Should a 4-year degree be a requirement for selection to E-9?

I do not think it should be a formal requirement.  I do believe it will become a standard that we set for ourselves in the future.  There are many different avenues available today for Soldiers to seek a degree.  Some of those options require us to think outside of the box and may not include a brick and mortar option for some.  I am a big fan online program from accredited schools.  Things really changed for me in 2002 when the Army brought in EArmyU.  Prior to that I had to withdraw from a lot of courses due to mission.  I was able to take cases at my own pass online through CTC so if I had a mission that would prevent me from going to class it did not equate to automatically withdrawing from that class.  This was also a benefit for me because I did not have to rush home, change and then head right back out the door to get to class. 

I could see some sort of system where an associates degree (or 60 SH) is required for selection.  I could then see some possibility where USASMA affiliates with a university system that validates the curriculum, extend the course to 52 weeks and a BS in Military Science is conferred upon completion of the course.

I definitely believe a BA or BS should be required for selection to certain nominative positions!

I have to vote a strong yes. As a young soldier and as a junior NCO I heard it stressed time and time again that we needed to constantly better ourselves. To pursue further military and civilian education. While a degree may not necessarily make you a better leader, obtaining an education will help to shape you into a more rounded leader. It also sets the example for those you wish to lead. For how can you tell the soldiers they should pursue an education and utilize the Army programs if you have not yourself? Completing your degree while enlisted is tough, I understand that because I started as a PV2 and didn't complete my degree until I was a SSG. But when you achieve a B.A. or a B.S. it demonstrates to your junior NCOs that you have the perseverance, the know how, and the ability to multitask on and off duty to accomplish such a feat.

Furthermore, whether a degree is "necessary" or not while in the military, by the time you are "rounding third base" and on the home stretch of your career, it would just be a more wise decision to possess an advanced degree. With the amount of veterans that will began to transition out of the military and into the civilian job market over the next few years, simply being a veteran isn't going to hold much weight as it may have in the past.

Here is an article from 2012 which stresses employers who are seeking military veterans WITH a degree.

http://thevalueofaveteran.wordpress.com/2012/06/03/bachelors-degree-vs-military-experience-why-do-employers-view-one-as-less-valuable/

When I was a recruiter I remember the Air Force recruiter posting the statistics for enlisted degree completion amongst the different services. It was a low blow but they had reason to be proud. The Air Force does a much better job at promoting college completion from within its own ranks. While true, they may not have been as mission saturated as the Army over the past 12 years, they've still got those numbers to stand behind. Which draws in more young people who have college minded goals on their agenda when comparing services.

http://www.afpc.af.mil/library/airforcepersonneldemographics.asp

I would urge anyone interested in pursuing college to do it and do it as now. Even if you must nickel and dime classes in between deployments. It can be done, but the longer you wait, the more likely you are to see our college benefits and TA reduced and/or cut. Such as the Alaract 317/2013 message which will reduce TA from $4500 a year to $4000.

http://langea.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/ALARACT-3172013-FY14-Tuition-Assistance-Policy.pdf

Air Force Personnel Center - Air Force Personnel Demographics

Bachelors Degree vs. Military Experience - Why Do Employers View One as Less Valuable?

When I speak to employers on developing military recruiting programs, a veteran’s level of education is an area that generates a lot of discussion.  I hear time and again “where can I find the ones...

I think it should not be a requirement.

I joined the Army as an Infantryman, my job is to close with and destroy the enemies of the USA (and do area beautification).  While I am pursuing a degree in Investigative Forensics, is that going to make me a better Infantryman?  A better leader?  No.  The tools I need to lead my men and excel at my job are not found in the halls of your local alma mater; they are found through experience and dedication to the capacity in which you volunteered to serve.

It is possible for most to attain a degree in their career, it requires extra effort, but those that make it their sole focus are dead weight to the Army and they cause others to pick up their slack.  The 2nd and 3rd order effects of an NCO who doesn't do his job reach down to the lowest private, as your seniors, peers, and subordinates are giving up extra time and effort to complete your end of the mission.

Requiring a degree to become a Sergeant Major seems like a pretty low priority in the grand scheme of things when we look at what else needs to be fixed within our organizations.