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

OPINION: I’m sure after reading the title many people who 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. Kind one decide to not earn their Master’s degree? Well…I will tell you now, neither I nor other people can answer that when it comes to speaking for that mass.


The Soldiers are suffering from the opportunity meet individuals from all walks of life. In mid-air Force (that we am certain that it’s the same for many branches), everyone’s story is different. Perhaps you enlisted together with your associates or bachelor’s degree already and today you’re trying to strengthen your knowledge. Or you honestly must check a box for professional development. In accordance with the Air Force Demographics, Air Force enlisted members only take into account 1.8% of master’s degree when compared to 46.3% of the 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 not pursue traditional learning? Again these circumstances cannot speak for everybody, but simply just snapshot products I have experienced both personally and through your eye area of my peers. Usually, essentially the most challenging obstacle is time, specifically duty diary for shift workers. Virtually all active duty members taking advantage of educational benefits will more than likely attend classes on the web because of an unpredictable schedule. Depending on your learning style this may become another barrier in comparison with traditional learning environments. With time being unpredictable obstacles inevitably arise, for example developing 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 also had (Permanent Change of Station) PCS into my eighth assignment, not including deployments. Each assignment provided its struggles; including instances when I used to be scheduled for duty sunrise to sunset – or the opposite. Another hurdle for GI Bill members will be the uncertainty of constant of their current industry post service. There are several career paths that take advantage of a license or certification rather than a graduate degree. Or simply one joined the plan to avoid an elegant educational setting, but are needed to engage in traditional learning environments more than expected.

Why you need to

Just like I gave you explanations why service members elect to not continue the amount (or at best set up a fight), there are equally as a lot of reasons, or maybe more, why they ought to. Personal growth can be obtained through countless platforms but let’s tell the truth if it’s not documented by the right institute the validity of the degree or certification declines. There’s not just adding your company name with a certificate; it’s gaining the technical comprehension of your respective field. It’s additionally a few proving your dedication by taking the extra step, letting others know you are taking yourself seriously and they are maneuvering to the executive level.

Why wouldn’t anyone want to expand her or his knowledge of their dedicated field associated with preference? There is a very common assumption that you’re “in the field” experience lets you really understand the ins and outs of the role. The expectation is that you have a good grasp how things are employed in their current field, degree provides the opportunity to view a different side of an industry. No matter what field you’re in, those that have a degree in degree set out to stand out and they are considered the expert. Let’s face it, post-service efforts are not what they was previously. Filter systems make use of your education like a roi – of yourself.

WHY DID I?

Just like the tastes service members I have faced the same obstacles discussed. I have already been through eight assignments and numerous deployments including Pakistan and Iraq. Even though it was difficult, it absolutely was both your own choice and accomplishment I believed I can not achieve. My ambition originated from wanting to set the bar for my family, and convince myself I can complete my Master’s degree from Liberty University while serving. Lastly, I wanted to grow professionally, expanding my knowledge and reaching an executive level inside my potential industry.

Ultimately, while serving in the military to be able to juggle both roles of student and Airman is important. While serving being experienced in your work can be the key focus. Depending on the push from all the branches leadership will drive how quickly members move towards pursuing education while serving. Once the world is at conflict school usually takes a backseat. Due to high operation tempos in select job areas, scheduling is a thing you need to consider when determining to pursue an extended education. Like anything, the persistence for a graduate degree is ultimately the choice of the people who would like to develop their very own educational path.
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