Question, Once you get into your A school what exactly do you do? Is it training and classes (sort of like college or getting your masters) or is it half time with school and the other half still working on base? I'm new to all of this and trying to get an understanding

You do stand duty but it is more of a classroom and study thing. You don't go out to sea, you won't chip paint, you won't be needlegunning anything... So it is more of a classroom environment.

IDK if the ME A school stands duty...they aren't on a CG base. When I was there I dont think they were standing duty.

At ME school, there is watch standing done by the classes. It doesn't consist of much but there are rounds you have to do and times you are assigned to with your watch "team." Obviously, the classwork and even PT are considered your top priority and you are to get with your class sponsor if there are conflicting schedules. There wasn't a problem when I was there (although I did have a chief or two ask why I missed evening colors because they didn't know our schedule....a quick explanation and all was ok in the end). It's more to keep tradition of having classes stand watch than actual watch rotations but everyone is to take them seriously anyway.

Just don't think that classroom study means in an actual classroom the whole time. ME school has more than half of each day dedicated to range time and PT. You might have a couple days in the classroom all day but it balances out with full days in the gym going over defensive tactics before range and PT in the evening. I would love to go back to ME school if I had the chance (and will definitely apply to be an instructor there once I make 1st class). If you're on watch, you're only on until 2200. If you're not on watch, your day usually ends around 1800. Then you're free until 0700 the next morning when you're reporting to class/gym/range/whatever is scheduled that day.