How can I make college work financially? This question arises in many of our lives at some point. 99% of the suggestions you will encounter focus on loans, scholarships and grants. There is, however, another path which is often overlooked – the United States military. This book is a first-hand account of your options for a free education paid by the military, as well as details about what you can expect military life to look like. Topics include: financial entitlements that allow military members to earn a free bachelor’s or master’s degree, Enlisted life, Officer life, the military service Academies, Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarships, military lifestyle, military perks, special operations, and more. If you are looking for a path to a free college education and are willing to consider joining the military, discover the many options available and the benefits you can take advantage of for a lifetime.This book was written to inform the typical 16-24 year old (as well as their parents), who may have no knowledge of the military, what can be expected if you decide to serve in the military either before or after earning a free college education. Over the years I’ve had many parents and students ask me about my ROTC experiences and military life in general. There is a lot of information out there, but nothing contains all the education options summarized in one spot with all the intricacies spelled out.Table of Contents:IntroAbout meWhat you learn from the militaryENLISTED PATHHow to enlist- What an enlistment entails- Basic training- Technical school- Job examplesEnlisted lifestyle- Promotions- Housing- Permanent Change of Station (PCS)- Base AmenitiesDegree options for Enlisted:- Online and night classes- Post 9/11 G.I. Bill- Montgomery G.I. BillEnlisted summaryOFFICER PATHHow to become an OfficerMilitary Service Academies- Lifestyle overview- Scholarships & stipends- Service Commitment- Physical training- Academic classes- Summer Training- Graduate School OptionsReserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC)- Lifestyle overview- Scholarships & stipends- Service Commitment- Physical Training- Academic Classes- Leadership Laboratory- Field training- Non-Federal Military AcademiesOfficer Training School (OTS)Officer Lifestyle- Commissioning- Officer Tuition Assistance & G.I. Bill- Officer Pay- Officer Housing- Officer Jobs- Officer Active Duty Lifestyle- Career Broadening AssignmentsTHINGS YOU SHOULD KNOWDifferences of each BranchSpecial OperationsReserve, National Guard, and Merchant Marine**What you sacrifice by joining the military**Loans, Scholarships, and other college expensesPerks of the militaryPost-military job optionsMy pathConclusion