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What one of the first main things people do when they return back from the navy?
I plan on joining the navy for a minimum of5 years but I'm still deciding on which college I plan on attending when i return back after 5 years. #Navy #event-planning
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Kimberly’s Answer
Good question. A few things to consider...assuming you will accept the GI Bill (you have to accept it during boot camp, it is not automatic, don't worry, someone will tell you how) you will have 36 months of college tuition paid for through the GI Bill. You can also take courses while you are in the Navy (online or in-person if you get shore duty). These courses are paid through tuition assistance, paid for by the government, while you are active duty. You are not using your GI Bill for them. So essentially, you could leave the Navy with several courses completed already. This is a good reason to have a degree in mind when you join the Navy so you can start taking courses while in the Navy. If you have absolutely no idea what you would like to do, take basic courses that most colleges will apply towards your degree such as English, math or arts & humanities. Keep in mind though, your schedule may not allow you to take courses while in the Navy. If not, don't worry, 5 years is a long time to decide what you want to do when you get out. You will most likely have an idea of what interests you by then. You might even decide to stay in the Navy longer. No need to worry about 5 years from now because so much will happen and change your ideas, thoughts and plans. Good for you for staying on top of your future though. Good luck and best wishes. You will love the Navy. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life and opened up many doors for me when I got out. Take advantage of the wonderful places you will visit, go see the sites.
Try to think of a degree that interest you so you can begin general courses, you can always change your mind.
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Ed’s Answer
Did you get a preassigned rating with the Navy? If not and you are not already committed then I recommend that you chose a rating in the Navy that aligns with things you might like to do for the rest of your life after you get out...then your schools would likely be worth credits that will go toward your degree. (As Kimberly notes assuming you don't decide to stay in). Get some courses when you can which will keep you mentally interested in learning and reduce what you will need after you get out. Colleges are usually either chosen on location to where you want to be or by careers they specialize in. You may get a job when you get out that starts at a lower pay for awhile and go to school to get/finish your degree. In that case a community college is great to get the basics and many companies will help pay for classes to supplement.
Stay mentally active in the military. Even if not in your chosen field.
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Cheyenne’s Answer
Basic training will give you some college credits as well as A school, C school, and every time you pick up rank. Most commands you can start college using TA after a year so you can get settled in. Also CLEPs and DSSTs are free for active duty military! I wouldn’t wait until you get out to start.
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