Expert: John L - 12/5/2009

Question
Dear John,

The long story short is that I want to serve my country AND/while getting a Masters Degree in National Security/Intelligence, International Relations, or some other Poltical/Governmental Field.

I am in my Junior year at an excellent liberal arts school double majoring in Political Science and Philosophy, and learning Arabic (traveling to Cairo to become fluent this summer). I have good grades, extracurriculars, leadership, etc. I am in very good shape and could be in excellent shape given a few months of preparation. I want to serve my country and feel that given my intelligence and skills I have a duty to do so. However, I want to complete my education and get a Masters Degree. I know that I could join the National Guard/Air National Guard and pursue a degree but I was wondering if there are any programs out there that would allow me to join the military with SPECIFIC provisions for finishing my education. I've looked online and talked to recruiters from the ANG and NG but not much has come up. I believe I have what it takes to be an officer in any service and that I'm driven enough to succeed in any military career. (For example I have considered the National Guard Special Forces/Pilot positions in the Air National Guard).

I know that this is getting very specific but I was hoping you could point me in the direction of specialized programs more than just enlistment in the National Guard. I know many colleges around D.C. are tailored towards active duty service members but I've never understood how, for example, and Air Force office would GO to these schools.

Thank you for your service and your time.  

Answer
The only way of not getting deployed is to join under the OCS option or ROTC option while going to school.  While a cadet, you are still in training and can not go anywhere.  Otherwise, there is no provision of finishing education first.  Once you sign, your soldier duites come first before education.   But if your soldiers duties are a cadet, then you may be able to finish your masters.  If you are at a school with ROTC, go talk to the ROO (recruiting operations officer).  If not, consider OCS. Talk to a recruiter to go ver that option.