Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 5/11/2010

Question
Hi Cynthia,
Complicated but bare with me.  I have been enlisted for 4 years in the Air Force in the 1N2 Intell AFSC.  I really want to finish my degree and become a 2LT.  I have 2 years of college from before I enlisted but my GPA is low (2.4) because I couldn't go to classes and had to work (didn't know you could just drop the classes without 0.0 GPA penelty, young and dumb).  Anyways I know I could do online school but I really don't want that type of degree.  I want a degree in Engineering and that simply cant be accomplished online are while on active (shift work ALL THE TIME).  So since I can't complete it on active duty and since my GPA is too low for aesp and most of the like programs what is my best option.  Would be getting out after my enlistment and doing 2 years in ROTC and getting a commission be feasible? At the time of seperation I would just turn 27 years old.

Love serving, but being active duty enlisted sets the ceiling pretty low with time constraints ect.  I want a very skilled degree and I just want the military to still be apart of that if possible.

Thanks for any help

                                  Nathan

Answer
Dear Nathan --

You might be able to apply for full time degree completion, even with your low GPA given your current success on active duty.  However, the engineering program you enter would have to accept your prior credits.  I think most good engineering programs will require you to do at least three years, and your prior work would only count toward electives.  However, I am guessing based on your grades, and my knowledge of engineering schools.

Since you have prior service, if you are not married, you are eligible to apply to the service academies and could earn your engineering degree there.  You could also apply for an ROTC scholarship, and earn your commission that way.

Officer Training School is not a good option for you since you would not be able to get the type of degree you want in night school or online.

Your age is not an issue, since you have prior service, you can earn your commission beyond age 35.

Please write back, if you have additional questions.  Good luck to you.  Thank you for your service.