Hey everyone, I'm a junior right now and I'm pretty interested in both serving in the U.S military and going to college. I wonder if it's possible to balance both at the same time? Can anyone shed light on this?
Absolutely, it is indeed possible to balance both military service and college. Many service members do continue their education while serving. Here's how it generally works:
One option is what is called "Reserve Education". If you enlist in the Reserves or National Guard, you can attend college full-time when not on active duty. For instance, the Army Reserve offers the "Minuteman Scholarship" covering full tuition or room and board for Soldiers participating in the Simultaneous Membership Program (in which you participate in both the Guard and your school's ROTC at the same time).
Another avenue you could explore is through online or distance learning programs, which are flexible, accessible anywhere, and tend to work well with the unpredictable and mobile lifestyle of the military.
However, one of the most notable programs for military personnel interested in pursuing higher education is the tuition assistance programs. Each branch of the military offers some form of tuition assistance, which pays for a portion of the tuition for college courses taken during off-duty hours.
The military also offers the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which provides up to 100% in-state tuition coverage at public colleges or a set amount at private or foreign colleges. This benefit can be transferred to dependents.
Keep in mind, balancing military service with college requires good time management and dedication, but it is certainly a doable and rewarding experience. Be sure to also talk to a recruiter or other military personnel to get a clear picture of your options and what each opportunity entails.
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