Seriously considering backup plans in case post-secondary education plans go south

In my opinion, the military is for those who have no hope at even getting into community college.

I have never understood this mentality. Some people do it out of pride and for wanting to serve their country. Others do it for what they can gain from it (stable living & income, medical benefits, and financial aid for furthering their education).

I know a guy who went to a university for four years and got his masters degree. Once he was out of college he had racked up a lot of debt and was unable to find a job despite his qualifications due to the shitty economy of the time. So he joined the Army. Immediately after graduating from basic training the government paid off all of the debt he'd ammased going to school. Now he's working a job in his field of expertise and extending his training so that once his four years is over he has no debt and more qualifications.

Not really seeing too much of a downside in all of that.