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

OPINION: I’m sure after reading the title most people 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 tens of thousands of lobbyers advocating for service males and females. Sort of search one decide not to earn their Master’s degree? Well…I will tell you now, neither I nor anyone else can answer that after it comes to speaking for that mass.


The Defense force allow us the opportunity to meet individuals from all of avenues of life. Finding yourself in the environment Force (that we believe it’s exactly the same for all branches), everyone’s story differs from the others. You may enlisted with your associates or bachelor’s degree already and today you’re trying to strengthen knowing. Or perhaps you honestly should just check a box for professional development. Based on 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 their officers. This statistic emphasizes the varying education levels between people who find themselves 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 anyone, but simply a mere snapshot of what I’ve experienced both personally and through the eyes of my peers. Usually, essentially 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 probably attend online classes because of an unpredictable schedule. Depending on your learning style this could become another barrier compared to traditional learning environments. As time passes being unpredictable obstacles inevitably arise, like creating a family, households where both dad and mom serve, single parents, etc. All circumstances vary, but you will always find challenges along this rocky road.

Twelve years into my service and i also had (Permanent Change of Station) PCS into my eighth assignment, excluding deployments. Each assignment provided its very own struggles; including instances when I was scheduled for duty sunrise to sunset – or even the opposite. Another hurdle for Armed Forces members is the uncertainty of continuing inside their current vocation post service. There are some career paths that take advantage of a license or certification as opposed to a graduate degree. Or perhaps one joined the intend to avoid an elegant educational setting, but wind up required to take part in traditional learning environments a lot more than expected.

For you to

Just like I gave you reasons why service members elect not to continue their education (or otherwise offered a fight), you’ll find just like various reasons, or even more, why they need to. Personal growth can be obtained through countless platforms but let’s tell the truth if it’s not documented with the right institute the validity of one’s degree or certification declines. There’s more than just adding your name to a certificate; it’s gaining the technical expertise in your respective field. It’s also a couple of proving your dedication if you take the extra step, letting others know you are taking yourself seriously and therefore are on the way to the chief level.

Why wouldn’t anyone need to expand his / her knowledge inside their dedicated field of? There is a type of assumption that you’re “in the field” experience allows you to really view the nuances of the part. The expectation is that one has a great grasp about how things be employed in their current field, higher education affords the chance to view a different side of your industry. Regardless of what field you’re in, people that obtain a degree in higher education start to jump out and therefore are considered the expert. Let’s be realistic, post-service efforts are not the things they was previously. Filter systems use your education as being a return – of yourself.

WHY DID I?

Like the majority of service members I’ve faced exactly the same obstacles discussed. I have been through eight assignments and diverse deployments including Pakistan and Iraq. Even though it was difficult, it turned out both your own choice and accomplishment I figured I really could not achieve. My ambition originated looking to set the bar in my family, and prove to myself I really could complete my Master’s degree from Liberty University while serving. Lastly, I desired growing professionally, expanding my knowledge and reaching an executive level in my potential industry.

Ultimately, while serving inside the military the ability to juggle both roles of student and Airman is important. While serving being experienced with your employment will always be the primary focus. Depending about the push from all the branches leadership will drive how soon members move towards pursuing education while serving. In the event the world is conflict school may take a backseat. As a consequence of high operation tempos in select job areas, scheduling is something one must consider when deciding to pursue a continued education. Like anything, the persistence for a graduate degree is ultimately the decision of the people who would like to develop their own educational path.
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