OPINION: I’m sure reading 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 tens of thousands of lobbyers advocating for service people. Sort of search one decide never to earn their Master’s degree? Well…I will show you now, neither I nor someone else can answer that after looking at speaking for your mass.

The Military allow us the chance to meet individuals coming from all avenues of life. Finding yourself in air Force (that i guarantee it’s the same for all those branches), everyone’s story differs from the others. Maybe you enlisted with your associates or bachelor’s degree already and today you’re looking to strengthen your knowledge. Or you honestly should just 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 the officers. This statistic emphasizes the varying education levels between people who find themselves enlisted vs officers.

So why NOT

Now, why would any serviceman or woman elect never to pursue traditional learning? Again these circumstances cannot speak for everyone, but just only snapshot of the items We have experienced both personally via the eyes of my peers. Usually, probably the most challenging obstacle is time, specifically duty agenda for shift workers. Nearly all active duty members having good thing about educational benefits will more than likely attend classes on the web because of an unpredictable schedule. Depending on your learning style this might become another barrier compared to traditional learning environments. Eventually being unpredictable obstacles inevitably arise, including creating a family, households where both dad and mom 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 when I became scheduled for duty sunrise to sunset – or perhaps the opposite. Another hurdle for Army members will be the uncertainty of continuing in their current industry post service. There are some career paths that take advantage of a license or certification rather than a graduate degree. Or possibly one joined the want to avoid a proper educational setting, but are forced to take part in traditional learning environments greater than expected.

Why you ought to

Just like I gave you explanations why service members elect never to continue their education (or otherwise put up a battle), there are equally as a lot of reasons, if not more, why they need to. Personal growth can be obtained through countless platforms but let’s be honest if it’s not documented through the right institute the validity of the degree or certification declines. There’s more than just adding your name with a certificate; it’s gaining the technical expertise in your respective field. It’s additionally a couple of proving your dedication by taking the extra step, letting others know you are taking yourself seriously and are heading to the executive level.

Why wouldn’t anyone want to expand their knowledge in their dedicated field of choice? There is a very common assumption that you’re “in the field” experience enables you to really understand the particulars of the function. The expectation is always that one has an excellent grasp on what things are employed in their current field, higher education increases the opportunity to see a different side associated with an industry. No matter what field you’re in, those who obtain a degree in higher education begin to stick out and are considered the expert. Let’s admit it, post-service tasks are not what they used to be. So why don’t you use your education as a return on investment – of yourself.

WHY DID I?

Like the majority of service members We have faced the same obstacles discussed. I have already been through eight assignments and numerous deployments including Pakistan and Iraq. Although it was difficult, it had been both a private choice and accomplishment I figured I could not achieve. My ambition originated looking to set the bar in my family, and influence myself I could complete my Master’s degree from Liberty University while serving. Lastly, I needed growing professionally, expanding my knowledge and reaching an executive level within my potential industry.

Ultimately, while serving within the military to be able to juggle both roles of student and Airman is essential. While serving being experienced in your career can be the primary focus. Depending for the push from every one of the branches leadership will drive how quickly members move towards pursuing education while serving. In the event the world is in conflict school may take a backseat. As a result of high operation tempos in select career fields, scheduling is one thing one must consider when deciding to pursue an extended education. Like anything, the persistence for a graduate degree is ultimately the decision of the baby who aspires to develop their very own educational path.
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