When competing for upper enlisted ranks (E7-E9) would an associates degree in mechanical engineering technology put me above other people?

2020-07-22T11:58:53-04:00

Would an associates degree offer promotion points? I already have 74 college credit hours hours but no degree. When I get to my first duty station I plan on finishing my associates in MET. I’m coming in an E-3 because of these credits, but if I get the actual degree, will it offer more promotion points, or no since I already have a great deal of credits?

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Jul 22 at 2020 12:04 PM

2020-07-22T12:04:17-04:00

Yes... And No.
An Associate's degree is better than no degree. But to be truly competitive you need to keep going. Work towards that Bachelor degree and beyond.
Yes, absolutely get your AS. But then get your BS, too. The Army is changing /has changed for the most part. By the time you are looking at SFC, having a Bachelor's degree will be the norm; NOT having one will set you apart - and not in a good way.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2020 12:05 PM

2020-07-22T12:05:54-04:00

Any degree will put you ahead of your peers. The type of degree is hidden to the board members. Every year the boards put out an AAR describing what job positions and qualifications made people more competitive. Every year they state that a degree makes a Soldier more competitive above their peers

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2020 12:06 PM

2020-07-22T12:06:00-04:00

Any degree will always be more beneficial than a lot of credits.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2020 1:30 PM

2020-07-22T13:30:53-04:00

Yes. It double-dips a little bit for Promotion Points, to my understanding (Currently working on 2xAS). You get Promotion Points for the credits, and then you also get a single dose of 20 points for *finishing* a degree while in the Army. For more info, you can check out the Army HRC automatic point-calculator at this link (CAC Login): https://www.hrcapps.army.mil/ppw/

I've attached a screenshot of the particular part you'll want to look at.

ppw

Response by SSG Brian G. made Jul 22 at 2020 1:40 PM

2020-07-22T13:40:57-04:00

Yes and no. They don't look at what the degree is in, only that you have one. An AS will only set you apart from those that don't have a degree.

Basically You should have or be working on your AS in grades E-1 thru E-3 and hopefully have your BS by E-4. In these grades it will not count towards much of anything except to earn points on Soldier Boards.

Once you become E-4 (P) and are looking to make E-5 that is where the degrees factor in more heavily and an AS will weigh more, but as you advance in rank, only having an AS will actually hurt you among your peers as most are going to be hard charging on that secondary education.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2020 2:10 PM

2020-07-22T14:10:01-04:00

Most senior leaders have more advanced degrees. I don't think I have met a CSM that didn't have at least a Bachelor degree to be honest.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2020 4:48 PM

2020-07-22T16:48:35-04:00

You don't get promotion points when you are going for SFC or higher. It will help you for promotion points to SGT and SSG though yes. A bachelor's would max out your civilian education.

If you make it to being looked at for SFC, having a degree can help yes.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2020 8:14 PM

2020-07-22T20:14:55-04:00

Its good that you are thinking long term now. I'd recommend that you go as far as you can educationally, an Associates degree will help, but a Bachelors will really do more. Get your degree to help you in the Army but get it for you invest in yourself now and reap the rewards later. Much success to you in your career.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2020 8:24 PM

2020-07-22T20:24:50-04:00

It will help, but it don't rely on civilian education alone. Make sure you do military education as well. A lot of people avoid military schools thinking a degree is all they need, not the case.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2020 11:39 PM

2020-07-23T23:39:16-04:00

Show continued education. Couple your degree with military learning as well. Boards want to see a broad range of military and civilian education alongside MOS and broadening assignments(Recruiter, Drill Sergeant, Instructor, Ops NCO) also take in additional duty assignments. EO, UPL, SHARP. Good luck and keep crushing it!

Response by SP6 Ben Gordolion made Apr 27 at 2022 5:41 AM

2022-04-27T05:41:39-04:00

Is something changed after two years at this question?

Response by SN Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2022 12:40 PM

2022-04-29T12:40:25-04:00

You will be ahead of your peers if you have a degree. It's just the way life works. It's hard to mix education and soldiering. When I was in such a situation, I asked for help from this service https://uk.edubirdie.com/law-assignment to help me with my study tasks. You need to make easy at least one part of your life to get successful in the future.

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