What do you all think about Enlisted Soldiers getting extra pay for their degrees Bachelors and higher?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 10:52:07 -0500

I was asked this question so I am bringing it to you all to weigh in

Response by TSgt David L. made Nov 14 at 2015 11:13 AM

TSgt David L. — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 11:13:34 -0500

IMO, if you want more money for your degree, get a commission. Otherwise, get educated to better yourself and enjoy the degree when you ETS/retire. Just my thinking.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2015 11:51 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 11:51:19 -0500

Does the degree relate to the job? AND, does the person with the degree outperform those without?

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Nov 14 at 2015 12:31 PM

LTC Kevin B. — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 12:31:51 -0500

I don't like that idea (for enlisted or officers). Performance is what should be rewarded, not credentials. The degree is simply a credential that represents some underlying set of knowledge and/or competencies that may or may not be related to your job. If that credential enables you to perform better in your job, your performance will get you promoted, and the promotion will bring higher pay. Alternatively, if the credential qualifies you for a new job, and your performance in that new job is exemplary, then the performance will lead to promotions and pay raises. Simply providing extra pay for having a degree, any degree, ignores whether or not it is relevant to your role in the military (or any other organization, for that matter).

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2015 12:42 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 12:42:49 -0500

The fact that the service will pay for the degree is compensation enough. If you want better pay, go OCS.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Nov 14 at 2015 1:31 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 13:31:08 -0500

Great 'idea', but not physically responsible/possible. The military already provides avenues for qualified degree holders to join its officer ranks and earn extra pay.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 14 at 2015 5:59 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 17:59:09 -0500

The military will never be that generous.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Nov 14 at 2015 6:40 PM

SGT Jerrold Pesz — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 18:40:20 -0500

No.

Response by MSgt Daniel Attilio made Nov 14 at 2015 7:20 PM

MSgt Daniel Attilio — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 19:20:56 -0500

For USMC it is captured on the FitReps - if the IM indicates and provides documentation. This can be the difference in being promoted above peers. However I have seen individuals that attained their degrees but did not complete the USMC PME and rendered the effort near worthless. You have to give to the Corps before you give to yourself. It is hypercompetitive environment, put in the work and reap the rewards - all else being equal.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2015 5:39 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 05:39:15 -0500

Absolutely not. The vast majority of the time I see enlisted individuals with degrees while on active duty it is because they care more about themselves getting that piece of paper than actually being efficient at their job and caring about others.

Response by SGT Edward Thomas made Nov 16 at 2015 7:23 AM

SGT Edward Thomas — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 07:23:27 -0500

Back when I was first in the Army there was an Enlisted MOS that required a bachelors degree to even enter it. It was biological sciences something or another. I don't recall them ever getting extra pay except automatically advanced to SP4. I knew many soldiers who had degrees, most of which were earned while in service. I never knew them to receive extra pay. But hey if that had been the thing when I was in I certainly would have put more effort into obtaining my degree.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2015 9:17 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 09:17:24 -0500

Sure - it's called transitioning to the officer/warrant officer corps.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Nov 16 at 2015 9:19 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 09:19:23 -0500

This was something I have always supported. Troops are encouraged to get 4 year degrees with no incentive while remaining. Now, on the other hand, I do believe in a degree for knowledge, but if seniors wanted their troops to earn a degree, it should be for a reason.

Now, if it doesn't work, than the troop should try to get commissioned so they are in a position that better suits them based on their education and background.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2015 9:25 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 09:25:26 -0500

The military already pays for your degree free and clear. When I came in, tuition assistance was 75% and I regret not taking advantage of it back then. Now it's being given for free. You can walk out of the military with a Master's, completely paid for, with enough GI Bill left over to give your spouse an associate or technical certification.
On top of that, it makes you more competitive for promotion. Promotion is extra pay.

Response by SCPO Joshua I made Nov 18 at 2015 1:39 AM

SCPO Joshua I — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 01:39:17 -0500

I get extra pay. Tuition assistance and GI Bill.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2016 7:11 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 19:11:47 -0500

One of the best teachers I ever had had a "normal" Degree. When asked about the extra pay for a master's degree his comment was - "I think there are too many degrees and not enough masters.

M point? The performance is what matters not the level of education.