Why should young enlisted vets get their college degree immediately after service instead of waiting for later?

Not only that, but it's hard to get a full time job while going to school after you get out. I know firsthand. Many times the first question potential employers ask is, 'Are you a student?' It's better to have at least one degree already out of the way prior to getting out. Of course, I wasn't selfish enough to do this while I was in. Paying for it now.

I could not agree more. It is a serious mistake to not be ready for what comes next in life. Not to mention the fact that it seems years of service and some level of documented skills are simply written off by employers once one has been in school 2-4 years after separation; as in, getting the degree post-service relegates one to the 'recent graduate' pool, regardless of what one's specific military background reveals. Internships can help close employment gaps and infuse some confidence into employers' choices, but then there is no guarantee....only increased statistical probability. And who knows how long some folks will have to wait until they land an interview where they have enough knowledge and be enough of a cultural fit consistent with receiving a job offer. To have enough skill and be in the right place, right time to land a full-time job that will compensate reasonably - I don't really think that concept was pushed adequately during TAPs. This situation only gets worse for those who have significant health issues upon separation. Plus, in my experience with the "Veteran friendly" exploits of employers in the private sector...well, that seems curiously more geared toward junior officers that graduated from one of the academies or an expensive brand-name college (regardless of what their actual individual leadership experience entailed). You may have to resolve to take a lower paying, less advantageous position in order to work your way up the ladder again. This is not necessarily something that should be shunned, but SMs should poise themselves appropriately to avoid career setbacks and lost earning potential. Oh, and then there is that engaging work jive....because who wants to go to work everyday absolutely hating their job, but are stuck with it until something better presents itself!

Hopefully at least some of those still on active duty take heed.
SSG (Join to see),MGySgt Rick Tyrrell

Sgt Henderson lays it out well. You never know what curveballs life is going to throw your way. For many folks that leave the military, while they may have transferable soft skills, many jobs still require a strong set of marketable hard skills...and not necessarily the ones a Veteran may have learned in the military. If you drove heavy equipment or a truck in the military and want to be a truck driver, you're set. However, if you were working in the mess and don't want to work in a restaurant for the rest of your life...you really need to come up with a plan and figure out something that will get you trained up and ready to work as soon as possible, preferably in a relatively stable position that will support your lifestyle. If not interested in jobs requiring a degree, fine, but waiting until separation - or longer - is usually going to be a bad idea. Life is expensive and uncertain. Don't screw yourself over by procrastinating with such an important transition.

PO2 Eric Kocher - Your advice is on target and really what young enlistees need to hear before enlisting and, for certain, before they separate. I've talked to several guys joining the Army and tried my best to ensure that they made an informed decision on their MOS and understand what was going to happen when they ETS. Running and gunning makes for an exciting job when you're young, but you damned sure better have a plan because it won't last forever.