The armed forces offer educational programs during or after active duty.  If your child prefers to work toward a college degree immediately after high school, attending one of the military academies or attending a civilian school and enrolling in the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program are options. If your child wants to join the armed forces before attending college full time, he or she can attend college after military service by taking advantage of the Montgomery GI Bill, The Post 9/11 GI Bill or by obtaining college credit for some of the military training he or she will receive.  Check the GI Bill website for details.