The True Importance of an Education While in the Military

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 18:52:14 -0500

I will start this out based on my outlook of it and the same outlook I give Soldier's. I am currently working to a B.A. in Business Leadership, and I also have a technical degree in Automotive Maintenance. But the true importance of an education is not the paper or the promotion points, it is the practical image of a person who is devoted to self development. I understand that a lot of people look to the Military as a career, however I have seen it many times where SM's get out and have a hard time finding a job that suit's thier experiance. I hate that this happens but in this industrial and economic times or hardship, to show the dedication to better your craft and show the self starter attitude it is hard to be denied of ability both mental and physical when combined with a Military background. Please give me your thoughts so we can both help one another to motivate SM's both young and seasoned.

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 13 at 2013 4:51 PM

SFC James Baber — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 16:51:46 -0500

I think continuing your education shows even more discipline and dedication to not only your craft but to emphasize your willingness to better yourself, that is something that will show your potential to your leaders and to outside employers as well once you leave the service. Education is never going to hurt you, but it will make you stand above the rest while serving and will make you better marketable once you leave or retire from service.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2014 2:41 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 02:41:58 -0400

I think being 'educated' is important. The higher we move up on the enlisted side, we could be working along some Field Grades with multiple Master's Degrees. It is important to be able to "talk the same language" so to speak. But education is NOT everything and I do agree with you.

You can be 24 years old with a B.A. in Business Leadership but are you really ready to be a leader or manager of a business? Or would a 24 year old Sergeant that has a few years leading Soldiers and managing a team or squad would be better suited? I'd take the NCO with experience rather a college graduate with ZERO experience.

SFC Cornelius, in our maintenance realm, we cannot learn to be mechanic's through a classroom. We have to be out there troubleshooting and using the trial/error methods to fix or figure out the fault. Using a TM as a guide will assist in building experience, but that experience and knowledge comes from actually doing it.

Ok, I've rambled enough. Just my thoughts.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Mar 22 at 2014 2:51 AM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 02:51:35 -0400

Education is important. It is not only important for advancement through the ranks, but also is a combat multiplier when you take the uniform off and hit the job search. Education shows a desire to better ones self. It shows a desire to continue to improve ones knowledge base and ones marketability. I agree with you SFC Cornelius, the little piece of paper is less important than the self development aspect of education. College classes may not make me "smarter" in a traditional sense, but they helped me hone skills such as time management, critical thinking and research and analysis. These are very desirable skills not only in the military, but I understand they are also important in the civilian world as well.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jan 12 at 2015 12:02 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 00:02:27 -0500

Once you see how expensive it is as a civilian you will want to beat your head against the wall. Veterans and retirees only get a whopping 10% discount (on average) with tuition rates.

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Jan 12 at 2015 12:49 PM

SFC Michael Jackson, MBA — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 12:49:06 -0500

Having a degree opens the door for opportunities in the military such as officer candidacy, Warrant Officer opportunities, fellowships, etc.
Getting an education while in the military also prepares service members for opportunities to be competitive when they exit the service. A degree is common requirement for many jobs; experience and military often isn't enough to qualify for positions.
A service member may have an edge all things being equal in education and experience against a civilian counterpart because Soldiers, in most cases, come with intangibles such as discipline, hard-working, drug free, punctual, etc. (no guarantee, but a good chance some of these things will be considered)
One key element is to have an education and be qualified for positions