GD - Don't forget about the GI Bill! You could enlist and STILL go to college while you're in. I don't remember the specifics but I believe the Government will reimburse you with the GI Bill. You could also join the Coast Guard so you wouldn't have to worry about getting sent off to some foreign country if that's a concern and it will help you stay in school. Don't scoff at the at the Coast Guard, they're a bona fide branch of the military and when I was in the USMC their boot camps were equally long at thirteen weeks and equally tough. They have excellent equipment and facilities and also have any small arms type firearms you could possibly want to service. Good luck with your decision.