Posted on Feb 24, 2015
Are Senior NCOs not taking advantage of the Military's college opportunities?
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After viewing the groups that I'm associated with on Rally Point, I noticed something interesting. It looks as if only 21,813 members have earned a Bachelor's degree? The E-7 group appears to have 35,632 members, and I'm sure their are many more officers than that on Rally Point. Is this due to the fact that profiles may not include this information or do Enlisted service members just not take advantage of the college opportunities that we have in today's military?
College
Officers
NCOs
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 4
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I agree with CSM (Join to see), many are overlooking the opportunity. I have completed mine and am looking into my Masters Program now.
I have seen many Seniors trying to bust their butts to get college completed. Unfortunately many have waited too long.
I do believe that the program that CSM Oldsen is talking about applies to a Masters not a B.A. for the Officers.
I have witnessed the progression over the years. In the 90's it was preferred to have an Associates Degree before the CSM Academy. I think now a B.A. is preferred and you can obtain one while there? If you do not already have it. I am sure it will soon be a Masters.
As Leaders we must always be looking ahead and observing the trends to stay ahead of the situation. Of course that requires giving up a bunch of free time.
I have been mentoring my Soldiers and encouraging them to take one class a semester at a minimum. Even hen pecking is moving forward.
I have seen many Seniors trying to bust their butts to get college completed. Unfortunately many have waited too long.
I do believe that the program that CSM Oldsen is talking about applies to a Masters not a B.A. for the Officers.
I have witnessed the progression over the years. In the 90's it was preferred to have an Associates Degree before the CSM Academy. I think now a B.A. is preferred and you can obtain one while there? If you do not already have it. I am sure it will soon be a Masters.
As Leaders we must always be looking ahead and observing the trends to stay ahead of the situation. Of course that requires giving up a bunch of free time.
I have been mentoring my Soldiers and encouraging them to take one class a semester at a minimum. Even hen pecking is moving forward.
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MSG (Join to see)
SSG (Join to see), I include similar guidance in my counselings. It took me over 10 years to earn my AA, and nearly that long to figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up. I encourage my Soldiers to take a class, any class, because one of them may spark some passion or interest.
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SFC (Join to see)
Until the most recent changes for the TA approval, I got every Soldier in all of my Platoon's approved and scanned in to their GoArmyEd accounts to ensure they had every opportunity to attend along with the time needed during deployment. I believe only 7 out of 50+ took advantage.
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SSG (Join to see)
Those same 43 who did not take advantage when you ensured they had the accounts built will be the same wondering why they are not getting promoted SFC (Join to see).
Isn't that the truth MSG (Join to see), They will still complain about something though.
Isn't that the truth MSG (Join to see), They will still complain about something though.
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SFC (Join to see)
I think a lot of enlisted Soldiers fail to take advantage of college opportunities while serving because of the high OPTEMPO of the past 14 years. I also believe that a lot of enlisted Soldiers do take advantage of college opportunities in lieu of military schools that they should be attending instead.
I commented on another thread on how the Army should start a BA program for the SFC/MSG population like the officer corps does for the CPT/MAJ population.
I think a lot of enlisted Soldiers fail to take advantage of college opportunities while serving because of the high OPTEMPO of the past 14 years. I also believe that a lot of enlisted Soldiers do take advantage of college opportunities in lieu of military schools that they should be attending instead.
I commented on another thread on how the Army should start a BA program for the SFC/MSG population like the officer corps does for the CPT/MAJ population.
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SFC (Join to see)
Roger that, CSM Oldsen. We definitely stay busy in the Army, but I was able to complete my Bachelor's degree online. I even took some classes during my worst deployment. I believe it's just going to take some personal sacrifice for our SNCOs to attend college, and maybe some type of requirement as you mentioned.
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CSM (Join to see)
SFC (Join to see)
I agree with you but it is easier for some more than others, especially during deployment. I have noticed a definite difference between a SSG that made points because they had college compared to a SSG that made points because they went to Ranger School, scored a 300 on the APFT, fired expert with their assigned weapon, went to Battle Staff, etc.
I am not bashing college education at all. I earned my AA and BA while serving. A young NCO should definitely pursue civilian education but , they need to follow their branch career path also. One without the other will not bode well for them when they start competing at the centralized level.
I agree with you but it is easier for some more than others, especially during deployment. I have noticed a definite difference between a SSG that made points because they had college compared to a SSG that made points because they went to Ranger School, scored a 300 on the APFT, fired expert with their assigned weapon, went to Battle Staff, etc.
I am not bashing college education at all. I earned my AA and BA while serving. A young NCO should definitely pursue civilian education but , they need to follow their branch career path also. One without the other will not bode well for them when they start competing at the centralized level.
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I sure took advantage through masters degree. I am not sure it really helped me while you in the military but it sure did in the civilian world after I retired. One thing for sure, it never hurts. I always encouraged my soldiers to take advantage of the opportunity.
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SFC (Join to see)
Roger that, SGM! Thanks for your comments.
I got my Bachelors degree years ago and it didn’t seem to help me much while I’ve been in either.
Hopefully I’ll benefit from it when I retire in two years though.
I got my Bachelors degree years ago and it didn’t seem to help me much while I’ve been in either.
Hopefully I’ll benefit from it when I retire in two years though.
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