Going to school while in the guard and working part time civilian side?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Mar 2021 00:43:58 -0500

Is it possible? I extended another 3 years with a cross unit extension as a 25U. I was thinking about going back to school to get my associates in either business admin,legal studies or general ed. long term I am considering going WO route.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Mar 13 at 2021 8:48 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Sat, 13 Mar 2021 08:48:49 -0500

I had a number of soldiers that were part time or full time students while I was in the Guard. You generally don't have Drill during the week, you know your AT schedule a year ahead of time, and unless there is an Emergency, deployments are scheduled further out than a year. The states that I served offered Tuition for in State colleges, so some of these guys that were full time existed on their drill pay and GI Bill without working on the side. How many hours of classes and how much you can work really depends on your ability to organize your life. My son has managed to complete is Bachelor's and is working on a Master while being Active Duty Navy, you should be able to handle it in the National Guard.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Mar 13 at 2021 11:21 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Sat, 13 Mar 2021 11:21:29 -0500

Depends on how hard you go at it. I was full time Civil Service, about 20 hours/week reservist besides the drills, AT, ADSWs, etc, and full time MS student. I have no memory of anything family or personal related for that two year period. If you have family involved, they pay a price on that too. When things get tough, just remember how you eat an elephant; one bite at a time. You'll get there.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2021 7:36 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 07:36:21 -0400

I did the same as you. School, guard, and a part time job. It was a lot at times but manageable. I found that when I tried to add a fourth thing, second part time job or ROTC, that proved to be too much for me.

Also assuming that your annual training is in the summer I wouldn't expect to take summer classes. The term in too compressed to miss even two weeks of school. I have had several soldiers get frustrated when they were not excused from annual training to take summer classes. I have an AA and BS. I just made peace with never taking summer classes because the the guard was, after all, paying for school. Asking for a day or two off (split train) if drill conflicts with finals is a reasonable request to your CoC but still be prepared to be denied.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 16 at 2021 10:23 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 10:23:58 -0400

Yes! My daughter did it. Worked full time. Went to school part time. Completed her BSN. Resigned ANG as SSgt. Worked 10 years. Joined Navy Reserve Nurse Corps as LT (O3). After 10 years promoted to CDR 2/2021. I’m very proud of her.