You wouldn't necessarily be in the same boat. In fact, you'd have a good chance at setting yourself up for a good education while serving. The GI Bill is available and there is a lot of tuition assistance for those in the armed services as well.
You'd also get a chance to learn a useful trade and one that you can use give yourself a kickstart after leaving the service.
My suggestion is for you to talk to a recruiter and have them give you documents on what is available to you for education and career fields. Tell them straight out you want time to think about it.
You can also check out information at www.airforce.com and I am sure the navy has a similar site that can give you a lot of information.
After gathering your facts, think hard. I personally think it is a good thing for people to serve their country and it provides a chance to learn a lot but I know that it is not for everyone. You alone can decide if it will help you go where you want to go.
BTW, I am an Air Force reservists that works civil service and trains other reservists. So, I know how imprtant it can be for people to check out the service carefully and make a decision that is right for them.
Whatever you do decide, good luck.