What advice do you have for when training opportunities conflict with school?

2018-03-20T20:58:10-04:00

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?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2018 9:10 PM

2018-03-20T21:10:05-04:00

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

Response by SSG Alan Pelletier made Mar 20 at 2018 9:43 PM

2018-03-20T21:43:27-04:00

Do not pile so much on your plate.
Over time the efficacy of your actions will accrue, but not with a constant grab for every opportunity. Perhaps rather, try to figure out why you want to do so much at once? Maybe letting this opportunity pass and focusing strictly on school...

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2018 10:50 PM

2018-03-20T22:50:05-04:00

Welcome to adulthood. If you have orders most schools will give you an excused absence. However, depending on the professor they might not care to provide any relief. Good luck.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2018 11:18 PM

2018-03-20T23:18:10-04:00

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.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2018 11:19 PM

2018-03-20T23:19:26-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member 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

DRSKO expands mission

Pine Bluff Arsenal's Directorate of Chemical and Biological Defense Operations has expanded operations on the Dismounted Reconnaissance Sets, Kits and Outfits to include configured sets for the U.S. Navy.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 20 at 2018 11:27 PM

2018-03-20T23:27:32-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member Education should be your priority.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Mar 21 at 2018 10:22 AM

2018-03-21T10:22:52-04:00

Being in the Reserves is a constant balancing act between the military and the rest of your life. Sometimes the Reserves win the tug of war and sometimes it loses. In this case, I would look at what would happen if you miss the first week of school. Will you have to drop classes? Will the professor be mad at your for the entire semester? Or, will it have no impact. I would compare that to what if to miss the DRSKO course? Will you lose out on a promotion or a good position in the unit?

This scheduling conflict will cause a negative in either school or the Reserves. Which one can you live with.

Personally, I would skip the course and attend college. You are at the beginning of your military career and there will be plenty of time later to attend DRSKO.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2018 10:24 AM

2018-03-21T10:24:57-04:00

Education is important, but always remember who is paying for your school. I agree with comments already stated. Get with your unit and have them get you a copy of your orders. MOST schools and professors are pretty accommodating with military orders. Especially with it only being the first week. The way I looked at things when I was balancing school with training is trying to look into the future. How hard will it be to attend this training later versus how hard would it be to take the classes I will miss.

However, I am pretty confident that your school will be more than accommodating to your military training. Often times, I will draft a memorandum "Letter to University" for my personnel so they can give their professors a heads up well before training orders are even cut.

Response by SGT Jody Trapp made Mar 21 at 2018 4:44 PM

2018-03-21T16:44:24-04:00

Most schools will work with you... during the first week of classes there’s really not a lot going on anyway... but take the initiative to contact your professors and get whatever work will be missed... when opportunities for training come up, especially in the reserves, I’d definitely take it

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2018 3:57 AM

2018-03-22T03:57:24-04:00

I have been in the same situation before, the choice is really up to you. If you miss the first week of classes you can catch up quickly as professors don’t cover much information. However if you decide to attend training, email your professors a copy of your orders so they dont drop you from the course (many schools tends to drop students who doesn’t show up on the first dayof class)
There’s going to be times that the army reserves if going to offer great school opportunities, and if you take them you’ll have to completely withdraw from the semester.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 7 at 2018 11:13 AM

2018-04-07T11:13:59-04:00

You have to make a choice- Have you check with your classes to see what you can do?