When I was taking the ASVAB last week the man conducting the test could not stress enough the importance of getting a degree, "even if you are in downtown Baghdad or Fallujah". I scored an 81 on the ASVAB and I'm trying to join the Infantry and go to Airborne schoo. I already went to MEPS last Wednesday and passed the physical, being "disgustingly healthy" as the good doctor put it, and I am just waiting for my waiver to be approved. I am not stupid by any means, Infantry is just what I want to do. I have 13 college credits already and people I've talked to have made it sound like I can only go to school after my time is up, but I've also seen others say to the contrary. Will I have time or opportunity to use online courses or whatever if/when I am deployed?
2007-11-17 10:04:48 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
I'm not joining the Army just for school, any schooling will be secondary as I want to go to Infantry and Airborne school, possibly Ranger eventually, more than I've ever wanted anything.
2007-11-17 10:22:10 · update #1
If you go infantry you will have almost no free time for college classes on-line or other. You will be spending most of your time going out to the field to train for Iraq or Afghanistan. Any combat job will keep you out in the field or other training. You will get of time but not a lot. When you deploy you may have free time but the infantry unit I am with we are out from anywhere from 3 days to 3 weeks doing 12 to 18 hour missions of OP's and check points. I would try another MOS that is not combat oriented. That will give you more free time.
2007-11-17 10:19:49 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
Get your degree before joining because active duty does not give you more than 1 or 2 months away from training.
The ASVAB is only if you want to become an enlisted soldier. If you decide to become a commissioned officer get a 4 year degree otherwise a 2 year degree will not allow for promotion beyond Captain, O-3. With an 81 you have a lot of doors open.
If you want to be an Airborne Ranger then have it typewritten on your contract. Taking classes in Psychology and Sociology help since the instructors at Airborne School yell and harass to weed out those who cannot handle stress.
If you want to be the best become a Green Beret or an Airborne Ranger and ask to become a member of Delta Force.
Good luck.
Visit my site when you are bored.
2007-11-17 18:32:09 · answer #2 · answered by MIE 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
You can do ANYTHING while on active duty. If you really want to work toward a degree, do so. Getting a 4 year degree in 4 years on active duty is TOUGH, depending on your duty status. Get as many credits as you can while on active duty so if you separate after the 4 years, you'll be a step ahead of the other guys/gals in the college you go to.
Also, may I give a bit of advice. Have you thought what kind of experience infantry can give you for use in a CIVILIAN job? How about looking at another field that can translate to a CIVILIAN career? Just a thought.
Good luck in the Army!
(USN, retired...with a degree)
2007-11-17 20:14:10 · answer #3 · answered by AmericanPatriot 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It depends what kind of job you have in the army, infantry is a full time job because you'll always have to be alert practically 24/7. Plus it seems you want to accomplish other things(rangers) so you are going to have your hands full. I know a couple of guys who did EVENTUALLY get their BA but it took forever.... and hey had started before Iraq and Afghanistan ... you could do it, it would just be tough. Dedication and Determination will be needed on your part... Good Luck out there, God Bless.
2007-11-17 18:51:11 · answer #4 · answered by Carlos 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you're an infantryman in Fallujah or Baghdad, you probably won't have time to get a degree. The good news is that, when not deployed or in the field, you won't have a mission, so you'll have plenty of time.
2007-11-17 18:11:37 · answer #5 · answered by DOOM 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Don't listen to all the negative comments!
The Army is now getting on-line with the AF with its CCAF by creating a similar program.
meaning any kind of military training are worth college credits.
granted, that if you are in the Infantry and deployed, You won't have time to take courses, classroom, correspondence, or on-line.
but, if you are assigned stateside, it is do-able! its just a matter of time management, self discipline, sacrifice, and determination.
I earned my College DEGREES while on Active Duty.
Good Luck to you!
2007-11-17 18:58:41 · answer #6 · answered by john stud 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
How bout no because as long as the war is going on you will be in Iraq. Like I was for 2 years. Sorry man to break the news to you!
2007-11-17 18:13:51 · answer #7 · answered by Martini 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Study while in the military so that you can improve your career and use it after retirement for other jobs.
2007-11-17 20:23:10 · answer #8 · answered by FRAGINAL, JTM 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Air Force- 30,000 degrees completed by active duty
ARMY-5,000 degrees completed by active duty
NAVY- 3,000 degrees completed by active duty
Marines- 1,500 degrees completed by active duty
You do the math
2007-11-17 19:48:38 · answer #9 · answered by Matt 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
i gotta say no way. I was infantry during peace time and war time and if we didn't have time for college during peace times then trying now during time of war is nearly impossible
2007-11-17 18:23:05 · answer #10 · answered by upside 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋