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

OPINION: I’m sure looking at 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 women and men. Utilize this type one decide to not earn their Master’s degree? Well…I will explain now, neither I nor other people can answer that after looking at speaking for that mass.


The Military allow us the chance to meet individuals all areas of life. Finding yourself in the Air Force (which I am certain that it’s exactly the same for those branches), everyone’s story differs from the others. Maybe you enlisted together with your associates or bachelor’s degree already now you’re seeking to strengthen knowing. Otherwise you honestly must 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 compared to the 46.3% of these 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 everyone, but a mere snapshot of the items I’ve experienced both personally and throughout your eye area of my peers. Usually, one of the most challenging obstacle turns out to be time, specifically duty agenda for shift workers. Many active duty members having benefit of educational benefits will probably attend classes online due to an unpredictable schedule. Depending on your learning style this will likely become another barrier in comparison with traditional learning environments. With time being unpredictable obstacles inevitably arise, like using 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 had (Permanent Change of Station) PCS into my eighth assignment, eliminating deployments. Each assignment provided its struggles; including occasions when I became scheduled for duty sunrise to sunset – or opposite. Another hurdle for Navy members may be the uncertainty of constant inside their current industry post service. There are many career paths that reap the benefits of permission or certification rather than graduate degree. Or simply one joined the service to avoid an official educational setting, but wind up required to take part in traditional learning environments greater than expected.

Why you ought to

Just as I gave you explanations why service members elect to not continue the amount (or at least placed a battle), you can find in the same way various reasons, or even more, why they ought to. Personal growth can be purchased through countless platforms but let’s boost the comfort if it’s not documented with the right institute the validity of your respective degree or certification declines. There’s not just adding your company name with a certificate; it’s gaining the technical understanding your respective field. It’s additionally a couple of proving your dedication if you take the extra step, letting others know you adopt yourself seriously and they are heading to the chief level.

Why wouldn’t anyone desire to expand his / her knowledge inside their dedicated field of preference? There is a kind of assumption that you’re “in the field” experience lets you really comprehend the ins and outs of the part. The expectation is the fact that you have a good grasp about how things operate in their current field, advanced schooling gives the possiblity to view a different side of an industry. Regardless of what field you’re in, people that obtain a degree in advanced schooling start to stand out and they are considered the expert. Let’s admit it, post-service tasks are not whatever they had been. So why don’t you make use of education like a return on your investment – of yourself.

WHY DID I?

Similar to the most of service members I’ve faced exactly the same obstacles discussed. I have already been through eight assignments and diverse deployments including Pakistan and Iraq. Though it was difficult, it had been both your own choice and accomplishment I was thinking I possibly could not achieve. My ambition originated wanting to set the bar in my family, and prove to myself I possibly could complete my Master’s degree from Liberty University while serving. Lastly, I wanted to develop 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 with your work will be the main focus. Depending around the push from all the branches leadership will drive how rapid members move towards pursuing education while serving. When the world is conflict school might take a backseat. Due to high operation tempos in select career fields, scheduling is something you need to consider when opting to pursue an extended education. Like anything, the resolve for a graduate degree is ultimately the choice of the person who wants to formulate their very own educational path.
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