Work on completing a Bachelor's while in job training?

[kwr66]

Hey everyone. This is my first post really, I'll appreciate any feedback.

I enlisted in the Corps in January, I'm doing the Reserves, 6x2 contract, MOS is 2146, Tank Mechanic, got E-2 already from having become an Eagle Scout when I was younger.

My ship dates in limbo right now because I had surgery on my knee for some torn cartilage. Doc cleared it, I'm headed back to MEPS soon, and they say I should be leaving for boot in 2 -3 months. (Paperwork is being processed at HQ in Virginia.)

Anyways, I'm a little ways away from completing my ASB with Excelsior. I have Macro, Micro, College Algebra, Stat, and Accounting, both Financial/Managerial to test out of still. Having started Excelsior in January, I'm confident that I can pull off this Associate's before leaving for boot.

My question is, after I've got my Associate's and been through boot, will I have any time at MCT or job training to study for and pass tests to continue towards my Bachelor's? MCT is a month, and tank mechanic job training is 10 weeks. My friend went 0311 and had most evenings to himself at SOI, when he wasn't out in the field, training.

Is it worth it to try and take advantage of a base's testing center (and my Select Reserve MGIB) while I"m training? Or should I just wait until I've finished everything and come back home until continuing towards my Bachelor's? And worst case scenario, I don't finish the Associate's in time, and I have that to complete before working on the Bachelor's.

My reasoning for this is that I hate wasting time when I could be doing something productive. I have no doubts that I'll have plenty on my plate, and I'll probably be dead tired, but even just getting an hour of studying in per day, 5 days a week, I could pass a test. Or so I think.

I appreciate the feedback! Thanks.

[OfficerA]

It would depend if your leadership would allow you the time to take off and take CBEs or any other classes. I'm currently at a training base and I've met one student in phase II of his medical tech training (USAF) who took the College Mathematics CLEP, but then again phase II is sort of an inbetween status of being a technical trainee and being an operational member, so it may not apply to you.

I would definitely pursue it though; I ran out of things to do early on after being stationed here, so I just aggressively pursued my education and knocked out my CCAF AS degree right below the 2-year mark. You're well past ahead of me at this point in time.

[freddy]

Like OfficerA said a lot would have to depend on if the testing time conflicted with your course schedule. Sincd you are there to learn your job they most likely won't let you miss training to take a CBT. If it's in your downtime then it becomes a lot more possible. If you are doing poorly in your training your chain of command might not like you studying for CBTs. They would think that you should be studying more for your training if they find out. If you are doing well then they are less likely to be opposed to it.

I concur with OfficerA, definitely pursue it.

[UptonSinclair]

It is better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission. You could always use straighterline if you are unable to schedule testing at the education center. That way you would be able to use webcam proctoring off duty.

[Dr John]

I have a buddy at work who just got out of the Corps a couple of years ago. He served for 8 years and got out as an E-6. I'm sure his memories of Boot, MCT or SOI are not too distant to remember. I can assure you that while in boot, you will have almost no time to do anything other then what the Drill Sergeant tells you to do. Any thought you had of having a personal life while in boot is over. Although, you may have some time, during the weekends (read that as Saturdays for a few hours) while in SOI to study or schedule exams. I'll give my buddy a call and see what else he thinks. He talks of life in the corps all day long, ad nauseam!

As a reservist, you'll have all the time in world to pursue your education. No need to rush while going thru all this. Take the education exams afterwards and use them to max out the promotion points. Good luck in the corps, every Marine I knows treasures their time in the Corps.

[dewisant]

You can probably fit in some time every day of every week. With 168 hours in each and every week you have more time than you think you have. First goal: No TV. Second goal: Check email once a day. Third goal: Don't carry your do-all phone with you ever. These are just suggestions.

[michaelfrye1970]

I'm a retired MSgt. I can tell you that you will not have anytime during Bootcamp or MCT training. Mainly because your enitire day is scheduled. But once you get to your MOS school you could try to pursue some online courses that you need. But you will not be able to schedule anything during training time. All MOS schools are condensed and do not allow for any missed time for that type of thing son unless they have weekend testing available you won't be able to take any CBE. But once that is complete you will be able to jump into finishing school almost full time.