[Misplaced_Chiefs_Fan]

Personally, I went into the Army with my degree and I was very happy I went enlisted. Yeah, I didn't make as much money as an officer, but I also didn't have to put up with the crap that officers did (and believe me, the politics of being an officer outweighs the benefits from what I could see).

By having my degree, I got promoted faster (maxed education points the second I joined) and got my pick of what I went into. Also, the Army paid off my college loan (had to ask for that when I went in) AND I got the GI Bill (for further education) AND when I went for my Masters, I got 75% of my tuition paid by the Army (if I was still working on my Bachelors, I would have gotten 90% paid).

So, you have to weigh exactly what you want out of the military - BUT - (you knew this was coming) - you better be joining with your eyes wide open. If you're only going in to get out of debt, you're going to be very miserable for the length of your enlistment (or commitment if you go officer). Being in the military isn't for the faint of heart or those who can't follow orders.

Still, if you're interested, there are worse ways to make a living.