Bachelor's degree or tabs and badges?

MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM — Fri, 01 May 2015 11:08:51 -0400

What is more impressive and useful, a Bachelor's degree and above or tabs and badges? Justify response.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 11:11 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 May 2015 11:11:18 -0400

I think this is a double edged sword. During your career tabs and badges can assist in promotions greatly and so can a degree. Once you retire most places could careless about your badge or tabs but look closely at the degree so I guess i would lean slightly towards the degree.

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made May 1 at 2015 11:13 AM

1LT Nick Kidwell — Fri, 01 May 2015 11:13:02 -0400

Tabs and badges because they take a GREAT deal more Army-related effort.

In my experience, any Yayhoo with a bit of perseverance can get a BS degree...

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 11:14 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 May 2015 11:14:38 -0400

If I wanted to spend the rest of my life in the Army, I would say Tabs and Badges. If I want a career after, I would go with the degree.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made May 1 at 2015 11:14 AM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Fri, 01 May 2015 11:14:50 -0400

AF....Degree! Cant get promoted without it.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made May 1 at 2015 11:21 AM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Fri, 01 May 2015 11:21:30 -0400

Both.
The degree can help you get promotion to O grade.
The tabs and badges get you a good O grade job.

Response by CPL Brendan Hayes made May 1 at 2015 11:25 AM

CPL Brendan Hayes — Fri, 01 May 2015 11:25:24 -0400

Post military, degrees. During military, tabs/badges.

While in the military, a degree helps with promotion, but does that make someone a better leader? Something like a Ranger tab indicates someone with leadership abilities in extreme scenarios.

In the civilian world, tabs/badges on a resume show initiative, but does that mean that a job candidate has the content knowledge needed to perform the job effectively? A degree indicates someone who has at least been exposed to the content and was able to persevere.

So, it depends on what your career goals are.

Response by CH (COL) Geoff Bailey made May 1 at 2015 11:52 AM

CH (COL) Geoff Bailey — Fri, 01 May 2015 11:52:08 -0400

MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM I think what is the most impressive, is an individual who takes the degrees, tabs, and experience to make the team stronger by training subordinates, pushing them to excel and become the next generation of leaders while never looking back and resting on the past. That is, the past is a stepping block towards continued service and increased responsibility. (Not stepping stones, but blocks which increase perspective and therefore accountability for building others up.)

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made May 1 at 2015 11:54 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Fri, 01 May 2015 11:54:47 -0400

Look to play the long game as you'll need several "retirements". The degree (one that actually leads to a job) will serve you many more years. At some point fruit salad freezes.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made May 1 at 2015 12:02 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Fri, 01 May 2015 12:02:50 -0400

I don't believe I've ever seen an interviewer state " oh that Degree is nice, but no Airborne wings?"..

Some things matter in our little pocket reality, but once we have to go back out into the real world, all that Hooah stuff is meaningless.. If a school/certificate/training doesnt translate into a civilian equivalent, pass. Go find something useful...

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 12:13 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 May 2015 12:13:16 -0400

I hate to answer a question with a question but you have to ask yourself what's the path you are choosing for yourself? A tab or badge should never be pursued just for sport or collection, it should be sought out for the benefit of learning what it represents. I've spent the last 12 years in Group, we all have tabs, why? We have them because it is an MOS requirement. What I'm trying to say is no one comes to group for a tab or a Green Beret, they come to learn and apply the skills in both training and real world missions that are symbolic of the Regiment and its head gear.
A degree is along the same lines, yes it helps with promotion but its intent isn't just to be sought out for sport but what you learn from the experience and its application to your profession. So much like other things in life there is a balance to strive for and maintain. I have plenty of badges and I have a degree, neither outweighs the other but, together I am more well rounded for it.

Response by 1SG Jason Fitzpatrick made May 1 at 2015 12:15 PM

1SG Jason Fitzpatrick — Fri, 01 May 2015 12:15:27 -0400

Neither matter, they both represent completing a school or a field of advanced study. How many Soliders, Sailors, Airmen or Marines have seen somebody with a degree or skill qualification badge that couldn't lead their way out of a wet paper bag? Doctor's get sued for malpractice, people with Ranger Tabs or Special Forces Tabs get people killed when they make mistakes. The actions of the holder of the Tab or degree is all that matters. Both degrees and Badges or tabs will help you, but when you cook the fat down off the bacon, neither really amount to anything other than a little piece of paper or cloth and I use those to wipe my ass.

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 12:18 PM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 May 2015 12:18:48 -0400

I think a degree is important for those who will seek employment after the military. As for me, once I retire from the service, I'll never work for anyone else again.

I am glad to see that the services are providing more opportunities than ever for service members to earn a degree, however, I believe we (at least in the Navy), have begun to place too much emphasis on members attaining a degree. While it does help the member (and to a certain degree, the service), we should know where its place lies.

It's unfortunate when a ranking/promotion board lends more credence to a member with a degree, than to one who has become more proficient in his/her MOS. That BA degree is nice, but it shouldn't come at the cost of the mission at hand, and does little for getting bombs/bullets on targets.

"Mission first, Sailors always" is a mantra within the Navy...we should adhere to that a little more.

Just my two cents.

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made May 1 at 2015 12:54 PM

SGT Jeremiah B. — Fri, 01 May 2015 12:54:29 -0400

I'm not sure this is really an either/or question. The long game leans towards degree, but really, all other things equal, even the military is going to preference someone with tabs/badges AND a degree over someone with only one or the other.

You want to get ahead, get that degree, even if it takes 10 years while you shove classes around duties, deployments and military-related schools.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 2:53 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 May 2015 14:53:15 -0400

In my army experience, my education has been throughly discounted -- at least on the enlisted side. No doubt, the hooah-bling is both more impressive and useful while in the military. The PPW seems obvious to me about that. My civ. education was capped out and well under half of my semester hours "qualified". I got more points from WLC/CL.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 3:35 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 May 2015 15:35:50 -0400

It all depends. If you want to be a Field Grade in the some places there is going to be a heavy emphasis on those badges and tabs. It depends on what you are going for. If you want to a fighter you may need the training in involved with that tab. But if you are just going to get the badge you are not really going for the right reasons.

I think it really comes down to why you are strive for either. If you want some flair to be cool or if you are just getting a degree in basket waiving you are still not really showing the value of it.

At least for me I have improved my military career with both. I needed a degree to commission but then I needed the schools that gave me the badges to be a better infantry officer.

It is really hard to say one or the other. All officers have degrees. But that won't help you if you are in SF, Ranger Bat, or a Pathfinder unit.

Response by PO2 Kevin LaCroix made May 1 at 2015 3:46 PM

PO2 Kevin LaCroix — Fri, 01 May 2015 15:46:05 -0400

Any college degree is valuable. It shows that you completed a long term task, successfully. A college degree is generally more understandable, than specific military training, to the general populace.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made May 1 at 2015 4:39 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Fri, 01 May 2015 16:39:24 -0400

This question comes in several flavors: if combat arms of course the merit badges count more, but if you are in a mech unit and have a 5 jump chump badge, or I dangled from a rope, will that get the pack replaced any quicker in your 113? Most likely not. Now if I could have subdued Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Diesel Technician Badges on Mechanics Coveralls authorized, I bet I could get more people to take the exams and earn the certification.

Now if I had to sit in class on platoon movements and it was being led by a ranger tab, I would tend to listen more. So this question is relative to task. Do I want a medic who is a Nationally Registered EMT-Paramedic with Advance Trauma Life Support, knows how to use cardiac life saving drugs or someone who has EFMB?

Response by SPC David S. made May 1 at 2015 4:43 PM

SPC David S. — Fri, 01 May 2015 16:43:07 -0400

Look at it this way. You wouldn't show up to play a baseball game with a pitching wedge and bucket of range balls? More than likely not.

If a degree or a tab/badge is not helping in achieving either your professional or personal goals you're wasting time, energy and possible some income. In regards to impressive, its only impressive if its a milestone in your endeavors in reaching your goal.

As I hear this question a lot coming from individuals who haven't worked out all the details pertaining to their individual personal and professional growth, I feel this question is more about direction in setting goals. So my question for you is why are you asking? If you're looking for me to tell one is better than the other I can't give you a good response without knowing what the individual's goals are. However not knowing any other details I would have to lean toward education. I'm not saying that tab and badges don't help in developing a person's character its just that they don't really translate into something of value in the civilian world which is the other 98% of the population.

So again what are the goals and how does either a degree, tab or badge help in accomplishing this task?

Response by SGT Curtis Earl made May 1 at 2015 6:47 PM

SGT Curtis Earl — Fri, 01 May 2015 18:47:55 -0400

Well, some Airborne trooper just called me a 'leg' and kinda mocked me for being a thinker. I think his tabs and badges are awesome. But I've got two degrees and I work in a very lucrative field that requires high intelligence and critical thinking. So I think I win.

Response by MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM made May 1 at 2015 6:54 PM

MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM — Fri, 01 May 2015 18:54:21 -0400

Here's my two sense: do something, anything, even if it's wrong. Don't just chill and ride with the current. Do something to set yourself apart from others. What do you have that your competitors don't? Never lose sight of short term and long term goals.

Response by MAJ Monique Ruiz made May 1 at 2015 7:21 PM

MAJ Monique Ruiz — Fri, 01 May 2015 19:21:26 -0400

Degree. Shows a Soldier is well-rounded to succeed in the civilian world as well as the service. Tabs and badges won't benefit you when you leave the service and choose to pursue another career.

Response by CH (MAJ) William Beaver made May 1 at 2015 7:27 PM

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Fri, 01 May 2015 19:27:20 -0400

Great OER

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made May 1 at 2015 8:34 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Fri, 01 May 2015 20:34:33 -0400

Depends on the context. On a DA photo? Tabs and badges looks sexy. But most civilian employees could care less about those, but DO care about your educational qualifications.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 8:42 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 May 2015 20:42:38 -0400

Frankly, a degree. Many argue that tabs and badges will help those with military career aspirations. Here is the follow-up question to that: what happens if you get medically-retired due to a service connected injury?

A degree can help in both the civilian and military world. No, a degree will not help you become more tactically sound. A degree will help you gain problem solving, reasoning, and other skills that are practically intangible until applied. As your military career progresses, you will be expected to write, assess, manage, and plan. A degree plus experience can really help these critical career skills become something that sets someone's professional development apart. There are skills that must be learned through formal education and are vital in many career fields.

I will also say, tabs and badges definitely have their place. They can help with a servicemember's career and development.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 10:26 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 May 2015 22:26:47 -0400

To me.

The most impressive thing is to see a WELL ROUNDED Soldier...that can actually perform their job at a high level. To many time we focus on a 300 pt...a bunch of badges...and a piece of parchment....Nothing wrong with those at all..but they cant define a Soldier..they need to compliment the Soldier...we need to say..that guy/gal busts thier ass everydamn day at work......and got a 300....or and finished Degree..or and went to Air AsSault....

Response by 1SG David Lopez made May 1 at 2015 10:51 PM

1SG David Lopez — Fri, 01 May 2015 22:51:30 -0400

A college degree helps a person when they exit the military, it helps while you are in the military. Tabs/badges are gut tests/accomplishments while in the military, although they probably will not mean anything to civilian employers. What the civilan employer cares about is what do you bring to the table now. A college degree and military experience should make you marketable, but you still have to be a go-getter. Get the college classes as much as possible while you are in the military. What you do now will set the pattern for the rest of your life. The best advice I ever heard was, "Don't take it easy!"

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 11:18 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 May 2015 23:18:29 -0400

No need to choose one or the other, but the degree is undoubtedly more broadly applicable. A badge/tab is essentially like one course out of many in a degree, even if it is a vastly more interesting and hooah course than most.

Response by SGT Anthony Rossi made May 1 at 2015 11:34 PM

SGT Anthony Rossi — Fri, 01 May 2015 23:34:27 -0400

It depends on who's looking at them. Are you referring to impact inside or outside the service.

Response by SSG Arnie Jones made May 2 at 2015 12:38 AM

SSG Arnie Jones — Sat, 02 May 2015 00:38:35 -0400

Active Duty will not last for ever. Badges are great for later on war stories. But your education will get you further in life.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2015 8:47 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 May 2015 20:47:06 -0400

A bachelor's is more useful because while we all do the same things on active duty (provided you get qualified), but on the outside most good jobs require at least a bachelor's for application.

Papers and tabs don't mean much to me. I'm more impressed by individuals.

Response by MSG David Chappell made May 3 at 2015 8:48 PM

MSG David Chappell — Sun, 03 May 2015 20:48:29 -0400

College the ASI badges and schools mean little in the civilian sectors unless your a military contractor. Personal experience both sides of the fence.

Response by SFC Stephen King made May 3 at 2015 9:14 PM

SFC Stephen King — Sun, 03 May 2015 21:14:58 -0400

Looking at the trends and streamlining that has begun in the Army you need to be well rounded. If you are in the service and not seeking personal growth it reflects on promotions. I will always remember a MSG who set me on my path complete my degree. So balance both seek the ASI'S and get your undergraduate degree.

Response by MSgt Rob Weston made May 4 at 2015 8:50 AM

MSgt Rob Weston — Mon, 04 May 2015 08:50:04 -0400

Both! Tabs and badges are great and represent your accomplishments while your served and gives you some bragging rights as well. The degree is an accomplishment and a way to prepare for when your service is done (either separating or retiring). I told my young troops that they need to remember that the service is not forever and always look beyond it to set your self up for success.

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made May 20 at 2016 11:40 PM

MSG Dan Castaneda — Fri, 20 May 2016 23:40:41 -0400

I have both badges/tabs and a BA, and I am most certain that my long tab will open more doors upon retirement.

Response by MAJ David Brand made Feb 3 at 2017 7:11 PM

MAJ David Brand — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 19:11:46 -0500

They all have their value depending on the context. Civilian education is important for specific jobs. I have a few of both and a good mix will get you where you want to be.