In case you Pursue your Master’s Degree in the Military?

OPINION: I’m sure looking at the title the majority of people who 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 people. Utilize this type one decide to not earn their Master’s degree? Well…I will advise you now, neither I nor someone else can answer that when you are looking for speaking to the mass.


The Soldiers allow us the ability to meet individuals all areas of life. Finding yourself in the environment Force (that i believe it’s exactly the same for many branches), everyone’s story is different. Maybe you enlisted along with your associates or bachelor’s degree already and today you’re planning to strengthen your understanding. Or you honestly just need to check a box for professional development. According to the Air Force Demographics, Air Force enlisted members only take into account 1.8% of master’s degree compared to the 46.3% with their officers. This statistic emphasizes the varying education levels between people who find themselves enlisted vs officers.

Why NOT

Now, why would any serviceman or woman elect to not pursue traditional learning? Again these circumstances cannot speak for everyone, but just only snapshot of the items I have experienced both personally and throughout the eye area of my peers. Usually, probably the most challenging obstacle turns out to be time, specifically duty schedule for shift workers. Nearly all active duty members who take advantage of educational benefits will more than likely attend online classes on account of an unpredictable schedule. Based on your learning style this might become another barrier in comparison with traditional learning environments. With time being unpredictable obstacles inevitably arise, such as using a family, households where both parents serve, single parents, etc. All circumstances vary, but there are always challenges along this rocky road.

Twelve years into my service i had (Permanent Change of Station) PCS into my eighth assignment, excluding deployments. Each assignment provided its very own struggles; including occasions when I became scheduled for duty sunrise to sunset – or even the opposite. Another hurdle for Armed Forces members will be the uncertainty of constant inside their current career field post service. There are some career paths that benefit from permission or certification instead of a graduate degree. Or possibly one joined the intend to avoid an elegant educational setting, but end up forced to engage in traditional learning environments more than expected.

Why you need to

In the same way I gave you explanations why service members elect to not continue their education (or otherwise put up a battle), you will find equally as a number of, or even more, why they need to. Personal growth can be had through countless platforms but let’s be truthful if it’s not documented by the right institute the validity of the degree or certification declines. There’s more than simply adding your company name to a certificate; it’s gaining the technical knowledge of your respective field. It’s additionally a a few proving your dedication by subtracting the excess step, letting others know you adopt yourself seriously and they are heading to the chief level.

Why wouldn’t anyone want to expand his / her knowledge inside their dedicated field associated with preference? There is a common assumption that you’re “in the field” experience allows you to really understand the ins and outs of the part. The expectation is always that one has a good grasp on how things work in their current field, advanced schooling gives the chance to view a different side of your industry. It doesn’t matter what field you’re in, people who have a degree in advanced schooling start to jump out and they are considered the expert. Let’s face it, post-service efforts are not the things they had been. So why don’t you takes place education being a roi – of yourself.

WHY DID I?

Just like the tastes service members I have faced exactly the same obstacles discussed. I have been through eight assignments and numerous deployments including Pakistan and Iraq. Though it was difficult, it had been both an individual choice and accomplishment I figured I really could not achieve. My ambition originated from attempting to set the bar in my family, and influence myself I really could complete my Master’s degree from Liberty University while serving. Lastly, I wanted growing professionally, expanding my knowledge and reaching an executive level inside my potential industry.

Ultimately, while serving inside the military a chance to juggle both roles of student and Airman is essential. While serving being proficient in your career can be the principal focus. Depending about the push from all the branches leadership will drive how rapid members move towards pursuing education while serving. When the world is at conflict school might take a backseat. Due to high operation tempos in select job areas, scheduling is something you must consider when determining to pursue a continued education. Like anything, the persistence for a graduate degree is ultimately the decision of the person who desires to build up their own educational path.
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