To the OP: please contact me, I am in a similar situation, have some ideas, would like to chat.

jacobmarbleatgmaildotcom

I know what you mean by getting behind. I learned Spanish serving a church mission for two years. I had nothing of computers (in the Dominican Republic), and I came back knowing nothing. So, I've done plenty of homework this time to make sure joining the Guard is as 'worth it' as the mission was.
Thanks for the tip and thanks for serving.