Can I take college classes while serving in the military?

Hello, everyone! As a high school rising junior, I'm thinking of joining the military after graduation. But simultaneously, I don't want to forgo my chance of a higher education. Is it feasible to take college classes while in service?

Absolutely, it is feasible to pursue higher education while serving in the military. Many service members take advantage of the military's education benefits to further their education during their service period. One popular program is the Tuition Assistance (TA) program that financially supports active duty, National Guard, and Reserve service members in pursuing voluntary, off-duty education. It's designed to help service members complete a high school diploma, certificate, or an associate, bachelors, masters, or doctoral degree. The amount provided by each branch can vary, but it can cover a significant portion of tuition for classes. Another program is the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which provides education benefits for those who have served at least 90 days of active duty service post-Sept.10, 2001, or were honorably discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. The benefits can be used for traditional degree programs, vocational and technical training, among other things. Moreover, some branches of the military have specific programs, like the Army's Green to Gold program, which lets enlisted soldiers pursue a baccalaureate or graduate degree while they continue to receive their military pay. However, balancing military duties with academic work can be challenging. Before enrolling in classes, you’ll want to ensure you can realistically manage your time and all your commitments. Keep in mind that your primary duty is to your service branch, and there may be times when your duties preclude you from attending classes.

Overall, taking college classes while serving in the military is indeed possible, and there are various avenues to achieve this goal.