Research: The Butcher’s Education

Prompt: How long is a US army enlistment contract?

Copilot: A typical U.S. Army enlistment contract involves an eight-year service commitment. This usually breaks down to about four years of active duty followed by four years in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). However, there are also options for shorter enlistments, such as a two-year active duty contract, but these still count toward the total eight-year commitment.

Prompt: Trying to plan The Butcher’s career. Can he have done an enlistment, BS, Masters, and PhD by 30?

Copilot: He definitely could, though it would be a tight schedule. Here’s a rough timeline:

Enlistment (4 years): Joins the Army at 18 and serves until 22.
Bachelor’s Degree (3-4 years): Enrolls in college right after and completes it by 26.
Master’s Degree (1-2 years): Pursues a Master’s immediately and finishes by 28.
PhD (3-4 years): Starts a PhD program and completes it by 30-32.

If he took an accelerated path, took courses during his enlistment, or had any overlapping periods, it could be possible to finish by 30. Makes him quite the overachiever! How do you think this rapid progression impacts his character?

Prompt: Enlisted at 17. Did a four-year tour with online classes as part of OTS. Finished undergrad after in 1 year at 23. Masters in one year. PhD in 3 year ending at 27. Then 3 years as a college lecturer, researcher, & consultant before the war started when he was 30. Doable?

Copilot: That timeline is intense, but it’s definitely feasible. Combining military service with online classes can accelerate the process, and fast-tracking through higher education is possible for an exceptionally driven individual. The Butcher’s background paints him as both highly disciplined and intellectually formidable. His experience would give him a unique blend of tactical and strategic skills, making him a compelling and complex character in your story.