Should you Pursue your Master’s Degree from the Military?

OPINION: I’m sure reading the title many people who may have not served will assume it’s a no-brainer. I mean the military is investing in your education. Organizations like Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA) have thousands and thousands of lobbyers advocating for service women and men. Utilize this type one decide never to earn their Master’s degree? Well…I will show you now, neither I nor anyone else can answer that when it comes to speaking for the mass.


The Soldiers are suffering from the chance to meet individuals all parts of society. Finding myself the environment Force (i believe it’s precisely the same for many branches), everyone’s story differs from the others. You could possibly enlisted using your associates or bachelor’s degree already and now you’re seeking to strengthen knowing about it. Or perhaps you honestly must check a box for professional development. In line with the Air Force Demographics, Air Force enlisted members only be the cause of 1.8% of master’s degree when compared to 46.3% of the officers. This statistic emphasizes the varying education levels between those who find themselves enlisted vs officers.

So why NOT

Now, why would any serviceman or woman elect never to pursue traditional learning? Again these circumstances cannot speak for all, but merely only snapshot products I have experienced both personally and through the eyes of my peers. Usually, one of the most challenging obstacle proves to be time, specifically duty schedule for shift workers. Virtually all active duty members taking advantage of educational benefits will more than likely attend classes on the web on account of an unpredictable schedule. Depending on your learning style this will likely become another barrier in comparison with traditional learning environments. With time being unpredictable obstacles inevitably arise, including creating a family, households where single parents serve, single parents, etc. All circumstances vary, but there’s always challenges along this rocky road.

Twelve years into my service and that i had (Permanent Change of Station) PCS into my eighth assignment, excluding deployments. Each assignment provided a unique struggles; including instances when I had been scheduled for duty sunrise to sunset – or even the opposite. Another hurdle for Masters members could be the uncertainty of continuous within their current industry post service. There are some career paths that benefit from permission or certification rather than graduate degree. Or possibly one joined the service to avoid an official educational setting, but are required to be involved in traditional learning environments greater than expected.

WHY YOU SHOULD

Just like I gave you main reasons why service members elect never to continue their education (or at best placed a fight), you will find just as various reasons, or maybe more, why they need to. Personal growth can be purchased through countless platforms but let’s be honest if it’s not documented with the right institute the validity of your degree or certification declines. There’s not just adding your business to some certificate; it’s gaining the technical understanding your respective field. It’s and a couple of proving your dedication by taking any additional step, letting others know you’re taking yourself seriously and therefore are on the way to the chief level.

Why wouldn’t anyone wish to expand her or his knowledge within their dedicated field of choice? There is a very common assumption that you’re “in the field” experience lets you really see the how to go about the part. The expectation is always that one has a good grasp on what things are employed in their current field, college affords the possibility to see a different side of your industry. Whatever field you’re in, those that have a degree in college begin to jump out and therefore are considered the expert. Let’s face it, post-service efforts are not what they was previously. So why not make use of your education as being a return on your investment – of yourself.

WHY DID I?

Similar to the most service members I have faced precisely the same obstacles discussed. I have been previously through eight assignments and numerous deployments including Pakistan and Iraq. Though it was difficult, it had been both your own choice and accomplishment I was thinking I can not achieve. My ambition originated from looking to set the bar for my family, and persuade myself I can complete my Master’s degree from Liberty University while serving. Lastly, I desired to cultivate professionally, expanding my knowledge and reaching an executive level inside my potential industry.

Ultimately, while serving inside the military the opportunity to juggle both roles of student and Airman is crucial. While serving being proficient in your job will be the principal focus. Depending around the push from every one of the branches leadership will drive how fast members move towards pursuing education while serving. Once the world is at conflict school may take a backseat. As a result of high operation tempos in select career fields, scheduling is one area you must consider when deciding to pursue a continued education. Like anything, the resolve for a graduate degree is ultimately your choice of the individual who desires to produce their particular educational path.
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