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

OPINION: I’m sure seeing the title most people that have not served will assume it’s a no-brainer. I mean the military is paying for your education. Organizations like Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA) have thousands of lobbyers advocating for service men and women. So why would one decide to never earn their Master’s degree? Well…I will advise you now, neither I nor anyone else can answer any time you are looking for speaking for that mass.


The Defense force are suffering from the ability to meet individuals all walks of life. Finding myself the Air Force (i believe it’s precisely the same for many branches), everyone’s story differs. You may enlisted using your associates or bachelor’s degree already and after this you’re trying to strengthen knowing. Or perhaps you honestly should just check a box for professional development. In accordance with the Air Force Demographics, Air Force enlisted members only account for 1.8% of master’s degree compared to the 46.3% of their officers. This statistic emphasizes the varying education levels between those who are enlisted vs officers.

BUT WHY NOT

Now, why would any serviceman or woman elect to never pursue traditional learning? Again these circumstances cannot speak for anyone, but just a mere snapshot of the We have experienced both personally and through the eyes of my peers. Usually, probably the most challenging obstacle is time, specifically duty agenda for shift workers. The majority of active duty members who take good thing about educational benefits will probably attend classes online because of an unpredictable schedule. Based on your learning style this could become another barrier in comparison with traditional learning environments. As time passes being unpredictable obstacles inevitably arise, including creating a family, households where both 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 struggles; including instances when I had been scheduled for duty sunrise to sunset – or perhaps the opposite. Another hurdle for Degree members will be the uncertainty of continuing in their current vocation post service. There are many career paths that take advantage of a license or certification instead of a graduate degree. Or possibly one joined the intend to avoid an official educational setting, but are forced to be involved in traditional learning environments more than expected.

For you to

Equally as I gave you main reasons why service members elect to never continue their education (or at best set up a battle), you will find just like a number of, if not more, why they ought to. Personal growth can be acquired through countless platforms but let’s tell the truth if it’s not documented with the right institute the validity of your degree or certification declines. There’s more than just adding your reputation to some certificate; it’s gaining the technical understanding your respective field. It’s another few proving your dedication by subtracting the excess step, letting others know you’re taking yourself seriously and therefore are heading to the manager level.

Why wouldn’t anyone need to expand her or his knowledge in their dedicated field of preference? There is a common assumption that you’re “in the field” experience lets you really understand the how to go about the part. The expectation is you’ve got a fantastic grasp on how things be employed in their current field, college gives the opportunity to view a different side associated with an industry. Whatever field you’re in, those who have a degree in college set out to be noticeable and therefore are considered the expert. Let’s admit it, post-service tasks are not what they was once. So why don’t you make use of education as a roi – of yourself.

WHY DID I?

Exactly like the most of service members We have faced precisely the same obstacles discussed. I have been through eight assignments and various deployments including Pakistan and Iraq. Although it was difficult, it had been both a personal choice and accomplishment I was thinking I could not achieve. My ambition originated in wanting to set the bar for my family, and convince myself I could complete my Master’s degree from Liberty University while serving. Lastly, I want to to develop professionally, expanding my knowledge and reaching a professional level during my potential industry.

Ultimately, while serving within the military to be able to juggle both roles of student and Airman is crucial. While serving being familiar with your work will always be the primary focus. Depending on the push from each of the branches leadership will drive how soon members move towards pursuing education while serving. In the event the world is within conflict school usually takes a backseat. Due to high operation tempos in select job areas, scheduling is a thing one must consider when deciding to pursue an extended education. Like anything, the persistence for a graduate degree is ultimately the decision of the baby who wants to produce their own educational path.
To get more information about Degree have a look at our new internet page: click for more

Leave a Reply