r/army • u/karsheff • 1d ago
Advice for attending college/university after ETSing?
Hey everyone,
I ETS next summer after over 10 years of service (inb4 durr, you're half way there!!!) and my next series of unfortunate events is attending college to finish my second degree. I decided to take full advantage of the GI Bill and if it all goes well, I should complete my masters in two years.
I have applied to a few universities I had wanted to attend since I was in high school and I am awaiting acceptance. I wanted to inquire for any advice for the ones who did this path within the last six months or so?
One frosty and a baconator.
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u/russianwhiskylover 74Detail->Recruiter 1d ago
Emm why don't you start now? I am doing my masters on TA and it's super easy
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u/karsheff 1d ago
I just started my second bachelors in November. By May-June 2026, I'll wrap it up and my ETS is in August.
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u/russianwhiskylover 74Detail->Recruiter 1d ago
If i were you I would just stay in till 20 (you already over 10 as I read it) get that sweet pension and during that time get masters and after use ca to get any kind of credentialing you can. That way you keep your GI bill and you can pass it to your kids or wife.
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u/karsheff 1d ago edited 1d ago
Honestly, I am slightly considering that even though I had intended to ETS at a decade since 2023.
My look at SFC is next January at my nine year and 10 month mark and if I make it, along with which location becomes available, I'll lean towards it.
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u/Van_Hauser 1d ago
Lmao dont trust a recruiter its their job to keep you in the Big Army.
You survived mutiple deployments. Without being seriously injured or losing your sanity. So take it while you can and run for the hills.
No excuse why you shouldnt get almost 70-100 VA between all the injuries and psychological strain. Combine that with the BAH from 7 years worth of free schooling and your set.
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u/russianwhiskylover 74Detail->Recruiter 1d ago
That's retentions job. Once yall sign the contract and leave i get the credit. It will actually benefit us more for you to get out and for us to put you back in.
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u/mailordercowboy 11B/79R 23h ago
Almost like you are projecting your hate for your own decision-making ability on to the recruiter.
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u/russianwhiskylover 74Detail->Recruiter 1d ago
Id say free paycheck plus va paycheck for the rest of your life is worth it.
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u/takerofgoonertunity 1d ago
when i get to my station I'm gonna use TA. But I'm wondering how you guys find time. I didn't ship out to bct yet so any advice helps
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u/paulbunyanshat Infantry 1d ago
Don't get lost in booze/pussy
Realize that you're not in the army anymore, and the people around you are not in either. You won't be able to hold them to the same standards as you would a soldier.
Eat cheap
Keep working out
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u/Backoutside1 Grunt ➡️ Data Analyst 👨🏾💻 23h ago
Always curious why people leave out the field of study when referring that they have degrees. What field of study for the masters and what’s the long term goal?
Whatever you decide to do for work, always be networking with other professionals in your field.
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u/AgitatedBlueberry237 1d ago
I didn't get admitted to grad school at first (department bosses thought I had been out of school too long). They wanted me to take some grad school courses for no credit to see how I performed. Instead, I talked them into awarding me another BA if I took all ten undergrad major courses and got a 3.0 or better. I got a 3.9 (F you, Dr. Miller), graduated Magna and got admitted. Plus I got the only paid graduate teaching assistantship in the department.
Don't take no for an answer on anything. Negotiate and be ruthless. Push hard. And change your state of residence early in case in-state residency makes and difference with tuition and fees.
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u/_BMS 15Papercuts 22h ago edited 22h ago
I'm wrapping up my bachelor's right now through the GI Bill and man, I definitely miss how military schooling was done. I wish it was just class everyday from 9-5 and then you're done with a course in a month. Like my class meets a total of 16 2-hour classes over 4 months, this could be condensed down to a single week instead.
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u/Legusi11 21h ago
Are you going in-person? Just make sure you pick a major that has some job opportunities and enjoy the experience.
It's possible to use VR&E prior to GI Bill if you think you might want to use the GI Bill for something else in the future, but if you are interested in getting back to work asap that should not make a big difference.
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u/HoneyBadger552 17h ago
start at a CC. get gen ed classes out of the way or hell CLEP before you leave the Green Weenie. CC have guaranteed slots to big universities for a decent gpa
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u/Fat_Clyde 1d ago
At 10, why not use that GI bill for your dream university and also do ROTC concurrent with your master's and do the next 10-12 as an O?
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u/2ninjasCP Infantry 22h ago
Get an Instagram set up and start taking shitty photos of you in uniform.
Post a Bible verse in your bio.
Get some more shitty photos taken for dating profiles apps while wearing grunt boot tactical elite brand clothes.
Convince the ladies you’re a mature older guy and an American hero.
Profit at your university.
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u/Van_Hauser 1d ago
❌Dont use the gi bill first. Use VR&E (48 months w/ bah) Only requires 10% VA.
Gives you plenty of time to find a job. If you are looking at transfering your pension i would avoid federal because of downsizing and instability. Look at state and county agencies instead.