If one had to choose between the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club and a master's degree, which would you pick?

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 16:26:27 -0500

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2016 4:30 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 16:30:47 -0500

That's easy...masters degree

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2016 4:31 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 16:31:49 -0500

In a theoretical world where you can only choose one....masters degree

Response by MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM made Jan 30 at 2016 4:35 PM

MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 16:35:29 -0500

Master's degree is far more valuable. Everyone on the planet knows what a master's is. No one knows or cares about SAMC.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2016 4:43 PM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 16:43:31 -0500

No reason not to do both.

Response by SPC Paul Jennings, J.D. made Jan 30 at 2016 4:49 PM

SPC Paul Jennings, J.D. — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 16:49:57 -0500

Assuming that the Master's degree is relevant and not in underwater basket weaving, I'd vote for that. SAMC is indeed an accomplishment and a great selling point for promotions, but a Master's degree seems to carry much more weight both in the military and in the civilian sector. Remember, you never see a job posting requiring SAMC membership, but you see plenty that require a Master's degree.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2016 4:56 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 16:56:03 -0500

Well, they both set you apart from your peers...so you would have to decide which benefits you the most.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2016 6:30 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 18:30:40 -0500

I have 9 college classes left on my masters and I plan on attending the SAMC board in June for my unit. Just have to prioritize. Also I am married, have 3 kids and in a leadership position. If you want it, you will find time!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2016 6:59 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 18:59:13 -0500

Masters Degree

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2016 7:02 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 19:02:21 -0500

No choice to be had. Get the Masters.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2016 7:08 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 19:08:24 -0500

Master's Degree. In the civilian world, a Master's means something. Most civilian employees won't have a clue about the SAMC.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2016 7:09 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 19:09:21 -0500

Masters degree!!! No doubt about that

Response by SFC Keith Rumsey made Jan 30 at 2016 7:34 PM

SFC Keith Rumsey — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 19:34:41 -0500

They both make you standout above the rest, however in the civilian world we are lucky if they even know what memorial day and veterans day are and the difference between the two are. So I'd have to choose the Masters degree

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jan 30 at 2016 8:27 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 20:27:17 -0500

Master's. 1SG Private RallyPoint Member

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2016 8:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 20:31:37 -0500

Master degree

Response by SFC Rollie Hubbard made Jan 30 at 2016 8:39 PM

SFC Rollie Hubbard — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 20:39:53 -0500

Why not choose to do both?

Response by CPO Andy Carrillo, MS made Jan 30 at 2016 8:54 PM

CPO Andy Carrillo, MS — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 20:54:27 -0500

Master's degree, hands down. One will look great in a shadow box while the other will be your ticket to higher civilian pay, e.g., the difference between starting as a GS-7 or a GS-9, for example.

Response by CPO Tim Dickey made Jan 30 at 2016 9:15 PM

CPO Tim Dickey — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 21:15:38 -0500

Masters, hands down. Just an old Sailor's perspective.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2016 9:41 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 21:41:32 -0500

Why do you have to choose?

Response by SFC Guy Machel made Jan 30 at 2016 10:11 PM

SFC Guy Machel — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 22:11:34 -0500

No question about it...I'd go for the masters.

Response by SSG Dwight Amey MSA, MSL, BS, AS made Jan 30 at 2016 10:31 PM

SSG Dwight Amey MSA, MSL, BS, AS — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 22:31:23 -0500

SFC James Bacon, I got two masters degrees on active duty (22 years active duty) but failed to capitalize on them in the military. This was my fault. I failed to properly manage my time. It is about the individual not the titles or accomplishments at the end of the day.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2016 10:35 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 22:35:29 -0500

Masters degree would be my choice always have to consider life after the Army.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2016 10:53 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 22:53:19 -0500

Good Ol Boy military groups are one thing...I belong to several. But education, Mark Twain and thousands of other sage and wise men of history would say, is EVERYthing. Some day you won't be in the Army. A Master's Degree will allow you to apply to any university or college in the country to teach. If not that, there is industry and commerce where you can write your own ticket...unless you spent your career in TANKS!!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2016 11:01 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 23:01:32 -0500

Audie Murphy hands down.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2016 11:06 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 23:06:27 -0500

They are both important for career advancement but after you retire the Audie Murphy Club wont help you find you a job.

Response by TSgt Gwen Walcott made Jan 30 at 2016 11:13 PM

TSgt Gwen Walcott — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 23:13:58 -0500

Since I already have a Masters, do I still have to choose?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2016 1:59 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 Jan 2016 01:59:57 -0500

If I could go back, SAMC for sure. My biggest regret before going green to gold was not making the cut. You can always go back and get a degree, the window of time for SAMC keeps shrinking and shrinking.

Response by SSG Ronald Colwell made Jan 31 at 2016 2:48 AM

SSG Ronald Colwell — Sun, 31 Jan 2016 02:48:00 -0500

Hi, depends on if you are making a career of the military, Audi Murphy is prestigious to be a part of. However if not education is the way to go. Why not do both, one is a board and such,

Response by SFC Ricco Allen made Jan 31 at 2016 5:17 AM

SFC Ricco Allen — Sun, 31 Jan 2016 05:17:34 -0500

The Masters Degree!!!!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2016 7:30 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 Jan 2016 07:30:12 -0500

I wouldn't hesitate to choose Master's Degree. SAMC may or may not benefit you in your career, it depends on how active you are in the local chapter. However, a Master's Degree is guaranteed to open many opportunities for you. On a last note, this should never have to be a choice. I know many SAMC NCOs who have Master Degrees, it seems to be part of their pedigree.

Response by 1SG Justin Little made Jan 31 at 2016 10:19 AM

1SG Justin Little — Sun, 31 Jan 2016 10:19:45 -0500

Masters degree no question!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2016 10:39 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 Jan 2016 10:39:05 -0500

Definitely the Master Degree. Finish it first then go for Audie Murphy in my opinion.

Response by SSG Leroy Farmer made Jan 31 at 2016 4:23 PM

SSG Leroy Farmer — Sun, 31 Jan 2016 16:23:49 -0500

I'm gonna be the one to say the Audie Murphy Club.

Response by SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT made Jan 31 at 2016 4:33 PM

SGM David W. Carr LOM, DMSM MP SGT — Sun, 31 Jan 2016 16:33:25 -0500

1SG Private RallyPoint Member I think if you are trying to further your career then I would set my sights on Audie Murphy. If you are looking for life after the military then I would focus on your Masters

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2016 4:48 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 Jan 2016 16:48:11 -0500

Masters Degree.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2016 5:51 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 Jan 2016 17:51:22 -0500

Why not Both? There is no reason why NCOs cannot strive for both. Being a member of the Prestigious Sergeant Audie Murphy Club is very rewarding for not only yourself but for your Soldiers and junior leaders as while as the mentorship and guidance you get from the senior leaders within your organization make you so much better and it passes down to those around you.
Having a Masters degree also sets you apart from your peer as it shows you continuously seek professional development by improving yourself in those areas noted in Promotion AARs. Having both will make you that much better and give your Soldiers and Junior leaders something to strive for as well.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2016 2:20 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 02:20:53 -0500

SAMC is meaningless in the outside world, it wont help you get a job in any way or form. Remember Audie Murphy became a janitor when he got out, and that is all his club is worth.

I know for a fact the SAMC won't save you from a QSP.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2016 5:44 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 05:44:39 -0500

I think folks have lost the focus of what SAMC started out as. SAMC was an organization that was meant to set apart those NCOs in the formation that truly were the cream of the crop. They were to be identified by their company leadership because of their outstanding performance and care for Soldiers, not self nominated to go to the board ( Audie was a humble man....). These selected NCOs were elevated to the post level so their spheres of influence would have a wider impact. They were to be the measuring stick the Post/Division CSM used for what an excellent NCO was. They would do community service to benefit the Soldier community and post.
As a SFC you should already be generating the sphere of influence SAMC would give you. As a SFC, there should not be to much studying to be done to be selected. As a SFC you have to be able to walk into that board and leave the board with the same exact feeling on what type of leader you are. You should not need SAMC to get promoted to MSG. The things you are enabling your soldiers to do and their band of excellence in performance should be your medallion for promotion.
Go get your Master's Degree. That will set you further apart from your peers.

Response by CSM Chuck Stafford made Feb 1 at 2016 8:04 AM

CSM Chuck Stafford — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 08:04:33 -0500

While both are great accomplishments, my Masters helps feed the family right now -- post Army career. If, however, you've got a ways to go prior to retirement and the opportunity presents itself to go for SAMC - go for it; and then focus upon completing your Masters prior to retiring.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Feb 1 at 2016 8:14 AM

MSgt Michael Smith — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 08:14:48 -0500

Master's Degree every time.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2016 8:47 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 08:47:53 -0500

No disrespect to members of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club, but if I had to choose one or the other, I would choose a master's degree. It will benefit you the rest of your life, including your post-military life. Do you have to choose? Why not do both?

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Feb 1 at 2016 9:40 AM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 09:40:57 -0500

From what I understand, the SAMC is a very high honor. However, it won't pay the bills after retirement...a master degree will. You should be able to do both. That would be my recommendation.

Response by PFC Donnie Harold Harris made Feb 1 at 2016 10:21 AM

PFC Donnie Harold Harris — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 10:21:59 -0500

Audie Murphy club.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Feb 1 at 2016 10:50 AM

MSG Brad Sand — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 10:50:08 -0500

Master's Degree...anyone thinking there is a comparison is in need of professional help and they better stay in the military until they are kicked out.

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Feb 1 at 2016 12:50 PM

SSG Audwin Scott — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 12:50:05 -0500

A Master's degree clearly takes you beyond the Military.

Response by Daniel Pothier made Feb 1 at 2016 10:17 PM

Daniel Pothier — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 22:17:31 -0500

Go for both no half measures

Response by CW5 Christopher Dodd made Feb 2 at 2016 8:13 AM

CW5 Christopher Dodd — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 08:13:00 -0500

I guess it would depend on your goal. The Audie Murphy Club is prestigious, but is in-service centric. A Master's applies to your in-service career and after retirement opportunities. Your future employer may not realize the accomplishment of attaining membership in the Club, but will certainly recognize the value of the Master's. (depending of course on what your Master's is in) Membership in the Club is only important to those in it, and those who wish to be in it. The Master's is recognized by everyone as an additional level of commitment and education beyond the normal.

On a promotion board, is membership in the Club a tie breaker between you and another, does it carry on in relevance to the E9 board, later? I think a Master's adds value on both boards (E8 and E9), unless you feel as though the board will look at your educational accomplishment as an indicator you have too much time on your hands. And, later after retirement, will a 25 - 28 year old recruiter recognize Club membership as having greater value than a Master's? My inclination is that they won't even know what the Club is and it will become representative of the things civilians view as those things we in the military can't leave behind from our former career...

I would advise the Master's, just my opinion.

Response by MAJ Monique Ruiz made Feb 2 at 2016 12:39 PM

MAJ Monique Ruiz — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 12:39:58 -0500

You can do both. It may take longer than you would like to achieve both but it's possible and it's worth it.

Response by SSG Steve Van Erden made Feb 2 at 2016 1:27 PM

SSG Steve Van Erden — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 13:27:46 -0500

Masters unfortunately goes further than Audie Murphy on covvie side

Response by SPC James Dollins made Feb 2 at 2016 2:08 PM

SPC James Dollins — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 14:08:11 -0500

Masters

Response by SFC William Reese made Feb 2 at 2016 3:30 PM

SFC William Reese — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 15:30:46 -0500

Masters...it will help more on the outside...

Response by 1SG Eric Rice made Feb 2 at 2016 9:05 PM

1SG Eric Rice — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 21:05:44 -0500

Masters degree...hands down. What is more beneficial for you as a Soldier? The degree will give you additional benefits such as making you a more viable candidate for employment upon retirement. Belonging to SAMC is valuable while you are in but the benefits essentially end there. Just my thoughts.

Response by SSG Sandra Sutherland made Feb 3 at 2016 8:13 AM

SSG Sandra Sutherland — Wed, 03 Feb 2016 08:13:23 -0500

I love Audie Murphy, but his club can't aid my future. The answer is obvious for me... Master's degree

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2016 8:14 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Feb 2016 08:14:35 -0500

Master's Degree. It helps you after you get out.

Response by MAJ David Kline made Feb 3 at 2016 8:17 AM

MAJ David Kline — Wed, 03 Feb 2016 08:17:19 -0500

The Masters degree will serve you better in the long term. It commands a higher salary when you exit the service.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2016 9:19 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Feb 2016 09:19:47 -0500

For me that's an easy one, Masters Degree. Which one last longer and is going to do more for you? After Masters, go for SAMC.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2016 6:38 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Feb 2016 18:38:11 -0500

Masters

Response by MSG D. Layne-Sheffield made Feb 4 at 2016 1:45 PM

MSG D. Layne-Sheffield — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 13:45:36 -0500

Master's Degree is more beneficial, especially if you plan to leave the military.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2016 3:36 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 15:36:55 -0500

The MAster's Degree. SAMC isn't going to get you a better paying job when you get out.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2016 10:45 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 22:45:12 -0500

Master's degree. Hands down, every time.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2016 8:11 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 20:11:04 -0500

Master Degree

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2016 5:20 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 17:20:45 -0500

Master's Degree all the way!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2016 3:56 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 15:56:24 -0500

Master's Degree will stay with you after the military.

Response by SFC Phillip Wiley made Feb 10 at 2016 8:43 AM

SFC Phillip Wiley — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 08:43:01 -0500

Audie Murphy is a great Honor but if you must choose the Masters Degree will support you and your family.
If you don't have a family yet you most likely will at some point and the degree will be more helpful to take care of them.

Response by SFC James (JD) Flemal made Feb 15 at 2016 9:50 PM

SFC James (JD) Flemal — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 21:50:50 -0500

Audie Murphy doesn't take that long.....You'll have time to complete the Masters....Good Luck with both

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2016 5:08 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 Mar 2016 17:08:40 -0500

Master Degree since is the only thing you can use out of the two once your career in the Military is over.

Response by MSG Randy Rucker made Apr 5 at 2016 8:42 PM

MSG Randy Rucker — Tue, 05 Apr 2016 20:42:10 -0400

I did both but not at the same time. You have a family as well and they deserve some time as well or you will find yourself alone. Life is short but not that short manage your time and you can do it all

Response by SFC Victor Serrano made Jun 1 at 2016 10:31 PM

SFC Victor Serrano — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 22:31:01 -0400

Master's degree!

Response by PO1 Robin Slusher made Jul 12 at 2016 3:04 PM

PO1 Robin Slusher — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 15:04:51 -0400

Master's Degree. Honestly, I've worked as an Army civilian for 7 years and I'm not always impressed with the soldiers chosen for that award.

Response by Pat McCracken made Oct 3 at 2016 9:02 PM

Pat McCracken — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 21:02:02 -0400

I'm a firm believer in life-long learning. When talking civilian employment, however, a master's degree will be more valuable. However, being a member of the Sgt. Audie Murphy Club would definitely be an impressive addition to any resume. Go for both!!

Response by SSgt Anthony Galsim made Mar 14 at 2017 4:44 PM

SSgt Anthony Galsim — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 16:44:07 -0400

Masters Degree + Professional Certification with respect to organizational demands.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made May 26 at 2017 12:47 PM

SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM — Fri, 26 May 2017 12:47:42 -0400

I have to beg the difference because there are a lot of people out right now with Mater Degrees and NO JOB! I've seen a lot of my peers move forward as member of SAMC in the ARMY. It don't mater if you have all the awards , or combat time or Education, the board don't care, today ARMY is all out NETWORKING, if you don't have that skill you don't have both. Take from me I don't have MSD but I was inducted in 1997 SAMC and it has carried me a long way. Some people ask if it is the MOH, but I have to say "NO" but when you tell them what is for and who it is for, and what is about. It's like everyone knows who Audie Murphy was. You know there are still people right now who are like 55 years still working on there MSD and if they don't NETWORK, that MSD isn't getting them NO where. Count on it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2019 1:47 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Jun 2019 13:47:12 -0400

Masters Degree, most definite.