Balancing Community College and Military Service

Hey y'all, I'm currently a junior and am looking at my future opportunities. I have a question: Has anyone tried to balance being enrolled in community college while also serving in the military? How doable is this? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Balancing attendance at a community college while serving in the military can be rewarding, though it does come with its challenges. The key here is careful planning and excellent time management.

The military does encourage educational pursuits and often offers flexible options for service personnel. For instance, the Army National Guard offers the Recruit Sustainment Program that allows you to attend college while also serving on weekends. The Air Force Reserve offers the possibility of serving only one weekend a month and two weeks a year, leaving plenty of time for you to attend school.

Moreover, many colleges have programs designed to accommodate the unique needs and schedules of military members. They may offer online or evening classes to provide additional flexibility.

Community colleges can be a fantastic choice due to their affordable tuition, and smaller class sizes. The manageable workload can be beneficial when balancing duties.

Veteran or military service organizations can be invaluable resources. They may provide advice on managing your time and responsibilities, as well as provide connections to other students who have successfully balanced military service and college.

However, keep in mind that both community college and military service require dedication and absorb significant time, and you must be realistic about your expectations and capabilities.

On a financial standpoint, most branches of the military do offer education benefits, such as the post 9/11 GI Bill, which can go toward college expenses.

Overall, it is possible to balance community college attendance with military service. But it ultimately depends on your commitment and organization skills. Be ready to adjust your plans as necessary throughout your academic and military journey to uphold both commitments. Remember, open communication with both your military superiors and your college administration will be essential to ensuring you can handle both responsibilities.