NCO Civilian Education....slowly starting to catch up

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 04:23:24 -0500

http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/careers/army/enlisted/2015/02/21/sergeants-major-academy-fellowships/23688815/

Finally, the Army is starting to offer education opportunities for advanced degrees to our NCOs...but why stop there? There are several programs out there for the officer corps, why not continue to expand them to your NCOs. The Army could only benefit from expanding the educational advancement of all it's Soldiers!

Application rules announced for new SGM degree program

Sergeant Major Academy fellowship board to meet in April.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2015 7:10 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 07:10:17 -0500

This is an opportunity that will only benefit a few senior NCOs (and a pathetic attempt at recruiting instructors).

A fellowship should be offered at the E-7/E-8 level. That benefits both the NCO and the Army because the NCO will have ample time to apply that education. Most CSM/SGM are already working toward their Masters Degree by the time they attend USASMA.

Don't want to sound like I am turning on my own but I wouldn't apply for this opportunity. I would rather compete to be a battalion or brigade CSM and spend that three years leading Soldiers.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2015 7:57 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 07:57:10 -0500

I think that it sounds like a good plan. However, as CSM Private RallyPoint Member alluded to, this will present the same professional conundrum that higher education has presented to officers for years: 4 years away from the fighting force can be a liability. While one SGM was a CSM for four years at a brigade, the other SGM was teaching. Which one will seem for competitive for that GO-level CSM position? On the other hand, this may provide the perfect "Take-a-knee" moment for many intelligent men and women, or the perfect final assignment for a SGM who wants to fade into retirement.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Feb 22 at 2015 8:59 AM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 08:59:57 -0500

It is a start...as small and weak is it is.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2015 9:03 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 09:03:26 -0500

I just wish there were something for WOs other than TWI...and I wish it were available to the reserve components too.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2015 9:05 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 09:05:09 -0500

LTC Private RallyPoint Member Some of the NCOs already have a master degree. And yes, they should expand it to PhD. But the Army doesn't think our rank is high enough to get a PhD, or a master even.

Response by SSG Mike Busovicki made Nov 9 at 2018 11:41 AM

SSG Mike Busovicki — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 11:41:47 -0500

Agreed!

Response by CPT Robert Boshears made Nov 10 at 2018 5:45 PM

CPT Robert Boshears — Sat, 10 Nov 2018 17:45:00 -0500

Have you (or anyone) taken CLEP tears? Can be fee waiver for military... and (use myself as an example), I was awarded 2 years of undergrad credits.