Fren, join the military if you like the way of life or if it is a calling. Just don't join it for reasons of using it as a shortcut to getting ahead. These scholars also got first class honours from Oxford, Cambridge, Havard and Stanford. Not that you will automatically be worse off, but you are at best on par with them. Good grades suggest high potential, but it is not a determinant of outcome.

I have many friends from the military, some in service, some not. Those that still in service are doing very well; those that are not are now in private sector. None of them that have come out have told me they regret and want to go back.

If you are indeed so driven and want to excel, the private sector will fit your needs best. So far all the responders who are O&G guys have all said the same thing.