Are Senior NCOs not taking advantage of the Military's college opportunities?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 01:46:00 -0500

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?

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2015 2:16 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 02:16:51 -0500

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.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2015 2:29 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 02:29:16 -0500

I agree with CSM Private RallyPoint Member, 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.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2015 2:43 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 14:43:41 -0500

SFC Private RallyPoint Member Where do you get the stats of 21,813 members out of 35,632 have earned a bachelor? I am just curious.

From the Army Career Tracker (ACT), it shows about 10% of the E-7 has an associates, 7.4% a bachelor, 0.9% master, and 81.8% unknown. However, that may be inaccurate because it depends on several factors, such as the data only reflecting those who have logged on ACT and agreed to release such information. And it does show that almost 82% is unknown.

Response by SGM Omer Dalton made Mar 4 at 2021 7:11 PM

SGM Omer Dalton — Thu, 04 Mar 2021 19:11:06 -0500

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.