Posted on Mar 20, 2018
SPC Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Operations Specialist
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This upcoming August will be the start of my first semester of college. However, I just got word that my unit (USAR) is looking for volunteers to attend a DRSKO course that would have me miss my first week of college. I've tried hard so far to be the High Speed Private who volunteers for these things and id really like to attend this as well, any advice?
Posted in these groups: Reserves logo Reserves5a9f5691 College
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CPT Board Member
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Reach out to your unit and request orders. Once you have orders, provide them to your school. The school is required to accommodate you once you give them said orders. The college should be familiar with this process. Get orders. Talk to school after. Best of luck, PV2
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SGT Eric Davis
SGT Eric Davis
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Agreed get your orders from your unit and contact the college so they are aware of the situation and Won’t drop you and when you get your schedule contact your instructors
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1SG Vet Technician
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I have an idea. They can send me. I will take notes and record the lectures. I would love to go to that. I hate being behind in the field, and unless I am in a chem unit, I won't get to go to something like that.

Seriously however, one of the hardest things to do as a Reserve Soldier is to balance civilian life with military commitments. This is especially the case for motivated Soldiers like yourself, as well as Soldiers that take on more responsibility as they progress. as a SNCO, I easily spend another 10-15 hours each week just dealing with tasks, following up on readiness issues, and imputing my 2 cents into training events such as Qualification Ranges and Annual Training.

Here is what I would do. Take the course. Yes there will probably be more opportunities in the future, but by then you will be further entrenched in school. You will only be missing the first week of semester. If I recall my days in school correctly, that's really only like 3 days or 2 days depending on the classes you take. (MWF or TR). Even if you have some sort of 4 day/ week class that includes a recitation or lab, the first week will still be some sort of overview. This is probably the easiest part of college to miss and still catch up.

But, you will still need to cover your ass. Many schools will drop no shows from the roster during the first week and open up seats to the waiting list. You don't want to loose your seat. If you have a copy of your orders in hand, they will accommodate you.
Does your school have a military liaison? I don't know where you are in your education, but surely you had some sort of academic councilor to help you with class selection. That person can likely help you plan to deal with missing the first week of school; maybe even talk to your professors.

Good luck. Many of us have been there.
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Sgt Field Radio Operator
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SPC (Join to see) Being aggressive about your career is good as long as you do not overextend yourself. How did you do in high school? You will miss the first week of your first college semester, so can you handle that? If you can handle that, then attend this class.

https://www.army.mil/article/196487/drsko_expands_mission
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