Hello! Is it feasible to attend a community college while actively serving in the military? I'm interested in doing my associate's degree near the base... if that's even a thing.
Absolutely, it's feasible to attend community college while actively serving in the military. Many military members pursue further education during their service. The key thing is time management and finding a program that aligns with your service commitments.
You mentioned wanting to do this near your base. You'd be happy to know there are many military-friendly colleges that are used to accommodating the unique needs of service members. Often, these schools have experiences in dealing with schedule shifts due to deployments or trainings.
In addition to community colleges, you might consider online courses or distance learning programs offered by many institutions. This could give you the flexibility to continue your studies even if your schedule or location changes.
As a service member, you might be eligible for education benefits like the Post-9/11 GI Bill or the Tuition Assistance (TA) Program, which can significantly help with the cost.
Before you begin, it's advisable to speak with your Education Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within your military branch. They can provide guidance on how best to coordinate your military service with your educational goals. For instance, they can provide insights on balancing courses with duty hours, addressing potential deployment during the course, or understanding how to make the most of the education benefits available to you.
In terms of your associate's degree, it's a fantastic idea and can open up opportunities for advancement both within and outside of the military. Just make sure to choose a field of study that aligns with your future career goals.
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