Should I join the army reserves to pay for college?
I'm a senior in high school. My parents are in major money problems now and I know that my college tuition is going to add more stress to their problems. The thing is i'm not sure if i want to stay there for so long but I guess i would have to if I have no other way of paying for college. I probably won't get that much financial for state college.
Can I join the Army Reserve while in college?
I'll break this down in order of what you asked: Q: "Is it possible to go to college and be an active member of the reserves?" A: Yes, there is nothing stopping you from joining the reserves and going to college. In fact, you can use the GI Bill to help you pay for your college while in the Reserves. You will still be required to go to Drill once a month at your reserve unit, and 2 weeks a year during your time off from college (I.E. summer break) Q:"How will being in the reserve(s) sort of shape my life in college?" A: As stated before you will have to give up a weekend of your social life every month while you are in the reserves. Also unless you get it in your contract, you may be pulled to have to deploy. Which depending on what time of year it is, you may not get credit for the classes you are already in. But other than that, being in the Reserves may help mature you so you dont get caught up in the things that other freshmen seem to get involved in. Q:"Can I jump straight from the reserves to being a career soldier?" A: I'm assuming you mean to Active Duty, and yes it is possible. However, you will have to get your Reserve unit to release you to active duty status. That is completely up to your unit if they will or will not release you to active duty. Hope this helps...
Will the army reserves pay for my college?
The Reserves and National Guard say 100% tuition assistance, which tricks people into thinking 100% of their tuition will be paid for. When actually they limit it to $4,500 a year for tuition assistance. And even in-state tuition can be around $7,000 a year, so you will not have all of your college paid for, but the Reserves/Guard will help. During Basic you get $1,200/month, you do NOT get all of the benefits until you complete AIT, so your first year, you will be making a little less. I think you will miss out on the monthly GI Bill and Kicker until you complete AIT, but you will still get monthly drill pay. But I'm not positive, these are things to ask someone who has gone through this process, preferably not a recruiter, because they will lie. Also you can get an enlistment bonus, but you won't get all of it until you complete AIT. You might want to consider just going to Basic and AIT all at once, and putting school off until spring semester, that way you will be getting all of the benefits. One more thing, look into the National Guard, they sometimes give better benefits for college. And look into ROTC, you can do it while in the National Guard or Army Reserves, and become an officer. Also doing ROTC will make you non-deployable, so you can finish college undisturbed. Good Luck
Will the army pay for me to go to college if I'm in the reserves?
If you apply for a Reserve Scholarship OR tuition assistance OR use the G.I. Bill OR apply and are accepted to a number of other programs which may come up from time to time. Talk to the Reserve Recruiter or Career Counselor.
Would joining the army reserves to help pay for college be a good idea?
Look, you’re asking. Some people shouldn’t be in the army. I was friends with a lot of musicians. Some would be good soldiers. Some would be HORRIBLE soldiers.You’re asking so you’re not one of them.Nobody likes taking orders or getting up early. You’ll get a lot of practice. You’ll get good at it.Here’s why it’s a good idea.After 2 years service, the Reserves will cover 2 grand annually (for 4 years, that’s $8,000) to your education. Unlike a real job, you don’t have to show up. If you don’t show up at all, or have a very low attendance rate, they can kick you out, but if you have an exam on Wed and you train on Tuesday, they’ll let you stay home. I’ve known some leaders to actually help soldiers with their homework.Lastly, you and your buddies are going to graduate with a BA in basketweaving or a BS in Thermodynamics etc.Buddy will have worked at MacDonalds. You will have actually done Hard Hard work in very stressful conditions. So your future boss will know you will show up for work on time. You will be respectful. You will not be glued to your phone. You can work for more than an hour without needing a break. And the boss will want to know what the army is like. My rule is, the longer the interview, the more likely you will get the job.It’s tough work being in the Reserves. Seriously, you will make more money at MacDonalds. But it’s the best decision I ever made.
How does the Army Reserve work for college?
If you join the Army Reserves, you will go to Basic training followed by AIT. After that, you will attend drill once a month where you will receive about $200 take home pay. You will go to annual traiing or a military school for 14-29 days each year, usually in the summer. The Reserves will NOT pay for housing or provide housing with the exception of your annual training. For your questions: You "do everything first" then go to college You will have drill 1 weekend a month. Where you go depends on what unit you join. It is easiest if you join a unit in the same town as your college. The Reserves do not provide housing. You pay for where you want to live. The Reserves offer Tuition Assistance. It covers active and reservists (Reserve and Guard) Link to 2014 Tuition Assistance policy changes: http://www.army.mil/article/116405/Tuiti... Basically, you get $250 per semester credit hour. Maximum of $4,000 per FISCAL year. (October 1 - Sept 30) You can't get ANY money until 1 year after you finish AIT. Another option that may be better for you is to look into the National Guard. Most states offer FREE tuition to state college and universities for members of the National Guard. Talk to a National Guard recruiter for the details of the program in your state.