goals and values.
