Should you Pursue your Master’s Degree from the Military?
OPINION: I’m sure after reading the title the majority of folks that 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 hundreds of thousands of lobbyers advocating for service women and men. So why would one decide not to earn their Master’s degree? Well…I will show you now, neither I nor other people can answer that when you are looking at speaking for the mass.
The Defense force allow us the chance to meet individuals from all of walks of life. Finding yourself in mid-air Force (that i am sure it’s precisely the same for all those branches), everyone’s story is different. Maybe you enlisted together with your associates or bachelor’s degree already and after this you’re trying to strengthen knowing. Or perhaps you honestly must check a box for professional development. Based on the Air Force Demographics, Air Force enlisted members only are the cause of 1.8% of master’s degree compared to the 46.3% with their officers. This statistic emphasizes the varying education levels between those people who are enlisted vs officers.
BUT WHY NOT
Now, why would any serviceman or woman elect not to pursue traditional learning? Again these circumstances cannot speak for anyone, but merely merely a snapshot of what I’ve experienced both personally via the eye area of my peers. Usually, the most challenging obstacle turns out to be time, specifically duty diary for shift workers. Many active duty members who take benefit of educational benefits will probably attend classes online because of an unpredictable schedule. Depending on your learning style this could become another barrier in comparison with traditional learning environments. After a while being unpredictable obstacles inevitably arise, such as having a family, households where both dad and mom serve, single parents, etc. All circumstances vary, but there are always challenges along this rocky road.
Twelve years into my service and I had (Permanent Change of Station) PCS into my eighth assignment, eliminating deployments. Each assignment provided a unique struggles; including instances when I became scheduled for duty sunrise to sunset – or the opposite. Another hurdle for Masters members could be the uncertainty of continuous in their current vocation post service. There are some career paths that take advantage of permission or certification rather than graduate degree. Or perhaps one joined the intend to avoid an official educational setting, but end up necessary to take part in traditional learning environments a lot more than expected.
For you to
Just as I gave you logic behind why service members elect not to continue their education (or at best put up a battle), there are equally as a number of, or more, why they should. Personal growth can be had through countless platforms but let’s be honest if it’s not documented from the right institute the validity of your degree or certification declines. There’s not only adding your company name to a certificate; it’s gaining the technical expertise in your respective field. It’s and a matter of proving your dedication by subtracting the additional step, letting others know you take yourself seriously and are heading to the chief level.
Why wouldn’t anyone wish to expand his / her knowledge in their dedicated field of choice? There is a type of assumption that you’re “in the field” experience permits you to really see the ins and outs of the role. The expectation is you’ve a good grasp on how things operate in their current field, higher education provides the possiblity to visit a different side of the industry. Whatever field you’re in, those that have a degree in higher education commence to stick out and are considered the expert. Let’s be realistic, post-service jobs are not what they was previously. Filter systems use your education being a return on investment – of yourself.
WHY DID I?
Like the majority of service members I’ve faced precisely the same obstacles discussed. I have been previously through eight assignments and diverse deployments including Pakistan and Iraq. Though it was difficult, it absolutely was both a private choice and accomplishment I thought I can not achieve. My ambition came from attempting to set the bar for my family, and convince myself I can complete my Master’s degree from Liberty University while serving. Lastly, I needed growing professionally, expanding my knowledge and reaching a professional level during my potential industry.
Ultimately, while serving inside the military the ability to juggle both roles of student and Airman is crucial. While serving being experienced with your job will be the primary focus. Depending about the push from each of the branches leadership will drive how quickly members move towards pursuing education while serving. If the world is at conflict school might take a backseat. Because of high operation tempos in select career fields, scheduling is one thing you need to consider when determining to pursue a continued education. Like anything, the dedication to a graduate degree is ultimately the choice of the baby who would like to produce their own educational path.
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