For those who have taken college courses during a deployment, especially if within the last year or two, what is your experience and advice?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Mar 2021 22:34:34 -0500

I am in a pickle here regarding my education, and I want to know how the college courses offered overseas (im going to Afghanistan, is it helps) work, and more importantly, transfer over. Has it been smooth for you, do they have any stem courses (im a physics student), and what potholes did you hit during the process?
Thank you all, and sorry for the rapid fire questions.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Mar 13 at 2021 10:42 PM

LT Brad McInnis — Sat, 13 Mar 2021 22:42:12 -0500

It was a little different in the Navy, but what I saw was those that wanted to succeed, succeeded. It takes effort, and many times instead of taking an MWR break (movie night or whatever) they studied. Maybe, if your curriculum is in need of some "filler" classes instead of STEM, maybe try those out 1st and see how it works out and then work up to more challenging classes once you understand the OPTEMPO.

Best of luck and congrats on working on your degree.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2021 10:50 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Mar 2021 10:50:26 -0400

It depends on the school you're going through and what they offer via distance learning. I was able to complete Physics 101 and Chem 101 both in distance learning, on deployment. Your MOS also has a lot to do with what time you'll have and being a 25B you'll likely be behind a computer anyway to do your work. I did both almost all my classes via DL so it wasn't very different between deployed vs home (though I was able to do MORE classes while deployed as opposed to home) - granted I didn't major in a hard science.
Talk to your advisor and see what the school's distance learning program is - that's the biggest thing.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Mar 14 at 2021 2:47 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sun, 14 Mar 2021 14:47:20 -0400

I would clear the decks of electives first. 1. they are generally easier. 2. you want to develop relationships with your professors in your major to build a network.

It can be done. You also need to see if there is a relief valve incase you get to your deploy location and there is not internet or consistent power to do the classes once you get to your FOB.

Response by SSG Laurie Mullen made Mar 14 at 2021 9:16 PM

SSG Laurie Mullen — Sun, 14 Mar 2021 21:16:38 -0400

I did it when I deployed to Iraq in 2004. I was able to do it because I worked in a HQ company in a Signal unit and had a desk job. I took two courses per semester for three sememsters. It was tough and I was tired all of the time, but I wasn't taking Bachelors level course either. I should add that I was taking online course. You may want to wait until you get over there and see what your work schedule looks like first.