Can I study abroad for college while in Army reserves?

2019-09-22T13:40:35-04:00

I want to study abroad for next semester for college but don’t know if this is possible since I would miss 3 drill weekends.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2019 2:05 PM

2019-09-22T14:05:07-04:00

Step 1) Talk with your NCOs and run it up the Chain
Step 2) Talk with your NCOs and run it up the Chain
Step 3) Talk with your NCOs and run it up the Chain

The only way to know is to submit this RFI (Request For Information) thru your Chain of Command/Support Chain. We here on RP have no way of knowing if you can or not. Why? Because you would need permission from your Commander. And none of us can even remotely know/predict what your Commander will say.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Sep 22 at 2019 3:14 PM

2019-09-22T15:14:20-04:00

Depending on where you intend to study you can report for drill in a few countries. Speak with your COC.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Sep 22 at 2019 4:06 PM

2019-09-22T16:06:06-04:00

Got with your CoC. Units make allowances for school requirements and real life work requirements. You just have to get with them and let them know so they can do the proper paperwork. It is within their power to mark you as an authorized absence. Similarly they may allow that you can drill over seas if there is a unit in a country you are studying in.

Get with your CoC. No one here at RP will know or really be able to tell you yes or no.

Response by COL William Oseles made Sep 22 at 2019 9:53 PM

2019-09-22T21:53:05-04:00

Some civilian experiences can provide credit provided they are military or MOS related. That is something to take up with the chain of command.
Hypothetically you are visiting a site/museum of military significance. You may be able to get credit for research/preparation time for a briefing to your command, and credit for being an instructor when you brief it.
It all has to do with your chain of command and what they will approve, in advance.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2019 9:06 AM

2019-09-23T09:06:14-04:00

This shouldn't be an issue provided it is for a legitimate program of study and provided you don't have other commitments like leaving for a deployment the month after. Otherwise, there is really no valid reason why an E-2 shouldn't be allowed to pursue this kind of opportunity. As a reservist, you will have several options to make up the drills: 1. You can split with a unit overseas. Depending on where you are studying, there are U.S. military posts all over. Just get in touch with one and ask them if they have 6 days of work for you. Most have a supply room that needs cleaned, or some truck maintenance that needs to be done. 2. You could split the drills and bundle them with your drill weekends before and after your trip abroad. 3. They can just code you as an excused absence, and you would not have to make the drills up. The only problem with this route is that you need to meet your minimum points each year or you won't have a "good year" towards retirement.

I'm in the National Guard and live in Germany right now, so please let me know if you have any further questions about this topic.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2019 1:40 PM

2019-09-23T13:40:22-04:00

Not only what SSG Livingston said, but you must ensure that you are authorized to travel to whatever country you go to! Service members are limited and must submit a packet for travel and get it approved before travel commences. Also, a Commander may not want you to be gone for that long. If you miss three months of BA, then you show up on what is called a "non-participant" list. This is a negative on the Commanders report card. We have units overseas. Contact those units, to see if they allow Rescheduled Training. Gather all of the information and then present it to your CoC. ( I think I read that somewhere, I just can't put my finger on it)

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Sep 24 at 2019 6:56 PM

2019-09-24T18:56:25-04:00

Just ask to make up the dates before you go.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Sep 25 at 2019 7:46 AM

2019-09-25T07:46:56-04:00

Maybe there might be a different unit wherever you'd be, Army or other svc, that you could possibly be allowed to spend the time involved with...just an errant thought...I'd seen similar threads on similar things on here, that just occurred to me to suggest, I'd expect it might've occurred to you, and, of course, I've got zero clue if it'd be possible, at all, however, it was just an idea, obv, as well, certainly, hope might be of at least some use...interesting question, certainly, if nothing else, I'd thought, honest....

Response by COL Dan O'Rourke made Jun 1 at 2020 8:08 AM

2020-06-01T08:08:55-04:00

I did immediately after commissioning but that was many years ago. If you’re in a good unit and you’re a good soldier they’ll want to retain you and will find a solution for you.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2020 6:10 AM

2020-12-28T06:10:57-05:00

nice post