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Education while active duty
I know a lot of what I'm about to ask is going to completely depend on my duty station and if I am deployed or not but I want to ask it anyway. How easy/difficult is it to take college classes while I am enlisted? What makes it easy or hard and how likely am I to be able to take classes while deployed if at all? I figured I would ask you guys since you have all helped me so far. Any info, positive or negative, is greatly appreciated.
Also, do the classes we take generally transfer to 4-year colleges pretty easily?
As far as transferring your classes thats between you, the college you go to and the college you transfer to. Its as hard or easy as you make it out to be, if you are not deployed you can go to the on post colleges we have (university of phoenix, etc) or go to the local community college...you can also take online classes, which is what I do, and find to be the easiest...you "can" take classes while deployed IF your schedule allows, obviously infantry wo uld have less time for college (or no time), compared to lets say a personnel or supply guy...
How far in advance do you know that you are getting deployed? Meaning, would I know before the semester begins if I am even going to be able to finish that semester? Also, I am going infantry so I didn't really expect to be able to do anything while deployed but figured I would ask anyway.
You generally know weeks to months in advance of a deployment. I recently returned from a deployment with an infantr4y battalion - and our guys were able to make time for education, if they chose. Good luck!
68W4P, 31B4P, 0341, 0844
24 years and DONE!!!
"Even if you know that a certain illustration in an art book is from the Kama Sutra, don't point that out to your art history class. They will think you're a pervert." - seen at learnfrommyfail.com
So let's say I register for an online class during the fall and find out 2 weeks later that I'm going to be deployed before the semester is over, what happens? I'm sorry if ti feels like I'm beating a dead horse here but school was my main motivator for enlisting.
Since you can do online classes from anywhere, being deployed will nit affect them.
68W4P, 31B4P, 0341, 0844
24 years and DONE!!!
"Even if you know that a certain illustration in an art book is from the Kama Sutra, don't point that out to your art history class. They will think you're a pervert." - seen at learnfrommyfail.com
Yeah, dmory, if your NCOIC sees that you are going to school(or taking online classes) chances are good he will go to bat for ya and try to ensure you're able to meet those obligations. Of course, needs of the Army always come first, but they do want to help you get your education.
I needed remedial math before I enrolled in community college, and the Army actually provided the help I needed on post at the education center..and they let me do that on ARMY time, in uniform. Not only did they save me the fees the community college charged for remedial math, but they also saved me time.
Reason I told you that is so you can see a example of how willing they are to help out...especially if you are in garrison.
Best regards.
Last edited by Outfrontmedic; 12-17-2010 at 06:13 PM.
Former Active Duty and ARNG Medic.
Since the Army requires you to get college credits to earn promotion points, education is a priority. Duty comes first, of course - but your NCOs will work with you to let you get your classes. I never had a problem with letting people off early or even in the middle of the duty day for classes. The problem was getting them interested enough to sign up for college in the first place!
68W4P, 31B4P, 0341, 0844
24 years and DONE!!!
"Even if you know that a certain illustration in an art book is from the Kama Sutra, don't point that out to your art history class. They will think you're a pervert." - seen at learnfrommyfail.com
I am working on my masters now through UMUC-Europe and have taken a course online while deployed. I had 3 months notice for my Afghanistan deployment and my MSG just had 3 weeks notice since he was just PCSing and had to go. Usually its a 6 months notice but not always the case.
Great posts already and your leadership will get you squared away to start taking college courses.
Iraq/Afghanistan Veteran - 3rd time deployed
Former US Marine/US Border Patrol
US Army Chief Warrant Officer
Member of the American Legion, VFW, IAVA and MOAA
"IT'S HALFTIME IN AMERICA" Clint Eastwood
22 years serving my Nation
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