Do you think or feel that civilian education equals promotion in the military?

My original warrant packet was denied because I did not have BLC and I did not have a feeder MOS for a 120A. I have 14 years of documented civilian experience in the construction field specifically construction management, an MBA and graduate courses in construction management and project management. I understand the philosophy, but in some fields that cross military and civilian lines such as construction or IT civilian education and experience can be just as valuable. Coincidentally I graduated BLC and reclassed as a 12k. Warrant selection board in December. Wish me luck.

Civilian education is a side dish, not the main course. Performance is the main course. Take it from a 22-year E-6 with an MBA, industry certs, no NJP, above-average operational rotation, above-average cutting scores, average performance marks and 10 years TIR at retirement.

Civilian education is, a key toward promotion, but I feel the area I struggled with the most was APFT and height and weight. I was always within 1-2% either way of my max body fat, no matter how much I weighed.

Yes

Not from my experience. Many times, when I applied what I had learned from school or experience, I was accused of thinking too much. One time, I was reamed for 20 minutes when I used the word dilapidated instead of derelict.

This should depend on the actual CIVED. For example, if you are in an IT field and earn a degree in computer science or cyber security, yes I would say it is relevant and could be looked at along with your PME / experience. Specific education directly related to job performance is the only time I see it being relevant.

If you’re enlisted and pursuing civilian education solely for the purpose of getting promoted you’re wasting your time. If you’re enlisted and pursuing a civilian education for yourself, your family and your future then it’s worth it. If you’re an officer it’s almost mandatory to pursue an advanced degree to keep advancing up the ladder. I’ve somewhat a mixed opinion as to whether an advanced degree will produce a more effective leader in the officer corps. That being said, I had a friend, an Air Force Major, who had graduate degrees is both in electrical engineering and computer science who went on to receive a PhD and work at DARPA. So, as with everything else in life, YMMV.

At this day in age a degree is only a check the box in both the military and the civilian side. For me personally I joined the Army with zero knowledge in the IT field. In two years I was on the same level as my friends who went to college for almost the exact same thing. Now after four years they are out of college and still cant get a job because they have no experience. I however can leave the army with the training and knowledge that I have gained along with certifications that I applied the knowledge of my MOS and passed the tests. I still don't have my degree although I am a few classes away from a two year degree. And the biggest reason I am getting it is because I know that as a leader it is required of me and it gives me an extra point if I have to go to a board against one of my peers. I also know that the army is only going to be a fraction of my life. I enlisted out of highschool and if I am fortunate enough to do 25 years ill be 42 when I retire. By then it will be a whole new book of my life. I know that the first thing HR will look at when I apply for a job is a degree. So I will get one.

Now to the original question. Yes it is a requirement for promotions. For enlisted SMA Daily has made it clear that he feels it is important for a leader to have a college education. Now just under a fourth of my promotion points come from civilian education. When I see SSG's get picked up for SFC they have a degree. Sometimes its the NCO's that some would think shouldn't have made it. To be a Warrant you need a two year degree. To be an Officer you need a 4 year degree. And once they are looking to be a field grade/BN Commander and higher the individual is either working on their Masters or have already acquired it. There have been articles that the SGM Academy is working on making it possible for Soldiers who go through to come out with a Masters degree.

As a senior NCO, I preferred a soldier with experience, but as a junior soldier -- it's part of the rules of the game to get promoted, so take advantage of your educational opportunities. Lastly, as a civilian, education is an investment that keeps on giving to me and my family -- Keep on learning and growing. AATW!

I wish is could just fly away to My own private island... and tell the rest of the world to FOAD...