Military service opens up a whole new world of possibilities

Navy

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If you're not sure what field you want to pursue, the Navy can help customize a career path by helping you determine which fields sync up with your interests and goals.

The Navy encourages all sailors to pursue their education. In addition to earning college credits for the training they receive in the Navy, sailors are also eligible to receive up to 100 percent of tuition for courses taken on their own time. With a small contribution of only $100 for 12 months, you're eligible for an education benefit of more than $36,000 that can be used once you've completed active duty. Combine it with a Navy College Fund "Kicker" and get over $70,000 toward your education. If you qualify for certain Navy jobs and apprenticeships, you can earn up to $15,000 more.

If you're interested in the Navy but want to attend college first, apply for the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) scholarship, a competitive four-year scholarship worth up to $150,000. Those who are awarded the NROTC scholarship enter the Navy as commissioned officers after graduating from college.

Coast Guard

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The U.S. Coast Guard is the nation's oldest continuous seagoing service. The Coast Guard falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and has responsibilities that include search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, navigation, ice breaking, environmental protection, port security and military readiness.

The Coast Guard will help you choose a career path based on your aptitude, physical abilities and motivation and offers dozens of job assignments, ranging from positions in avionics and telecommunications to safety and law enforcement.

Like the other military branches, the Coast Guard offers numerous benefits, including a housing allowance, 30 days of paid vacation, and medical and dental coverage. You're also eligible for money from the Montgomery G.I. Bill to help pay for your college education or vocational training.

Army

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From computers and electronics to avionics and medical care, the Army provides real-world skills that translate into real-world jobs-and an ideal place to get started on a career. In fact, the Army offers training in more than 150 career fields and provides opportunities to earn professional and trade certifications that will give you specialized skills to excel in a civilian career after you leave the military.

On top of a salary (with room and board provided), you'll have medical and dental care plus 30 days of paid vacation each year. Plus, there are cash bonuses for soldiers who complete training in demanding or critical skill areas. Depending on how long you enlist with the Army, you can also get up to $72,900 to help pay for college. All you have to do is give $100 a month during your first year of service. The Army partners with more than 1,800 community colleges and four-year universities, so you can attend college during or after your Army service.

Marines

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The Marines is a challenging and demanding branch of the armed services known for mentally and physically rigorous requirements. Not everyone is cut out to be a Marine, but those who do make it are considered part of an elite group.

Following recruit training, each Marine gains additional skills within one of more than 300 available military occupational specialties ranging from engineering and construction to equipment and vehicle repair to intelligence, cryptography and media operations. Your salary includes free on-base housing and 30 days of paid vacation as well as full medical benefits.

In addition, the Marine's tuition assistance program, Montgomery G.I. Bill and Marine Corps College Fund ensure virtually all funding for a college education.

And, measures have been taken to ensure that Marines are given plenty of opportunities to pursue higher education. For instance, the Service Members Opportunity Colleges for the Marine Corps is a group of colleges and universities that cater to students associated with the military by offering scheduling flexibility and credit for military experience.

Air Force

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Despite what you may think, the Air Force is not all about planes and pilots. The Air Force offers careers in everything from mechanics and electronics to intelligence logistics and linguistics.

When you enter the Air Force, you're automatically enrolled in the Community College of the Air Force, where you can work toward your associate degree in five career areas: aircraft and missile maintenance, electronics and telecommunications, allied health, logistics and resources, and public and support services. The Air Force Tuition Assistance (TA) program is designed to help active-duty personnel pursue educational opportunities and pays 100 percent (up to $250 per semester hour) of the cost of college courses, with a limit of $4,500 a year. Courses and degree programs may be academic or technical and can be taken from two- or four-year institutions, on or off base, or by correspondence.

Other Air Force benefits include a housing and food allowance, comprehensive medical and dental benefits and 30 days of paid vacation each year, in addition to a regular salary.