As you begin thinking about your educational prospects alongside military service, consider that many degrees can benefit your career both in the Army and in civilian life.

If you’ve set your sites on the Army and on attending college, the Army ROTC program may be a great option for you.  Not only can the ROTC program open the door to becoming a commissioned officer, it can also allow you to get your degree without the burden of student loans.

If you are enlisted in the Army and have also chosen to attend college or graduate school, you probably already understand that a delicate balancing act is called for in order to achieve your goals. Striking a balance between college and military life can be challenging, but it's certainly possible with planning, preparation, and clear goals.

If you haven't finished high school and are considering getting a GED, the benefits of getting your high school diploma equivalent far outweigh the time involved in achieving this goal. A high school diploma or equivalent is really essential in today's world, and can often make the difference in terms of your military prospects, employment, job security, positive self image and more. Read on for the most important reasons why getting your GED is a must -- not an option.

A high school diploma or GED is required to enlist in the Army.

Attending college online is a great option for many students seeking higher education. For those in the military, online colleges offer the convenience of being able to attend classes regardless of where they are stationed. But even though online colleges and universities offer many conveniences, staying on track with your online degree requires discipline and planning -- and finding the right balance between school work and your other commitments, such as work, military service, and your family.

If you've decided to forgo a traditional four-year university for the time being to attend a community college, congratulations on taking a positive step toward your future. Community colleges can provide the basis for very useful skill sets and knowledge -- much of which may certainly benefit your service to the Army. If you've decided to apply to a community college, there are a few application procedures that you should be aware of.

If you've made the decision to go to college (and good for you if you have!) now comes the decision of where to attend. If you are eligible to receive money for college from the Army, a financial aid package from a particular school (perhaps including an ROTC scholarship or other funds) may influence your decision in favor of that college. But other factors will certainly play into your decision. Now, one of those factors will be how you want to attend college -- on a traditional campus or online.

Attending an online college or university offers many benefits -- especially if your military service has you stationed in an area where attending school on a traditional campus is inconvenient. With an online school you can complete classes at your own pace and on your own schedule -- working around other family, work, and service commitments. But, if you decide to later transfer to a traditional on campus university, it's important to make sure your online college credits will transfer.

As you prepare for your future and your career, you likely are considering what type of college -- and what type of degree -- is best for you. Keep in mind that the Army offers plenty of options to get money for college to help you complete your degree, but which degree you choose may have much to do with the amount of time you want to spend in school right now, and your career aspirations.

If you are attending -- or have plans to attend -- an online college or university, you have the advantage of being able to take classes according to your own schedule and complete courses at your own pace. To maximize your success, it's a great idea to have a dedicated work area set up for your online courses, and have supplies on hand that will help you be efficient and effective.