In case you Pursue your Master’s Degree in the Military?

OPINION: I’m sure looking at the title the majority of people 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 tens of thousands of lobbyers advocating for service people. Utilize this type one decide to not earn their Master’s degree? Well…I will tell you now, neither I nor anyone else can answer any time you are looking for speaking to the mass.


The Soldiers allow us the chance to meet individuals coming from all areas of life. In mid-air Force (that i am sure it’s precisely the same for those branches), everyone’s story differs from the others. You could possibly enlisted along with your associates or bachelor’s degree already and today you’re seeking to strengthen your understanding. Or you honestly just need to check a box for professional development. In line with the Air Force Demographics, Air Force enlisted members only are the cause of 1.8% of master’s degree in comparison to the 46.3% of the 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 to not pursue traditional learning? Again these circumstances cannot speak for everybody, but merely a mere snapshot of the items I’ve experienced both personally via your eyes of my peers. Usually, essentially the most challenging obstacle turns out to be time, specifically duty diary for shift workers. Virtually all active duty members who take benefit from educational benefits will probably attend classes online because of an unpredictable schedule. Determined by your learning style this will likely become another barrier in comparison with traditional learning environments. After a while being unpredictable obstacles inevitably arise, like creating a family, households where both parents serve, single parents, etc. All circumstances vary, but there are always challenges along this rocky road.

Twelve years into my service i had (Permanent Change of Station) PCS into my eighth assignment, eliminating deployments. Each assignment provided its very own struggles; including when I had been scheduled for duty sunrise to sunset – or the opposite. Another hurdle for Army members will be the uncertainty of constant within their current vocation post service. There are many career paths that benefit from permission or certification rather than graduate degree. Or perhaps one joined the intend to avoid a proper educational setting, but are necessary to participate in traditional learning environments a lot more than expected.

Why you need to

Just as I gave you reasons why service members elect to not continue the amount (at least set up a fight), there are equally as various reasons, or maybe more, why they need to. Personal growth can be had through countless platforms but let’s tell the truth if it’s not documented through the right institute the validity of the degree or certification declines. There’s not only adding your reputation to a certificate; it’s gaining the technical understanding your respective field. It’s and a couple of proving your dedication by subtracting the excess step, letting others know you adopt yourself seriously and therefore are heading to the chief level.

Why wouldn’t anyone need to expand their knowledge within their dedicated field of preference? There is a type of assumption that you’re “in the field” experience lets you really see the how to go about the part. The expectation is the fact that you have a great grasp about how things work in their current field, college increases the chance to go to a different side of your industry. Whatever field you’re in, those who have a degree in college commence to stand out and therefore are considered the expert. Let’s be realistic, post-service jobs are not whatever they had been. So why wouldn’t you use your education like a return – of yourself.

WHY DID I?

Just like the most of service members I’ve faced precisely the same obstacles discussed. I have been previously through eight assignments and numerous deployments including Pakistan and Iraq. Although it was difficult, it had been both a personal choice and accomplishment I thought I could not achieve. My ambition originated planning to set the bar in my family, and influence myself I 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 in the military a chance to juggle both roles of student and Airman is vital. While serving being experienced in your job can be the principal focus. Depending around the push from each of the branches leadership will drive how quickly members move towards pursuing education while serving. If the world is in conflict school will take a backseat. As a result of high operation tempos in select job areas, scheduling is something you have to consider when determining to pursue an extended education. Like anything, the dedication to a graduate degree is ultimately your decision of the baby who desires to formulate their very own educational path.
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About the Author: Valerie Clancy

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