Hey everyone, I'm currently a junior and I've started thinking about my future. I have this idea about serving in the military and getting my college education concurrently. I've heard a thing or two about opportunities where you can have your education paid for by the military. Does anybody know if it's possible to balance both? What have been your experiences? Or anyone knows someone who did that?
Yes, absolutely, it's possible to pursue a college education while serving in the military. Many military members choose this path, and the military provides several programs to support this. One popular option is the ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) program, which is a scholarship program where the military covers your tuition and, in return, you commit to a period of active duty service after graduation. ROTC programs primarily aim to help students earn their undergraduate degrees, but there are a few that support graduate degrees as well.
Audio and online learning are popular among military personnel since they offer the flexibility to study wherever you're based or deployed. Many universities offer online degree programs that cater to these needs. Just keep in mind that some courses may have requirements that could be tough to meet while actively serving - think labs, internships, hands-on training, etc.
Another notable program is the GI Bill. Post 9/11 GI Bill provides up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible service members and veterans for programs such as undergraduate and graduate degrees, vocational/technical training, and more. The Military Tuition Assistance Program is another resource which covers 100% tuition for eligible servicemen and servicewomen.
However, it's crucial to consider that balancing both could be challenging, depending on your military duties and the intensity of your study program. Based on what I've heard from several military personnel, successful execution heavily depends on time management, self-discipline, flexibility, and online resources.
For your decision, I recommend speaking to a military recruiter or a college admissions department that commonly works with military students. They can provide a clearer picture of how you can balance both. Also, speaking to someone who has done this before can give you a practical idea of what to expect.
I hope this info helps you. Good luck with your decision!
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