I've just enrolled in the military and will be on active military duty, but am considering going back to school. Is it possible to balance both commitments or would I typically need to leave active duty to pursue my studies?
Active duty military personnel indeed have the opportunity to pursue higher education while serving their country. There are educational programs specifically designed to support those in the military.
One notable example is the Military Tuition Assistance (TA) program, which provides funds for tuition expenses for servicemembers. This can cover up to 100% of tuition fees and is available to eligible active duty, National Guard, and Reserve Component servicemembers.
In terms of balance, this ultimately depends on the individual's schedule, role, and commanding officer's discretion. Some positions may have more flexible routines that could accommodate a college course schedule. Online classes, due to their flexibility, are an especially popular choice among servicemembers.
A military-friendly school might also offer unique support services tailored to the needs of military students, such as academic advising, after-hours help, and understanding in the event of deployments or training exercises that may disrupt studies.
However, it's important to remember that serving on active duty and pursuing a degree concurrently will require strong time-management skills and dedication. Before deciding to embark on this path, you should consider reaching out to an education service officer or counselor within your branch to discuss the specifics and evaluate the feasibility of this step.
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