How's Fort Irwin for an 11B? Has anyone been able to go to college/online classes? Would there be enough time?

2018-01-11T01:57:53-05:00

I got orders but worried I won't get a chance to get a degree

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2018 6:04 AM

2018-01-11T06:04:30-05:00

I'll have to concur with the MSG...whatever his/her name is. There are Soldiers everywhere that get a degree while serving. I am sure that there are Soldiers at Irwin that do it. It's about what you want to give up to make that happen. It isn't going to be your job, because that comes first, and that's what you should really be concerned with. You will spend a boat load of time in the field, but so does everyone else there. The programs at Fort Irwin are used to it and can likely accommodate your schedule. That being said, when you aren't working you are probably going to be studying to catch up. Depends what you are willing to let go (time with family, time at the bar, time behind the console, etc).

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2018 9:24 AM

2018-01-11T09:24:55-05:00

You’ll get a chance to at least get an Associate degree while stationed at Fort Irwin.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jan 11 at 2018 9:34 AM

2018-01-11T09:34:40-05:00

I have to concur with MSG & COL- did you join to serve the Nation or yourself? College on-line is much more attainable than trying for on campus classes. Of course you have your education benefits after getting out. Set your priorities 1st.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2018 9:39 AM

2018-01-11T09:39:23-05:00

Just like jell-o, there's always room for school.

Response by Cpl John Barker made Jan 11 at 2018 1:15 PM

2018-01-11T13:15:10-05:00

Abandon faith all ye who enter

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2018 8:52 AM

2018-01-13T08:52:47-05:00

SPC Hernandez- Go visit the Ed Center over by the gym. Get a brief on all the education opportunities that are available first. Then develop a timeline. Look at your available time off and then when you want to start a degree program and when you want to finish it. That should get you in a good time framework. This is really not an education type question but one of time management. Just look at the Fort Irwin blotter. If fools have time to get a DUI or beat their spouse then they have time to work on a degree. // Don't forget to develop a sound financial plan while you are there as well. Get your money working for you now. Get a TSP. Get a Roth IRA. Put in max contributions per month. Save now for your retirement in 15-18 years. // Train the Force!

Response by CPL(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2018 12:40 AM

2018-01-14T00:40:29-05:00

Get a degree online if possible. Many schools around Ft. Irwin work with military schedule offering 5 week schedules and 8 week schedules. Yes 11B will be in field a lot. I was stationed there in an Infantry unit and they tend to keep you busy.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2018 9:25 PM

2018-01-15T21:25:56-05:00

I was an 11B at Irwin and worked around the schedule and earned my Associates Degree and used it as a platform to earn my BA. It’s not easy...anywhere; but very possible. Went to the ed cute, Used CLEP, local Community College and then 4Yr college. Drove to CSUSB for SAT classes, and worked towards degree completion. Took a little longer than most, but was able to make it happen with some focus and goal setting. Time management is hard with rotations, but most schools on fort know his and understand this. You can do it, some pain up front but worth it years later-BLACKHORSE!!!

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2018 3:24 PM

2018-01-17T15:24:40-05:00

You will be able to take classes. I’m Supply Specialist in an infantry troop, and the Soldiers don’t do anything in their free time except for talking smack in the troop . Unless they are at the motor Pool working on their vehicles. Other than that, you have free time tbh. My roommate takes classes at Barstow community college and we do have an education center. So, you want a degree, go for it. Don’t let anything stop you.