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

OPINION: I’m sure after reading the title the majority of people who may 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 hundreds of thousands of lobbyers advocating for service males and females. Kind one decide to never earn their Master’s degree? Well…I will show you now, neither I nor someone else can answer any time looking at speaking for the mass.


The Defense force are suffering from the chance to meet individuals coming from all avenues of life. Being in mid-air Force (which I am sure it’s the identical for all those branches), everyone’s story is different. You may enlisted with your associates or bachelor’s degree already and today you’re looking to strengthen your knowledge. Or perhaps you honestly just need to check a box for professional development. In line 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 find themselves enlisted vs officers.

So why NOT

Now, why would any serviceman or woman elect to never pursue traditional learning? Again these circumstances cannot speak for all, but merely only snapshot of the items I’ve experienced both personally and thru the eyes of my peers. Usually, one of the most challenging obstacle turns out to be time, specifically duty diary for shift workers. The majority of active duty members having advantage of educational benefits will probably attend classes online on account of an unpredictable schedule. Based on your learning style this may become another barrier compared to traditional learning environments. With time being unpredictable obstacles inevitably arise, such as using a family, households where both mom and dad 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, eliminating deployments. Each assignment provided a unique struggles; including instances when I had been scheduled for duty sunrise to sunset – or perhaps the opposite. Another hurdle for Graduate members could be the uncertainty of continuing inside their current industry post service. There are several career paths that reap the benefits of permission or certification as opposed to a graduate degree. Or simply one joined the want to avoid a formal educational setting, but end up required to take part in traditional learning environments over expected.

Why you ought to

Just like I gave you logic behind why service members elect to never continue the amount (or otherwise offered a battle), you can find just like many reasons, if not more, why they need to. Personal growth can be purchased 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 not just adding your reputation to some certificate; it’s gaining the technical expertise in your respective field. It’s also a a few proving your dedication by taking the additional step, letting others know you are taking yourself seriously and are on the way to the executive level.

Why wouldn’t anyone desire to expand his or her knowledge inside their dedicated field of? There is a very common assumption that you’re “in the field” experience enables you to really see the ins and outs of the part. The expectation is always that you’ve a great grasp on what things work in their current field, advanced schooling provides the chance to visit a different side associated with an industry. No matter what field you’re in, those that get a degree in advanced schooling start to be noticeable and are considered the expert. Let’s admit it, post-service effort is not the things they was previously. So why not use your education being a roi – of yourself.

WHY DID I?

Like the tastes service members I’ve faced the identical obstacles discussed. I’ve been through eight assignments and numerous deployments including Pakistan and Iraq. Though it was difficult, it was both your own choice and accomplishment I figured I can not achieve. My ambition originated from looking to set the bar for my family, and persuade myself I can complete my Master’s degree from Liberty University while serving. Lastly, I needed to cultivate 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 experienced in your career will always be the main focus. Depending on the push from all the branches leadership will drive how quickly members move towards pursuing education while serving. If the world is conflict school may take a backseat. Because of high operation tempos in select job areas, scheduling is something you have to consider when deciding to pursue an extended education. Like anything, the resolve for a graduate degree is ultimately the choice of the baby who desires to produce their particular educational path.
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