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

Good question! &nbsp;Though it maybe be tough to argue that it should be a requirement, it seems that it should be heavily encouraged. &nbsp;I don't necessarily believe it should be enforced or implemented into the process for enforcement for promotion. &nbsp;I absolutely see obtaining a degree as a broadening experience and opportunity for Senior NCOs to prepare for challenges of civilian life after their military career. &nbsp;While, I don't believe having a degree should be a discriminating factor for selection or promotion, it would set a great example for others to follow. &nbsp;How can an NCO expect a Soldier to seek more knowledge and prepare for future tenure in the Army if their leaders are not constantly seeking to improve themselves along the way? &nbsp;How can a SGM or CSM expect to continually be a top performer above the Battalion Level? &nbsp;How can anyone influence beyond their chain of command? &nbsp;Some of it has to do with personality and some of it has to do with intellect. &nbsp;<div><br></div><div>Structured Self-Development, Tuition Assistance, and nominative assignments/schools exist for a reason! &nbsp;Education is key, however one must not forget that reputation and character are also present! &nbsp;Anyone can obtain a degree if they have a work ethic, BUT without strong character and institutional values a degree will only get you so far.</div><div><br></div><div>It might even be a distractor for some Senior NCOs to have this as a requirement as I know that NCOs focus needs to be on the mission and the welfare of the Soldiers. &nbsp;For the relentless and honest NCO, it might be a hurdle that can be accomplished due to the fact they are constantly seeking to improve themselves and maintain a winning attitude. &nbsp;For some, it will be another requirement in the way of them taking care of Soldiers or it could become a way for some of the lesser talented NCOs that lack certain character traits to launch ahead of their peers because they honed in on the degree program and failed to uphold the NCO Creed. &nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>For those who are so inclined to feel that 2LTs are lacking experience and are no different than a brand new, out of the box, straight from BCT---Soldier. &nbsp;It is your responsibility to train them, steer them in the right direction, and tactfully mentor them. &nbsp;The really good enlisted leaders, train officers without them even knowing it! &nbsp;So if the officers are not learning or they lack direction, some of it is on them of course, however some of the concern or heartache points back to the NCOs! &nbsp;It is a steep learning curve for most and if they have the right attitude, morals, etc. then they have the potential to excel! &nbsp;</div>

No, I do not think a degree should be required for promotion.  I do, however, think it should be valued because I think obtaining a degree enhances the Total Soldier concept.  As NCOs we are charged to continually seek self-improvement.  We can do this a number of ways but, at a minimum, getting one's degree shows the dedication to go above and beyond what the Army requires of us.  

I don't believe it should be a requirement to be a SGM/CSM. 

A education is a good thing to have but lets get to the nitty gritty here. Below is just a few of the things I look for in a NCO.

When I look at NCO's I look at the person, how they perform their job, how they train their troops, how they put their troops first and commanders second, how they teach their soldiers to think for themselves and not follow orders blindly, how they respond in emergency situations and combat situations,  how they take responsibility for their actions and their troops actions.

Depending how NCO's do in these type situations should determine if they should go up in NCO rank. I could give a rats ass about their education level. If they can do the job then give it to them.

No. 

Take it from someone who has earned 9 college degrees, the highest of which is a Master of Software Engineering (University of Maryland University College)....the degree doesn't make the Soldier, the Soldier makes the degree.  You get out of it what you put into it.

Making it a requirement across the board for promotion to SGM/CSM is a mistake in my opinion, because that requires skills that are not necessarily taught in college.

Great discussion. I believe this is why they are changing the TA program now. Too many enlisted Soldiers (usually SSG-SFC) were forgoing their careers and just trudging along so they could get a retirement as either a SSG or SFC but leave the service with a Masters. Now I don't think there is anything wrong with NCOs (mostly Sr. NCOs) being offered an opportunity for degree completion (like Warrants are offered). If an NCO worked hard and completed an AA why not allow them to finish a bachelors degree. The understanding would have to be that the degree has to benefit the Army (Just like the officers who pursue Masters on the Army's dime). So an NCO in the infantry should seek a 4-year degree with a focus on Military Strategy or Organizational Leadership.&nbsp;

I'm going to go against the masses prolly and say not only yes but to MSG as well. If as a 1SG you are expected to review hundreds of NCOERs but haven't taken a single English class I think it sets the company up at a disadvantage. I've seen some of my peers' writing and comprehension and it's appalling. When they speak and write they look like six year olds. 

Although I am strong advocate for pursuing a civilian education, a degree most certainly should not be a requirement to be selected for USASMA or the CSL. Within each respective career field are certain leadership and training requirements that are far more important for our most senior NCOs to have then a degree. I do applaud NCOs that spend countless hours of their time to earning a degree just not at the expense of our Soldier's time.