Posted on Oct 4, 2019
Why does having a degree as an NCO automatically equate officership?
20.1K
82
46
22
22
0
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

Suspended Profile
Train of thought is why select several years of obligated service at discounted pay...and eventually face civilian employment opps that only like hiring vets whom are prior officers - enlisted work seems to take a backseat, unless you are applying for the same job you had while enlisted.
If you are happy in the enlisted ranks, more power to you. Moreover, I knew folks who had college degrees and went the enlisted route - sometimes it is about preference and comfort level. On the plus side, you would garner more respect and have a more comprehensive ability to lead being prior enlisted if you go for the commission later on.
If you are happy in the enlisted ranks, more power to you. Moreover, I knew folks who had college degrees and went the enlisted route - sometimes it is about preference and comfort level. On the plus side, you would garner more respect and have a more comprehensive ability to lead being prior enlisted if you go for the commission later on.
SGT, I completely understand your experience on this topic. I enlisted months after graduating with a BS in Physics. As soon as somebody asked me about classes/school & I told them I had a BS, the next question was always about becoming an officer. I once had a 1st Shirt who told me “You know, he (the CC) asks me everyday if I’ve talked to you about OTS.” I appreciated the shirt only having the conversation with me once (command was the front hallway, my shop was the back). I like to think it’s because my CC thought I’d be a good officer. However, I always said the pay wasn’t worth the other Ps: politics, people & paperwork. I’m a do-er. Tell me what needs to get done & I’ll get it done. I’ve definitely gotten to a point where I have a fair amount of paperwork & where I need to deal with more people but I am glad the first 5-6 years of my career were more about doing. Thankfully, since I enlisted a bit older, I’m now past the age cutoff for OTS so the questions are now all past tense. I’ve also come to know several other SNCOs & NCOs with degrees. One of our PME instructors is working on his PhD in Chemistry. I actually asked the officer question of him & in his case, he didn’t get selected for OTS. I know other officers who didn’t make it initially either so enlisting was still their best option & then they crossed over from within. Everyone has their reasons for what they do. Some people just can’t see beyond the dollar signs. Some of us realize what each side entails & are proud to wear our rank on our sleeve (& this will wear my ABUs as long as possible).
(0)
(0)
Very provocative question. Education is education. It doesn't grant by it's presence ability to lead or discharge duties. It merely states... "formally educated". Not all are driven to become formally educated. I was so driven. Not everybody is. I think we all have known some (not very bright NCO's, as well as officers.) Lack of education doesn't infer lack of intelligence. Some of the best leaders I served under didn't have college degrees. Conversely, some of the worst leaders I served under did. Go figure.
(0)
(0)
College was no real big deal in my day. I didnt have a degree and got promoted through to SSG. Went to WOCS and retired a CW4. It is a prerequisite to have a 4 year degree to be an officer. NCOs do not have this requirement, they can do their jobs without it. But the challenge to get promoted has changed, there are more Soldiers trying to get promoted than there are positions and after you have maxout the point system, all you have left is the college option...to stand out among your peers. Some go because they want to and others go because they have to. The promotion system has created this requirement.
(0)
(0)
The goal is to get our education levels on par with our officer counterparts. A proper education will help our NCOs be effective leaders and interact more intelligently with officers when you reach the senior NCO ranks.
(0)
(0)
Agree with all. I went through the same crap coming up through the ranks. Why is it more important for an Officer to be educated than for an NCO. NCO's stay directly leading Soldiers for longer periods of their career. Historically, it was unheard of to target officers on the battlefield in fear that Soldiers and NCOs would be left aimless and without organization. Today's ENEMY is smart. They are forced to produce far greater results with fewer resources. They consider no rule of law, they justify immoral actions and results in the name of "their God", and they have no respect for the lives of any to include their women and children. They use their own children to test devices and to shield against the efforts of a moral and ethical force.(US) The Soldier and Sergeant that I stood side by side with on the battlefield had to be intelligent, politically savvy, criminal investigations capable, and possess a conscience that allows him or her to make the harder choice when presented with easier wrongs. These are not the skills of an ignorant force. These are junior enlisted and elements led by SGTs and SSGs with NO officer anywhere to be found. They do it day after day after day. Smart, Educated and Intelligent. When asked about becoming an Officer, I used to respond...I thought it more important to have smart NCOs than Officers. NCOs train Officers at every level of leadership.....
(0)
(0)
Being a Mustang brings the NCO knowledge and experience into to officer corp
(0)
(0)
A veteran who has VA loan entitlement wouldn't be extending this benefit to anyone else, but he or she could look to have the new spouse as a co-borrower on a new VA loan. You can talk to a specialist {financial Agent} in more detail VIA
Web Site: http://mahogany-lending-group.business.site/
Email: [login to see]
WhatsApp: + [login to see]
Call: [login to see]
Web Site: http://mahogany-lending-group.business.site/
Email: [login to see]
WhatsApp: + [login to see]
Call: [login to see]

Mortgage Lender in Miami
(0)
(0)
I graduated from college back when I was an E5 as well. I had thoughts of going to WOCS or OCS and was approached by an officer recruiter but I chose to stay enlisted. Plus a degree helps you get promoted (E5/E6) and it is looked at as a discriminator when you hit E8 or E9. Improving yourself is the important thing because one day all of us will leave the service.
(0)
(0)
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.
(0)
(0)
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.
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.
(0)
(0)
MAJ Byron Oyler
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.
(0)
(0)
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.
(0)
(0)
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.
(0)
(0)
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.
(0)
(0)
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...
(0)
(0)
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
(0)
(0)
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.
(0)
(0)
Read This Next