Posted on Oct 4, 2019
Why does having a degree as an NCO automatically equate officership?
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This question is for my senior NCOs and officers.
Background:
I graduated in May with my Bachelors. My unit mobilized and we are now deployed. I figured that I didn’t want to put off my graduate education for 9 months, so I continued my studies. As of 22 August, I am a grad school student! When people find out that I have a degree let alone starting my second one, I get wide-eyed stares. In fact, most of my encounters end with advice such as “why aren’t you an officer” or “what are you doing enlisted?” It eludes to the idea that 1) NCOs are not educated; 2) heaven forbid if you are, why waste your skill set on being an NCO. As a newly promoted sergeant, it’s a kick in the face to the corps as a whole.
Question: Why are we pushing our NCOs to become officers because they have an education? We are stripping our units of outstanding individuals instead of retaining them and bolstering our corps. (Not trying to dismiss officers, just a proud NCO.)
*Note: I understand that college isn’t for everyone and not having a degree doesn’t make you less or better than your counterparts. It does make a difference in the long run.*
Background:
I graduated in May with my Bachelors. My unit mobilized and we are now deployed. I figured that I didn’t want to put off my graduate education for 9 months, so I continued my studies. As of 22 August, I am a grad school student! When people find out that I have a degree let alone starting my second one, I get wide-eyed stares. In fact, most of my encounters end with advice such as “why aren’t you an officer” or “what are you doing enlisted?” It eludes to the idea that 1) NCOs are not educated; 2) heaven forbid if you are, why waste your skill set on being an NCO. As a newly promoted sergeant, it’s a kick in the face to the corps as a whole.
Question: Why are we pushing our NCOs to become officers because they have an education? We are stripping our units of outstanding individuals instead of retaining them and bolstering our corps. (Not trying to dismiss officers, just a proud NCO.)
*Note: I understand that college isn’t for everyone and not having a degree doesn’t make you less or better than your counterparts. It does make a difference in the long run.*
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 35
I dealt with the same questions when people found out that I had an associates degree and a bachelors degree before I enlisted and even more so when I earned another associates and bachelors degree while I was in. There is absolutely no shame in having degrees and staying enlisted and it actually makes you more competitive for future promotions. There also is no shame in going from enlisted to officer (commissioned or Warrant) if you or anyone else decides to do so. Good luck with your future.
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That doesn't happen as much in the Air Force I think. Also. I agree that it is mostly with your young age.
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I was once leaned on by my company commander in my Reserve unit to take the Reserve's version of a direct commission, which would only have been possible because of my degree, so I have seen that a little bit, but there are many(!) NCOs with college under their belts. I wanted to stay NCO, and I certainly didn't want to take the one O slot he presented to me...that being the PL of the platoon I was already a part of! Just imagine, June drill: 1st Platoon, 1st Squad, E5 team leader; July drill 1st Platoon PL! Too weird, no thanks! LOL!
Still, all things considered, I never really got the feeling that as a corp, NCOs were ever assumed to be "uneducated", and those who were, "should" be officers. I guess your experience has been different. If you don't want the Big O, stay NCO and worry not about anything else.
Good luck in Grad school, BTW. I had to opt not to reenlist in the Reserves partly so I could dedicate my time to Grad school, and it will be a challenge for you, but as you wrapped up undergrad while still in Uncle Sam's loving embrace, you already have what it takes to be a soldier and a student...even if the educational demands may be a bit different.
Still, all things considered, I never really got the feeling that as a corp, NCOs were ever assumed to be "uneducated", and those who were, "should" be officers. I guess your experience has been different. If you don't want the Big O, stay NCO and worry not about anything else.
Good luck in Grad school, BTW. I had to opt not to reenlist in the Reserves partly so I could dedicate my time to Grad school, and it will be a challenge for you, but as you wrapped up undergrad while still in Uncle Sam's loving embrace, you already have what it takes to be a soldier and a student...even if the educational demands may be a bit different.
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A degree does not equate "officership". I received my Masters as an SGT (E5), and encouraged all of my Soldiers to continue their education while serving. Historically, benefits go unused once a Soldier is released from duty. On the Reserve side of the house, unless the Soldier qualifies for the Post 9-11 the majority of their education benefits end once they are no longer a satisfactory participant. Having an advanced degree is necessary once you get more rank as an enlisted member. I've never really seen anyone "PUSH" an enlisted member to become an officer if they had a degree, although I do get the wide eyes when they find out we have MA degrees.
If you look at trend analysis, as enlisted Soldiers we actually have the highest education levels compared to our civilian counterparts. It seems like you are reading into it. I did not choose the officer path because if I would have chosen officer I would not have received SLRP (40,000 at the time). It was more important to pay off my loans.
Maybe you get those questions because of who they are and where they are at, not because of who YOU are and where YOU are at. Change your Circle Sergeant!
Are you getting those questions from other NCO's or Officers?
If you look at trend analysis, as enlisted Soldiers we actually have the highest education levels compared to our civilian counterparts. It seems like you are reading into it. I did not choose the officer path because if I would have chosen officer I would not have received SLRP (40,000 at the time). It was more important to pay off my loans.
Maybe you get those questions because of who they are and where they are at, not because of who YOU are and where YOU are at. Change your Circle Sergeant!
Are you getting those questions from other NCO's or Officers?
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I feel like you leaped to the wrong conclusion here...
No one says "you have a degree, you should be an officer!" because being NCO's aren't educated. They say it because OFFICERS MAKE MORE MONEY, and if you have an opportunity to get paid more, why wouldn't you?
No one says "you have a degree, you should be an officer!" because being NCO's aren't educated. They say it because OFFICERS MAKE MORE MONEY, and if you have an opportunity to get paid more, why wouldn't you?
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