Military Commitments vs College

In general, how does the military handle arranging things if you want to go to college while serving? Would they accommodate that need or should I finish my education first?

It certainly is possible to pursue higher education while serving in the military, but it depends greatly on the branch of service, your specific role, and your command structure.

In some cases, the military offers programs that allow you to attend college classes while still in service. For example, the Army's Concurrent Admissions Program (ConAP) is a program that was designed to link soldiers to postsecondary opportunities. The Navy, the Air Force, and the Marine Corps have their own versions as well. These programs designed to make it easier for service members to transition into college.

Other options like the Tuition Assistance (TA) program can provide financial aid for service members who want to take courses during off-duty hours. Many of these programs are flexible and accommodate a service member's responsibilities and duty schedule.

There's also the GI Bill which provides educational assistance to veterans, service members, and their dependents. If you plan to use your GI Bill benefits, you might find it more advantageous to wait until you've finished your military service to start attending college full-time.

Another factor to consider is what your intentions are academically and professionally. If you're considering fields or degrees that require uninterrupted study or residencies (like medicine or research), it might be best to finish your education before joining.

Remember, each individual's situation is unique and there might be different considerations depending on your own objectives, military obligations, and personal circumstances. It's a good idea to discuss these options with a military recruiter or an educational counselor within the military to get the most accurate advice for your situation.