Would it be best to try and earn an associates degree while attending AIT or wait until after AIT graduation?

Your number one priority during AIT is to become technically proficient in your MOS. At most, I’d recommend work towards maxing your correspondence courses. Otherwise just focus on learning you job, you’ll have plenty of time at your first duty station and the rest of your career to take care of college.

You won't have time. Trust me.

Additionally, benefits like TA can not be used until you get to your first duty station. So even if you were to attempt to do college courses while in AIT, it would be out of pocket.

I would highly recommend that you wait until you graduate before attending collage. Your focus right now should be on completing the school the Army is paying you to complete.

Wait until after AIT. You are gonna be too focused on AIT and the skills you'll be learning to want to muddle the brain with outside information.

If you have time to complete a degree program while at AIT, something has gone wrong.

It's been a couple minutes since I trained, but I would be surprised if you have access to a computer or even your phone on a consistent basis. (I went through before everyone had devices all the time)

Honestly, you need to be focused on learning your MOS at this time. Get the degree later

Focus on AIT, it will be hard to focus on college because of the way AIT is scheduled each day. Also you can't use your educational benefits until you reach your first duty station. If your in the reserves or NG, going to college after AIT will be extremely easy, if your active, experience varies but go for it.

Focus on learning your military trade first. After you get to your first duty assignment then consider working on civilian education. Your AIT may earn you some college credits.

You will not be eligible for Tuition Assistance while in AIT.

AIT is important and will take You time and energy, You are already training. Go for the degree but only after AIT is behind You. Don't overload Yourself all at once. once major training program at a time and give both the individual attention they both need. That's My advise on that or any other major training.