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 males and females. So why would one decide to not earn their Master’s degree? Well…I will explain now, neither I nor anyone else can answer that when you are looking at speaking to the mass.
The Soldiers allow us the opportunity meet individuals from all of walks of life. Being in mid-air Force (i am sure it’s precisely the same for all branches), everyone’s story is unique. You may enlisted using your associates or bachelor’s degree already now you’re seeking to strengthen your knowledge. Or maybe you honestly simply need to 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 compared to the 46.3% of these officers. This statistic emphasizes the varying education levels between those who are enlisted vs officers.
So why NOT
Now, why would any serviceman or woman elect to not pursue traditional learning? Again these circumstances cannot speak for all, but only snapshot of what We have experienced both personally via the eye area of my peers. Usually, one of the most challenging obstacle proves to be time, specifically duty schedule for shift workers. Nearly all active duty members having benefit of educational benefits may attend classes on the web because of an unpredictable schedule. According to your learning style this might become another barrier when compared with traditional learning environments. After a while being unpredictable obstacles inevitably arise, such as creating 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, taking out deployments. Each assignment provided a unique struggles; including when I became scheduled for duty sunrise to sunset – or even the opposite. Another hurdle for Air Force members could be the uncertainty of continuous within their current career field post service. There are several career paths that reap the benefits of permission or certification rather than graduate degree. Or maybe one joined the intend to avoid a formal educational setting, but are required to be involved in traditional learning environments over expected.
Why you need to
Just as I gave you main reasons why service members elect to not continue their education (at least put up a fight), you’ll find just as a number of, or more, why they should. Personal growth can be had through countless platforms but let’s be honest if it’s not documented with the right institute the validity of one’s degree or certification declines. There’s not just adding your business with a certificate; it’s gaining the technical comprehension of your respective field. It’s another few proving your dedication by taking any additional step, letting others know you’re taking yourself seriously and they are going to the executive level.
Why wouldn’t anyone want to expand their knowledge within their dedicated field of preference? There is a kind of assumption that you’re “in the field” experience enables you to really see the particulars of the part. The expectation is the fact that you have a fantastic grasp how things operate in their current field, college provides the chance to go to a different side of your industry. It doesn’t matter what field you’re in, people that have a degree in college start to be noticeable and they are considered the expert. Let’s face it, post-service tasks are not whatever they used to be. Filter systems takes place education as being a roi – of yourself.
WHY DID I?
Exactly like the most service members We have faced precisely the same obstacles discussed. I’ve been through eight assignments and diverse deployments including Pakistan and Iraq. Community . was difficult, it had been both a private choice and accomplishment I believed I can not achieve. My ambition originated in 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 desired to grow professionally, expanding my knowledge and reaching a professional level inside my potential industry.
Ultimately, while serving in the military to be able to juggle both roles of student and Airman is crucial. While serving being experienced with your job will almost always be the key focus. Depending for the push from every one of the branches leadership will drive how quickly members move towards pursuing education while serving. Once the world is conflict school will take a backseat. Due to high operation tempos in select job areas, scheduling is one thing you need to consider when deciding to pursue a continued education. Like anything, the commitment to a graduate degree is ultimately the decision of the baby who desires to develop their own educational path.
To get more information about Air Force check out our new resource: check it out