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

OPINION: I’m sure seeing the title most people who’ve 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 thousands of lobbyers advocating for service people. Utilize this type one decide to never earn their Master’s degree? Well…I will tell you now, neither I nor other people can answer that whenever you are looking for speaking for the mass.


The Defense force are suffering from the chance to meet individuals coming from all walks of life. In mid-air Force (that we guarantee it’s the same for many branches), everyone’s story differs. Maybe you enlisted with your associates or bachelor’s degree already and after this you’re looking to strengthen knowing about it. Or perhaps 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 these officers. This statistic emphasizes the varying education levels between those who are enlisted vs officers.

BUT WHY NOT

Now, why would any serviceman or woman elect to never pursue traditional learning? Again these circumstances cannot speak for all, but a mere snapshot of the items I’ve experienced both personally via your eyes of my peers. Usually, the most challenging obstacle turns out to be time, specifically duty schedule for shift workers. Virtually all active duty members who take good thing about educational benefits will more than likely attend classes on the web as a result of an unpredictable schedule. According to your learning style this could become another barrier compared to traditional learning environments. With time being unpredictable obstacles inevitably arise, for example creating a family, households where both mom and dad 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, taking out deployments. Each assignment provided its very own struggles; including instances when I was scheduled for duty sunrise to sunset – or perhaps the opposite. Another hurdle for GI Bill members is the uncertainty of constant within their current vocation post service. There are a few career paths that benefit from a license or certification as opposed to a graduate degree. Or perhaps one joined the plan to avoid an elegant educational setting, but find themselves forced to engage in traditional learning environments more than expected.

For you to

Just like I gave you main reasons why service members elect to never continue the amount (or otherwise placed a fight), you can find just as various reasons, if not more, why they ought to. Personal growth can be purchased through countless platforms but let’s be truthful if it’s not documented by the right institute the validity of your degree or certification declines. There’s not just adding your business with a certificate; it’s gaining the technical expertise in your respective field. It’s and a a few proving your dedication through any additional step, letting others know you are taking yourself seriously and therefore are on the way to the manager level.

Why wouldn’t anyone need to expand her or his knowledge within their dedicated field of preference? There is a common assumption that you’re “in the field” experience allows you to really see the nuances of the part. The expectation is the fact that one has a good grasp how things work in their current field, higher education provides the opportunity to visit a different side of your industry. It doesn’t matter what field you’re in, those who obtain a degree in higher education begin to stand out and therefore are considered the expert. Let’s face the facts, post-service tasks are not what you used to be. So why not make use of education being a return on investment – of yourself.

WHY DID I?

Like the tastes service members I’ve faced the same obstacles discussed. I have been through eight assignments and diverse deployments including Pakistan and Iraq. Though it was difficult, it was both a personal choice and accomplishment I figured I can not achieve. My ambition originated wanting to set the bar in my family, and persuade myself I can complete my Master’s degree from Liberty University while serving. Lastly, I desired growing professionally, expanding my knowledge and reaching a professional level during my potential industry.

Ultimately, while serving within the military the opportunity to juggle both roles of student and Airman is important. While serving being experienced with your work will almost always be the principal focus. Depending for the push from every one of the branches leadership will drive how soon members move towards pursuing education while serving. If the world is in conflict school usually takes a backseat. Due to high operation tempos in select career fields, scheduling is one area you need to consider when opting to pursue an extended education. Like anything, the commitment to a graduate degree is ultimately the choice of the individual who desires to build up their very own educational path.
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