How feasible is it to join the National Guard and serve while in graduate school to pursue an MBA?

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Oct 2021 01:41:40 -0400

For those that have done it, how feasible is it to do the National Guard while in grad school? I am EAS-ing from the Marine Corps next summer and am thinking of making the jump.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2021 8:31 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Oct 2021 08:31:00 -0400

There are folks in the Guard working on their MS, MBA, PhD, JD, PA school, etc.
It all depends on your ability to balance your civilian career, family, and Guard requirements.
Bear in mind, you may need to attend a school to become branch qualified in the Guard.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2021 12:18 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Oct 2021 12:18:23 -0400

When I was in the Guard about a third of the people serving with me were in college. The Guard is really amazing as far as college goes. Most of them will pay more than the Reserves for tuition and education programs. Some will fully fund a masters or even two, some will even fund a PhD program. I think going NG is the best route for someone who really wants to knock out their education

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Oct 4 at 2021 1:21 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Mon, 04 Oct 2021 13:21:29 -0400

There are plenty of grad students on the O and E side of the fense serving in the reserves and guard. Especially now with online learning being so accessible

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Oct 6 at 2021 8:08 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 08:08:29 -0400

Yes, a lot of soldiers continue their education while serving in the National Guard, and as SFC Boyd has pointed out, a number of states offer some very substantial educational benefits beyond GI Bill. To continue from your other thread, I am assuming that the Guard accepted your current Branch and that you are a fully qualified 1Lt. When I branch transferred to the Engineers when I went to the Kentucky Guard, I did have a time limitations on Branch Qualifying, but by completing what is now the Captains Career Course. That is available as a three phase course, 2-14 day segments (phase 1 and phase 3, phase 2 is distance learning, but you will have to work that in to stay qualified.