How much education do you consider too much education?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 12:17:09 -0400

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?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2021 1:09 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 13:09:56 -0400

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.

Response by SrA John Monette made Oct 29 at 2021 1:22 PM

SrA John Monette — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 13:22:49 -0400

I'm working on my Masters in Public Administration. A lot of jobs are requiring higher degrees. I think a lot of it comes down to what the degree is in and what school bestowed it.

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Oct 29 at 2021 1:28 PM

LTC Eugene Chu — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 13:28:39 -0400

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.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Oct 29 at 2021 1:31 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 13:31:33 -0400

No such thing as too much education. Learning is one of the most important parts of living.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Oct 29 at 2021 7:13 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 19:13:02 -0400

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?

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Oct 29 at 2021 9:25 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 21:25:14 -0400

Many things can be taken away from you on a whim. That's why many moons ago, the O-4 promotion percentage was 15% because they wanted to fix a so called problem of their own creation. The real thing would be what your paper gets you in the commercial marketplace for your next life. AA's aren't worth much of anything. The Bachelors can get you into LEO presuming you're fit and not too old. Depending on what the Masters actually has in it, there's FEMA applicability amongst others. So bounce that against the jobs your rank and the next one require. BTW, education unused is the same thing as no education. Many will disagree with some sort of associative logic, but there isn't a strong case. I have a niece with a BS and MS in Psychology. Problem is she now decided she doesn't like working with people. Same thing as no education.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Oct 29 at 2021 9:27 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 21:27:52 -0400

There isn’t a limit. Knowledge is a lifelong pursuit

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Oct 30 at 2021 10:58 PM

MSG John Duchesneau — Sat, 30 Oct 2021 22:58:25 -0400

As an enlisted Soldier the most education you should need is a bachelor's degree - unless, maybe, you are in a highly specialized field where a master's degree would enable you to perform better. If you masters program is related to a career you want to pursue after you leave the Army - then go for it.

Remember this - Education is Knowledge, Knowledge is Power, Power is Fun.

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Oct 31 at 2021 7:39 PM

SSgt Dan Montague — Sun, 31 Oct 2021 19:39:53 -0400

My ex wife's husband was a submariner. He went to the most prestigious schools he could go too for his field. In fact he went to damn near every school or class he could attend. When it came time to take command, he was denied an attack sub. From my understanding it was because he didn't have the sub time needed as an XO because he was always gone. He did get a 50/50 command for 6 months on a boomer, but not at all what he wanted.
So lesson here, field experience is just as important.