Balancing Active Duty Military and College, is it manageable?

Hi there, I'm currently in the military and thinking about enrolling in college as well while on active duty. Is it doable, balancing both? What are some tips to manage it effectively? Any insight would be super helpful.

Taking on college studies while serving on active duty can definitely be a challenge, but it is doable with some forethought and planning. Here are a few recommendations on how you can effectively manage both.

1. Time Management: This is the most obvious, but also the most crucial aspect of juggling the demands of active duty with higher education. Keep a detailed schedule of your commitments, and remember to account for downtime and unpredicted responsibilities.

2. Online Courses: With the rise of high-quality online education, many institutions now offer programs specifically catered to those with less traditional schedules or those on active duty. These online courses will provide the flexibility you need to balance your military commitments with coursework.

3. Communicate with Your Superior Officers: Don't hesitate to let your superior officers know about your intention to start or continue higher education. They are likely to provide support and might even be able to guide you when any issues arise.

4. Utilize Military Education Benefits: Take advantage of the tuition assistance programs offered by the military. Many educational institutions also offer scholarships to active-duty military personnel.

5. Seek out Support: Many schools have supports in place for military and veteran students, from dedicated study spaces to peer mentors. Don't hesitate to use these resources.

6. Avoid Overextending Yourself: While it's exciting to get started on your college journey, it's important not to take on too many classes or extracurriculars at once.

Remember, the end goal is to successfully complete your studies while fulfilling your military responsibilities, not dedicate yourself entirely to one at the expense of the other. With proper planning and use of available resources, balancing active duty and college can be a rewarding path towards achieving your goals. Good luck!