Opposite of the GI Bill where an individual can complete military service in exchange for tuition benefits, the military service academies offer a free education with an obligation to serve in the military following graduation. Those that attend military service academies directly from high school are not entitled to GI Bill benefits(this may change under the new GI Bill..for those that serve past their initial 5 year obligation). Traditionally, the service obligation has been 8 total years, 5 years that must be fulfilled on active duty, as graduates are commissioned a lieutenant in their respective branch of service. The remaining 3 years can be served in the Individual Ready Reserve, IRR or in the National Guard or Reserve Forces.

Furthermore, between West Point, Annapolis, and the Air Force academy there existed a service exchange program where cadets could graduate from one service academy, but be commissioned in another branch. Historically only a few cadets participated in this program. At least for West Point, this program has ceased due to current Army demands. Additionally, for recent West Point graduate classes have been offered incentives that guarantee the Army will allow you attend graduate school in exchange for additional years of active military service. The would require an officer to serve 3 more additional years on active duty for a total of 8 years active duty. Although officers receive full pay and benefits while attending graduate school, the catch is that this offer, accepted by 352 of the 875, 2006 graduating cadets also requires that the officer serve an additional 3 months of active duty for every one month of graduate studies.

Thus, that 8 year obligation is really 11-12 years with a one year graduate degree. The translation is that by accepting this additional incentive, graduates will pass the 10 year mark of a 20 year career that is required to receive full pay and benefits. Does it make sense to leave the military 8 years away from retirement? Another important note is that officers can still choose to attend graduate school, contingent upon the Army allowing you, at a later date without accepting the additional service obligation. Those graduating in high academic standing may want to consider this option as the likelihood of being accepted by a graduate college is high as well as the likelihood of the Army releasing the officer for graduate studies.