I've noticed while reading the posts that a lot of you go to college full time while in the Reserve or Guard, however I'm nervous about the 2 weeks a year causing me to miss school every year. My question is this...has anybody had their 2 weeks happen in the middle of a semester? If so, was it very often or did it usually happen in the summer? I'm just worried that my 4 year degree will take 8 years because I have to miss a semester every year, or that my GPA could suffer due to missing 2 weeks of classes. Thanks!!
2 wks take place during the summer. Some units will work with you if it coincides with school, but depends on the mission. That is, if you take summer classes.
Thanks for the replies! The recruiter I'm talking to said his 2 weeks had been anytime of the year except winter months, so he had me really worried. He had a carpenter job. I guess they don't follow the norm.
Yeah it's 1 weekend a month, 2 weeks in the summer. Sometimes, depending on your job, could be more than 1 weekend a month. I joined the AFR 2 months ago. I also go to school too. Hope it helps!! If you have any questions feel free to ask me!!
Actually, I just thought of something...what was the color blind test like when you took it? Was it the Ishahira with the numbers hidden in all the different colored circles? Anything you or anyone else can tell me about that test would be GREATLY appreciated! I failed it the first time when I joined the Marine Corps, and it really limited my job choices, so I'd like to be more prepared this time.
The color blind test had different colored dots in a circle with a number in them. If you had trouble with this for the Marine Corps maybe you could practice online. I've seen some of these test on YouTube. The Air Force also gives you an extra sight test at MEPS. I don't quite remember what it is like through..I did MEPS awhile back. I know it was really small and hard to see..and I have 20/20 vision.
Thanks Morgan! I will definitely look that up online. Hopefully I'll be able to pass the test this time around. I remember something about a second test too, but they wouldn't let me put my contacts back in after some other eye test, so I couldn't see that one at all. Thanks again!
Well, I just got back from MEPS, and I failed the color blind test...AGAIN!! ARRGGG!! I studied every color test I could get my hands on, but it turns out that they don't use a standard set of numbers. The guy said that they pick a random 14 "plates" out of who knows how many...I don't think the test is realistic, because I can see colors...I wouldn't fail a test that asked "What color is this?" Anyway, I meet with my recruiter tomorrow, but I don't know if I'll be joining now. The Marine Corps regulated me to pushing boxes around because I was "colorblind, " and I'm not doing that again...not even one weekend a month. I'll update after I decide.
Dang!!! Sorry to hear!!! I was hoping that you would get it this time. Those tests are really weird anyway!!!
I wouldn't give up if this is something you really want to do. The Air Force is a great branch. See if you can do something about this..talk with your recruiter. (Hopefully you have a good one) Maybe you can try again?
I can't speak for the reserves, but in the guard, the "2 weeks a year" does NOT always fall in the summer. Heck, just this year we had an ORE in October and an ORI in January. Meaning, the "2 weeks a year" doesn't even have to be consecutive, they can be split up and placed at different times of the year. Just wanted to give you the facts.
Originally posted by Strider15: I can't speak for the reserves, but in the guard, the "2 weeks a year" does NOT always fall in the summer. Heck, just this year we had an ORE in October and an ORI in January. Meaning, the "2 weeks a year" doesn't even have to be consecutive, they can be split up and placed at different times of the year. Just wanted to give you the facts.
This is correct. I split my two weeks up so I do one day a month, usually before the drill weekend and then the other days I will just do a friday here and there to make my 15 days. There have been some instances where there was no money so instead of doing your "two weeks" some folks only did 8 or 9 days
This is correct. I split my two weeks up so I do one day a month, usually before the drill weekend and then the other days I will just do a friday here and there to make my 15 days. There have been some instances where there was no money so instead of doing your "two weeks" some folks only did 8 or 9 days
So, basically you're saying that I might be able to split my time up in a way that wouldn't require me to miss 2 consecutive weeks of school? If that's the case, how do you accomplish doing that, or is it one of those things that depends on the unit?
It really depends on how your unit handles this situation. While I was in school, I had always been able to get on one of the summer AT's. Our unit typically has 2-3 AT locations throughout the year; however, not all squadrons operate this way. If you only have one location/timeframe for your AT and it conflicts with school, you're just going to have to let your supervisor know in advance and chances are that you can schedule your duty days around your schooling. Don't sweat it; it's not a unique situation. The military is a proponent of higher education.
Originally posted by TB400: It really depends on how your unit handles this situation. While I was in school, I had always been able to get on one of the summer AT's. Our unit typically has 2-3 AT locations throughout the year; however, not all squadrons operate this way. If you only have one location/timeframe for your AT and it conflicts with school, you're just going to have to let your supervisor know in advance and chances are that you can schedule your duty days around your schooling. Don't sweat it; it's not a unique situation. The military is a proponent of higher education.
true for some units but not for all. My unit was an A10 unit so we never deployed as a unit anywhere for the purpose of "summer camp". My brother was in a C130 unit and they had the luxury of their own airlift so they would do two "summer camps" a year. Even do that, not everyone was required to attend one. There are always projects going on in your unit that require extra help. They are always looking for traditionals to come into support those projects and at the same time you can take care of your 15 days.
I'm in a Guard Civil Engineer squadron. We have done our two weeks in August, February, July, March, and next year will be in January. For us anyway, there is no "summer" camp.
Originally posted by RDOgan: I'm in a Guard Civil Engineer squadron. We have done our two weeks in August, February, July, March, and next year will be in January. For us anyway, there is no "summer" camp.
we just don't require people to come in in two consecutive weeks at all. Its all up to the individual squadrons on base
KJA As the other posts have indicated, it greatly depends upon your AF job, your unit, and the needs of your unit. I was a Reservist thru college. I earned a doctorate in 8 years (right on time), so it is possible to avoid unnecessary delays in your academic progress. I did most of my "2 weeks" (Annual Tour) between semesters. Done between semesters, it can be a great source of income!
Sometimes I had to miss some school (ORIs), but I do not recall not knowing in advance when that would happen. I always kept the professors in the loop. Exercises MAY not necessitate 2 consecutive weeks of your time. Your supervisor(s), first shirt, and commander are the key.
Your professors should work with you. I would HIGHLY recommend obtaining a copy of the university's student handbook for the year you started. That is likely where you will find their rules for handling military absences. I also recommend talking with your academic advisor and/or mentor (if applicable). In 16 semesters I only had one incident... but it was more of a useless professor issue than it was a problem with being a reservist in college.
Anyway, best of luck. STAY IN SCHOOL! It is so worth it. -Mike
