Posted on Oct 4, 2019
SGT Signals Nco
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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.*
Posted in these groups: 5f4d5dbb NCOPDSize0 OCS5a9f5691 College
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Responses: 35
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CPT Robert Boshears
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I have met more NCO’s with degrees than my entire OCS class had. I was a non college educated OCS grad (later did get a degree and went to Law School). Being an Infantry Officer was my preference.
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SFC Casey O'Mally
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Especially for younger troops, there is also the idea that you may have enlisted just shy of your degree, or already with your degree but taking advantage of some enlistment program that isn't available for officers (WAY back when I enlisted, there was college dwbt rapayment option, but only for enlisting, not for commissioning). In theae cases, you may just be "biding your time," until you can transition. The question may simply be to see where your heart is.

Additionally, the officer side has way better pay, and that carries over to a lot of things, to include retirement. If you are sticking around and have the ability to cross over, it makes fiscal sense to do so ASAP. It may not make personal sense, depending on individual goals, aspirations, talents, and/or proclivities. But a leader who wants the beat for their Soldier can't be blamed for at least asking the question.
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MAJ Byron Oyler
MAJ Byron Oyler
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Everyone should have a goal of being in retirement status far longer than they ever served and your status at retirement certainly can effect the next 40yrs of life.
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MAJ William Smith
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Congratulations! Also, I agree with your main ideas. In my time, I met many officers who would have been happier and more effective as NCOs, but they thought they were supposed to be officers because they had degrees. I also met many NCOs with degrees. Some of these NCOs were effective and happy, but some should have considered commissioning. In the end, it is all about your own personality type and goals. I went to OCS when I realized that I could picture myself as a good company commander but not as 1SG.
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CSM Darieus ZaGara
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I knew literally hundreds of NCO’s if not thousands with degrees, most of which 99.9 percent did not transition to being an Officer. So rest assured that the soft skills learned I. College are applicable to your duties as a Senior NCO, not required but helpful. More importantly it prepares to for life after the military once retired. I assure you that every CSM and SGM have degrees, many earning them in their younger years, none of which jumped to the other side. Thank you for your service.
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MAJ Byron Oyler
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One of main reasons I push people to commission, retirement pay. Say you enlist at 20, serve 20 years, and live to be 80. You will have been retired twice as long as you served and will be paid in a retirement status at enlisted retirement pay. We need quality enlisted with bachelors however the retirement pay for 40years is a lot of money.
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MAJ Lee Goehl
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When I was enlisted at FSHTX my MSG had an MBA and it was very common in the Medical field in fact if tou were a CT Tech you had a B S from Crieghton upon grad and you were an E6 or 7
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CPL Gary Pifer
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In the old days.. 1970's for me...rare on Active duty ... Except for the NG during the Vietnam War when everyone had degrees or were college students...
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PO2 Michael Martin
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Agree, it does make a difference in the long run but give me someone like an NCO who has the work ethic , the dedication to make it better for them. I.ve known several officers that I wouldn't want covering my 6. There are fine NCO's that have an education and do prefer to climb the enlisted latter, and plenty of them. I think it's a personal decision. Do whats in your heart, not what someone tells you to do
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PO1 Lyndon Thomas
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You could not be more right on that *Note
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PO1 Lyndon Thomas
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Maybe because they see the potential to be a great leader someday. Maybe they see the potential to maybe inspire Motivate ad drive your unit to be the absolute best it can be. By attaining your degrees it shows to others the determination to aspire and desire something more! I was asked this repeatedly and early in my military career. My only regret from my service is not saying Yes when they asked. It opens doors of opportunity that will never be open at the NCO level and it affords you the opportunity to do something great not only in your career but some aspiring young NCO like yourself someday. I could go on, but I'll give others an opportunity to speak. SO I part with this. SGT. Severino, change your perspective. They are offering YOU, a young Gifted and Black woman an opportunity to do greater things for you and your family. Not to mention the retirement is a huge difference between NCO and Commissioned officer. You won't regret it! Salute on making NCO, and Best wishes in the future of your military career no matter your decision.
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