The Military Pathway
There are a variety of ways to join the Armed Forces.
Attending a service academy such as The U.S. Military Academy (West Point, New York - U.S. Army), the U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis, Maryland - U.S. Navy & U.S. Marine Corps), the U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, Colorado), the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (New London, Connecticut), or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point, New York).
Enlisting in the military gives you the opportunity to begin a career directly out of high school. Upon completing a college degree, an enlistee can become an Officer.
Attend a college or university and participate fully in their Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program. Upon gradution you will be commissioned as an Officer.
Seek a "direct commission" based on having specialized skills (and degrees) that fulfill a direct military need, such as: law, science, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, nursing, engineering, public affairs, or ministry.