Posted on Oct 29, 2021
How much education do you consider too much education?
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I’ve just submitted my graduation application for the upcoming spring semester which will leave me with an associates in Intelligence Operations, a Bachelors in Criminal Justice, and I’ve just applied for the Masters in National Security: Homeland Security.
When do you say enough is enough?
When do you say enough is enough?
College
Education
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 9
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Quantity of education needs to also be balanced with quality...
A degree does help for both civilian job qualification and military consideration for promotion in rank, but other factors need to be considered. A degree in an unrelated field may not help if you want something specific (e.g. law, finance, clergy, etc.). The cost also matters since civilians often rely on student loans for financing and GI Bill may not cover all of the expenses. The reputation and network of school also matters because some employers look down on for-profit schools and jobs often come from referrals / vouching within a person's network.
A degree does help for both civilian job qualification and military consideration for promotion in rank, but other factors need to be considered. A degree in an unrelated field may not help if you want something specific (e.g. law, finance, clergy, etc.). The cost also matters since civilians often rely on student loans for financing and GI Bill may not cover all of the expenses. The reputation and network of school also matters because some employers look down on for-profit schools and jobs often come from referrals / vouching within a person's network.
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There is never "too much" education, but you have to keep in mind the Army only acknowledges certain levels of it for certain ranks.
For example, when I submitted my packet for promotion from SPC to SGT I only got education points up to a Bachelor degree and maxed out civilian education points on the packet. However, I had an MBA, a CFA and my credentials were on par with COL's in the Finance Branch. None of that did me any good for promotion to SGT.
So.......... what you have to just accept is that we are assigned tasks and responsibilities within the bounds of our ranks, and while we personally can develop ourselves well beyond what is required for our various levels that we can't allow that to give us a chip on our shoulder.
There is never enough education, and you are merely laying the foundation to spring board from later when the restrictions of your advancement are removed.
For the record, I too got the Intel Degree in 35F school, I entered with 1-AA, 2-BS's, MBA and CFA in hand when I enlisted as a SPC.
A Master's degree will certainly benefit you in any army rank path of NCO, WO, or Officer when you get to the Sr Grades of those paths. It's not uncommon for a SGM to be as educated as a COL.
As a SSG, yea, maybe you don't get the credit you think you might deserve, but when you and your peers are looking down the barrel of the MSG selection and they haven't worked toward a graduate program you'll be coasting all the way through the system by only really needing Army PME requirements.
For example, when I submitted my packet for promotion from SPC to SGT I only got education points up to a Bachelor degree and maxed out civilian education points on the packet. However, I had an MBA, a CFA and my credentials were on par with COL's in the Finance Branch. None of that did me any good for promotion to SGT.
So.......... what you have to just accept is that we are assigned tasks and responsibilities within the bounds of our ranks, and while we personally can develop ourselves well beyond what is required for our various levels that we can't allow that to give us a chip on our shoulder.
There is never enough education, and you are merely laying the foundation to spring board from later when the restrictions of your advancement are removed.
For the record, I too got the Intel Degree in 35F school, I entered with 1-AA, 2-BS's, MBA and CFA in hand when I enlisted as a SPC.
A Master's degree will certainly benefit you in any army rank path of NCO, WO, or Officer when you get to the Sr Grades of those paths. It's not uncommon for a SGM to be as educated as a COL.
As a SSG, yea, maybe you don't get the credit you think you might deserve, but when you and your peers are looking down the barrel of the MSG selection and they haven't worked toward a graduate program you'll be coasting all the way through the system by only really needing Army PME requirements.
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OCS would be a route but I rcommend application for a direct commission to Captain.
As a SSG you are being wasted. Is that enough education for you?
As a SSG you are being wasted. Is that enough education for you?
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