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 purchasing your education. Organizations like Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA) have thousands of lobbyers advocating for service people. Kind one decide not to earn their Master’s degree? Well…I will show you now, neither I nor someone else can answer that after looking at speaking for your mass.


The Defense force allow us the opportunity meet individuals all parts of society. In air Force (which I guarantee it’s the identical for many branches), everyone’s story is unique. You may enlisted together with your associates or bachelor’s degree already and now you’re seeking to strengthen your understanding. Or maybe you honestly should just check a box for professional development. Based on 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 those people who are enlisted vs officers.

So why NOT

Now, why would any serviceman or woman elect not to pursue traditional learning? Again these circumstances cannot speak for everybody, but just merely a snapshot of the We have experienced both personally and through your eyes of my peers. Usually, one of the most challenging obstacle proves to be time, specifically duty schedule for shift workers. Many active duty members taking benefit from educational benefits will more than likely attend classes on the web as a result of an unpredictable schedule. Determined by your learning style this may become another barrier compared to traditional learning environments. As time passes being unpredictable obstacles inevitably arise, for example having a family, households where single parents serve, single parents, etc. All circumstances vary, but you will always find challenges along this rocky road.

Twelve years into my service and I had (Permanent Change of Station) PCS into my eighth assignment, excluding deployments. Each assignment provided its very own struggles; including times when I was scheduled for duty sunrise to sunset – or opposite. Another hurdle for Masters members will be the uncertainty of continuous inside their current industry post service. There are a few career paths that reap the benefits of a license or certification as opposed to a graduate degree. Or perhaps one joined the intend to avoid a formal educational setting, but end up necessary to engage in traditional learning environments greater than expected.

WHY YOU SHOULD

In the same way I gave you logic behind why service members elect not to continue the amount (or at least placed a battle), you will find just as many reasons, if not more, why they ought to. Personal growth can be acquired through countless platforms but let’s boost the comfort if it’s not documented through the right institute the validity of the degree or certification declines. There’s not only adding your business to some certificate; it’s gaining the technical comprehension of your respective field. It’s additionally a a few proving your dedication by taking any additional step, letting others know you are taking yourself seriously and they are on the way to the executive level.

Why wouldn’t anyone wish to expand his or her knowledge inside their dedicated field associated with preference? There is a very common assumption that you’re “in the field” experience enables you to really see the ins and outs of the role. The expectation is that you have a great grasp on what things are employed in their current field, higher education provides the chance to view a different side of an industry. Whatever field you’re in, people who have a degree in higher education commence to jump out and they are considered the expert. Let’s admit it, post-service jobs are not what you used to be. So why don’t you takes place education as a return on investment – of yourself.

WHY DID I?

Similar to the tastes service members We have faced the identical obstacles discussed. I have already been through eight assignments and diverse deployments including Pakistan and Iraq. Though it was difficult, it had been both a private choice and accomplishment I was thinking I possibly could not achieve. My ambition originated attempting to set the bar for my family, and influence myself I possibly could complete my Master’s degree from Liberty University while serving. Lastly, I wanted to cultivate professionally, expanding my knowledge and reaching an executive level in my potential industry.

Ultimately, while serving within the military a chance to juggle both roles of student and Airman is important. While serving being proficient in your employment will be the key focus. Depending for the push from each of the branches leadership will drive how soon members move towards pursuing education while serving. When the world is within conflict school usually takes a backseat. Due to high operation tempos in select career fields, scheduling is something one must consider when deciding to pursue an extended education. Like anything, the commitment to a graduate degree is ultimately the choice of the individual who aspires to formulate their own educational path.
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