OPINION: I’m sure reading the title the majority of folks 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 not to earn their Master’s degree? Well…I will advise you now, neither I nor other people can answer that after you are looking at speaking to the mass.
The Soldiers allow us the chance to meet individuals from all of areas of life. Finding myself mid-air Force (which I believe it’s the same for many branches), everyone’s story is different. Maybe you enlisted with your associates or bachelor’s degree already and now you’re looking to strengthen knowing about it. Or maybe you honestly should just check a box for professional development. According to 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 find themselves enlisted vs officers.
Why NOT
Now, why would any serviceman or woman elect not to pursue traditional learning? Again these circumstances cannot speak for anyone, but simply just snapshot products I have experienced both personally and thru the eye area of my peers. Usually, probably the most challenging obstacle is time, specifically duty agenda for shift workers. Many active duty members who take benefit of educational benefits will probably attend classes online as a result of an unpredictable schedule. According to your learning style this might become another barrier in comparison with traditional learning environments. Eventually being unpredictable obstacles inevitably arise, including having a family, households where single parents serve, single parents, etc. All circumstances vary, but there are always 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 very own struggles; including when I became scheduled for duty sunrise to sunset – or the opposite. Another hurdle for GI Bill members will be the uncertainty of continuing of their current industry post service. There are some career paths that take advantage of a license or certification rather than graduate degree. Or simply one joined the intend to avoid a proper educational setting, but are necessary to participate in traditional learning environments greater than expected.
For you to
Equally as I gave you explanations why service members elect not to continue the amount (or otherwise put up a battle), you’ll find equally as various reasons, or more, why they ought to. Personal growth can be acquired through countless platforms but let’s boost the comfort if it’s not documented with the right institute the validity of one’s degree or certification declines. There’s not just adding your reputation to some certificate; it’s gaining the technical knowledge of your respective field. It’s also a few proving your dedication if you take the additional step, letting others know you take yourself seriously and are heading to the executive level.
Why wouldn’t anyone desire to expand his / her knowledge of their dedicated field of preference? There is a kind of assumption that you’re “in the field” experience enables you to really view the nuances of the role. The expectation is the fact that you have a fantastic grasp on what things be employed in their current field, higher education affords the possiblity to view a different side associated with an industry. No matter what field you’re in, people that get a degree in higher education start to jump out and are considered the expert. Let’s admit it, post-service jobs are not whatever they used to be. So why wouldn’t you make use of your education as being a return on your investment – of yourself.
WHY DID I?
Just like the majority of service members I have faced the same obstacles discussed. I have already been through eight assignments and numerous deployments including Pakistan and Iraq. Though it was difficult, it had been both a personal choice and accomplishment I was thinking I can not achieve. My ambition originated from planning to set the bar for my family, and prove to myself I can complete my Master’s degree from Liberty University while serving. Lastly, I want to to develop professionally, expanding my knowledge and reaching an executive level in my potential industry.
Ultimately, while serving in the military the opportunity to juggle both roles of student and Airman is crucial. While serving being proficient in your employment will always be the primary focus. Depending around the push from all the branches leadership will drive how rapid members move towards pursuing education while serving. If the world is at conflict school usually takes a backseat. Because of high operation tempos in select job areas, scheduling is one thing you must consider when choosing to pursue an extended education. Like anything, the dedication to a graduate degree is ultimately your choice of the individual who wants to produce their own educational path.
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