Opting for College Before or After Basic Training: Guidance for Air National Guard Members

The path to higher education can be particularly challenging for those serving in the Air National Guard, especially during critical periods like Basic Training and Airborne Training. This article aims to provide guidance on the best time to pursue college while meeting your military obligations.

Basic Training and AIT: The Military School Phase

During Basic Training and Airborne Training Instruction (AIT), your focus must be entirely on military training. You won't have the flexibility to engage in academic pursuits during these times for several reasons:

No personal devices or access to study materials such as laptops or textbooks. Strict constraints imposed by the military training environment. Rigorous physical training (PT) and other military duties.

Follow-on training environments like AIT are marginally more flexible, but it remains unrealistic to enroll in online or remote courses due to the intense schedules and limited access to resources.

The Transition Post-Training

After completing your Basic and AIT, you'll enter a new phase where you can start exploring your educational options. The availability of time and resources during this period is highly variable depending on where you are stationed:

Garrison-based units: You may find it easier to enroll in online courses as you can balance military duties and academics effectively. Remote combat outposts: The situation may be more challenging due to geographic isolation, but with careful time management, it's still possible to pursue an education.

For most Air National Guard members, you'll be able to spend a few hours each week on coursework, complemented by various forms of tuition assistance. The GI Bill is a prime example of such assistance, with monthly amounts ranging from $400 to $750, and additional bonuses available for specific job assignments.

Planning Post-Training

While transitioning back to your unit, it's crucial to manage your time effectively and stay on top of college application deadlines and financial aid forms. Here are some key steps to consider:

Apply for financial aid well in advance. Meet with your Ed Rep (Educational Representative) as soon as possible to align with your plans. Explore ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) opportunities for scholarships and service after graduation.

With proper planning, you can successfully navigate the transition from military training to a college education. The Air National Guard offers substantial support for members who wish to pursue higher education, making it a viable and worthwhile endeavor post-training.

The internet is an invaluable resource for discovering further options and opportunities. Use it to inform your decisions, research your interests, and follow your dream of obtaining higher education.