Is it possible to be active duty and still attend regular college classes? If anyone's done this or knows someone who has, I'd really appreciate your perspectives.
Absolutely, it is possible to be on active duty and still attend regular college classes. However, it won't be the traditional college experience and balancing the two can be challenging, but very rewarding. It requires careful planning, dedication, and a lot of discipline. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
1) Find a Flexible Program: Many universities offer online or part-time programs designed for individuals with full-time commitments, such as active duty service members. This makes it much easier to balance studies with your military commitments.
2) Time Management is Crucial: You'll need to be very disciplined about managing your time. Both military service and studies demand a lot, so finding time for both means you may need to make sacrifices in other areas of your life.
3) Utilize Military Resources: Take advantage of educational benefits provided by the military, like the Post-9/11 GI Bill and tuition assistance. These can greatly reduce the financial stress of pursuing a degree.
4) Communicate: Keep an open line of communication with your superiors and professors. If duty calls, you might need to miss a class or turn in an assignment late. As long as they know upfront of your commitments, they are usually understanding.
In the end, remember that succeeding in balancing college and active duty isn't just about getting a degree - it's also about gaining skills that can be useful in both military and civilian life. Good luck!
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