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

OPINION: I’m sure seeing the title most 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 tens of 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 that when you are looking at speaking for the mass.


The Military are suffering from the chance to meet individuals from all of parts of society. In mid-air Force (that we am certain that it’s exactly the same for many branches), everyone’s story is different. Perhaps you enlisted using your associates or bachelor’s degree already now you’re looking to strengthen your knowledge. Or you honestly simply need to 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 when compared to the 46.3% of their officers. This statistic emphasizes the varying education levels between those who are enlisted vs officers.

Why NOT

Now, why would any serviceman or woman elect to never pursue traditional learning? Again these circumstances cannot speak for everyone, but merely a mere snapshot of what I’ve experienced both personally and through your eyes of my peers. Usually, the most challenging obstacle can be time, specifically duty diary for shift workers. The majority of active duty members having benefit from educational benefits will probably attend online classes due to an unpredictable schedule. Depending on your learning style this may become another barrier in comparison with traditional learning environments. Eventually being unpredictable obstacles inevitably arise, including creating a family, households where both parents serve, single parents, etc. All circumstances vary, but there will always be challenges along this rocky road.

Twelve years into my service and i also had (Permanent Change of Station) PCS into my eighth assignment, taking out deployments. Each assignment provided its struggles; including when I was scheduled for duty sunrise to sunset – or the opposite. Another hurdle for Army members is the uncertainty of continuing of their current career field post service. There are a few career paths that benefit from permission or certification as opposed to a graduate degree. Or maybe one joined the service to avoid an elegant educational setting, but wind up necessary to take part in traditional learning environments more than expected.

WHY YOU SHOULD

Just like I gave you logic behind why service members elect to never continue their education (or otherwise set up a fight), there are just like a lot of reasons, or maybe more, why they need to. Personal growth can be acquired through countless platforms but let’s tell the truth if it’s not documented through the right institute the validity of your respective degree or certification declines. There’s not just adding your name to some certificate; it’s gaining the technical understanding your respective field. It’s and a a few proving your dedication by taking the additional step, letting others know you are taking yourself seriously and are maneuvering to the chief level.

Why wouldn’t anyone desire to expand her or his knowledge of their dedicated field of preference? There is a type of assumption that you’re “in the field” experience allows you to really view the particulars of the function. The expectation is that you’ve a good grasp about how things work in their current field, higher education provides the possibility to go to a different side of your industry. Regardless of what field you’re in, people that get a degree in higher education begin to stand out and are considered the expert. Let’s be realistic, post-service jobs are not what you was once. So why don’t you use your education like a return – of yourself.

WHY DID I?

Like the tastes service members I’ve faced exactly the same obstacles discussed. I have already been through eight assignments and various deployments including Pakistan and Iraq. Even though it was difficult, it was both a personal choice and accomplishment I figured I really could not achieve. My ambition came from looking 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 want to growing professionally, expanding my knowledge and reaching an executive level inside my potential industry.

Ultimately, while serving in the military the opportunity to juggle both roles of student and Airman is vital. While serving being experienced with your employment will almost always be the key focus. Depending around the push from all the branches leadership will drive how quickly members move towards pursuing education while serving. If the world is in conflict school might take a backseat. As a consequence of high operation tempos in select career fields, scheduling is a thing you need to consider when opting to pursue an extended education. Like anything, the resolve for a graduate degree is ultimately your decision of the person who wants to produce their own educational path.
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