I think if I didn't get a job out of college right away I would have looked HARD at joining a branch of the military. I think the best way to go is do the college thing (even a 2 year) and then go join. Like others have said, it will be an instant raise when you join with some college under your belt.
I see all these guys my age that have served or are serving and they seem to have a little more something to them. I cant explain it, but its something I wish I had.
This probably was little help, but just sharing how I would have done it if the circumstances were different.