Posted on Jan 22, 2018
Which is the better route, enlisting and completing my degree or graduating and then getting a commission?
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I am a current member of the NC Air National Guard. I have been in for 2 years and I am finally getting back into college. I have finished my first year and enrolling for my second year. I'm 21 years old and my goal is to commission. As an enlistee, my job is Engineering Apprentice (EA) and want to continue to follow that path as an Air Force Civil Engineer officer. As I continue through college.. I think about following the path of enlisted as an EA so I can start my career now and commit my full 20 years to hopefully make E-9, or I stick it out and get an engineering/architecture degree to commission as a Civil Engineer in 4 years.
My uncle, a retired CMSgt, and my aunt, a Air Guard Captain, both tell me that the best thing for me to do is commission first then go active duty. I have also spoken to the Cadre's at my school for AFRTOC, they advised me to just get any degree and commission to be a pilot. But that isn't what I want to do. I love my job in the field of engineering, its what I'm good at.
I know I'm young, I know I'm being impatient, but I am truly wondering if the enlisted route without a degree is just the better option for me. So I'm curious, I've always heard that even enlisted folks have college degrees to make themselves more competitive for promotions. So that is also a reason I've stayed in college thus far.
Will having a degree enlisted make me more competitive for promotional slots?
Should I go active now and just take online classes?
Should I stay in college, get my degree, and commission active duty?
My uncle, a retired CMSgt, and my aunt, a Air Guard Captain, both tell me that the best thing for me to do is commission first then go active duty. I have also spoken to the Cadre's at my school for AFRTOC, they advised me to just get any degree and commission to be a pilot. But that isn't what I want to do. I love my job in the field of engineering, its what I'm good at.
I know I'm young, I know I'm being impatient, but I am truly wondering if the enlisted route without a degree is just the better option for me. So I'm curious, I've always heard that even enlisted folks have college degrees to make themselves more competitive for promotions. So that is also a reason I've stayed in college thus far.
Will having a degree enlisted make me more competitive for promotional slots?
Should I go active now and just take online classes?
Should I stay in college, get my degree, and commission active duty?
Enlisted-to-Officer
ROTC
College
Education
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 8
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First, to answer your questions:
1. Yes, having a degree as an enlisted Servicemember WILL make you more competitive for promotion.
2. That's one option.
3. This is the option *I* would choose if I were you - "Stay in college, get your degree, and commission active duty.
Now, there's something to be said for being enlisted for awhile first, but its by no means a requirement. If you want to stay in and retire, the Officer side is more comfortable and you have more opportunities to make a difference in bigger ways.
If you have more questions, let me know, I'm happy to provide what experience and help I can.
1. Yes, having a degree as an enlisted Servicemember WILL make you more competitive for promotion.
2. That's one option.
3. This is the option *I* would choose if I were you - "Stay in college, get your degree, and commission active duty.
Now, there's something to be said for being enlisted for awhile first, but its by no means a requirement. If you want to stay in and retire, the Officer side is more comfortable and you have more opportunities to make a difference in bigger ways.
If you have more questions, let me know, I'm happy to provide what experience and help I can.
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A couple of answers. Yes, civilian education does count towards enlisted promotions, but not a lot. If you are serious about a commission, my advice would be to finish your second year of college, join ROTC during your Junior year, your MOS should exempt you from the first two years, and stay in a SMP program with your current Guard Unit. The SMP program will promote you to E-5 pay grade and you don't lose TIS with you are a Cadet. Then complete the last two years, get your degree and a commission. This also still allows you to use any state educational benefits and still get drill pay too.
Don't know how the Air Force does an officers wish list for jobs. The Army tries to give you your first choice, but it's the Needs of the Service and there are no guarantees.
Don't know how the Air Force does an officers wish list for jobs. The Army tries to give you your first choice, but it's the Needs of the Service and there are no guarantees.
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To commission, you will need a degree. Beyond that, follow your heart and your career desires. Set your goal then go for it. Whether or not a degree will make you more competitive is not in my knowledge bank. Things have changed since my day. I wish you well.
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