Posted on Feb 3, 2015
Think you can't earn a college degree while being on active duty? Think again!
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Sometimes, when people reminisce about where they’ve been and where they’re headed, profound thoughts that are so simple, but so powerful, will emerge. About a year ago, while Alan Arnold, Master Gunnery Sergeant for the United States Marine Corps, was preparing for Grantham University’s commencement program, he dropped one of those gold nuggets of truth.
“I tell everyone,” he said, “do one of two things, join the military or go to college.”
Then he paused and added, “And if you’re lucky, you can do them both.”
What a remarkable goal: Be a part of the greatest fighting force the world has ever known and earn an online college degree at the same time.
Arnold isn’t the exception to the rule, but rather part of a group who has found the solution that helps service members do both: a 100% online degree program.
Consider another Grantham alum. Staff Sergeant Kevin M. Murphy, US Army, Associate of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies – stopped by to give his perspective on pursuing a degree while in the military.
Q1: What’s it like earning an online college degree while serving active duty for your country?
If you want it that bad, you can make it happen. With the help of the discussion posts and teachers with good hours, it comes together and you find out it isn’t as difficult as you would think going into it.
Q2: Why do it? Why work so hard for a degree while on active duty, whether you’re deployed or not?
Preparing myself now to transition to the outside world will make that transition that much smoother. Knowing that I have the military experience and a degree from Grantham sets me up that much more for success. It also doesn’t hurt that while I am in, earning a degree is something the Army is looking at more and more for promotions.
Q3: What does a degree do for your career?
The Army is drawing down from the battle rhythm of multiple deployments. Being deployed every other year is no longer an excuse. They are more focused on who has taken the time, in conjunction with what is going on at work, to earn a degree and not stop at just one, but continue to earn it as long as they can. Why stop at an online associate degree when you can earn a master’s?
Q4: Do you have tips for military service members considering pursuing a degree on active duty?
At the end of the day, just get your degree. I have known soldiers in all different situations, duty stations, jobs and so forth that have been able to earn a degree. It’s a matter of how bad you want it. There are so many ways to get your degree - even if it is one class at a time, you’re earning it.
Do more than be inspired by Kevin's story. Do something about it! Check out Grantham today.
Learn more about Grantham University!: http://rly.pt/GranthamUniversity
“I tell everyone,” he said, “do one of two things, join the military or go to college.”
Then he paused and added, “And if you’re lucky, you can do them both.”
What a remarkable goal: Be a part of the greatest fighting force the world has ever known and earn an online college degree at the same time.
Arnold isn’t the exception to the rule, but rather part of a group who has found the solution that helps service members do both: a 100% online degree program.
Consider another Grantham alum. Staff Sergeant Kevin M. Murphy, US Army, Associate of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies – stopped by to give his perspective on pursuing a degree while in the military.
Q1: What’s it like earning an online college degree while serving active duty for your country?
If you want it that bad, you can make it happen. With the help of the discussion posts and teachers with good hours, it comes together and you find out it isn’t as difficult as you would think going into it.
Q2: Why do it? Why work so hard for a degree while on active duty, whether you’re deployed or not?
Preparing myself now to transition to the outside world will make that transition that much smoother. Knowing that I have the military experience and a degree from Grantham sets me up that much more for success. It also doesn’t hurt that while I am in, earning a degree is something the Army is looking at more and more for promotions.
Q3: What does a degree do for your career?
The Army is drawing down from the battle rhythm of multiple deployments. Being deployed every other year is no longer an excuse. They are more focused on who has taken the time, in conjunction with what is going on at work, to earn a degree and not stop at just one, but continue to earn it as long as they can. Why stop at an online associate degree when you can earn a master’s?
Q4: Do you have tips for military service members considering pursuing a degree on active duty?
At the end of the day, just get your degree. I have known soldiers in all different situations, duty stations, jobs and so forth that have been able to earn a degree. It’s a matter of how bad you want it. There are so many ways to get your degree - even if it is one class at a time, you’re earning it.
Do more than be inspired by Kevin's story. Do something about it! Check out Grantham today.
Learn more about Grantham University!: http://rly.pt/GranthamUniversity
Education
Grantham University
Command Post
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 23
Getting a college degree while on active duty is one of the hands down SMARTEST professional decisions a service member can make. No question about it. Looking back on my time, I feel like I implicitly let down some of my subordinates by not pushing them harder toward getting a college degree.
This quote from the piece stuck out to me most: "...you find out it isn’t as difficult as you would think going into it." Think of all the crazy difficult things we do while we are in the military -- physical, mental, and emotional challenges that we overcome because we believe in one another and believe in ourselves. Getting a college degree while you're wearing the uniform is just another positive challenge, and one that will often reward you greatly BOTH inside and outside the military as years go by.
I would shout this from the top of a hill if I could -- If you are a service member right now, please do yourself a huge favor and at least pause and consider what a college degree could do for you professionally. There are ways to get it done. Treat it like a mission. You must always complete the mission. Make this your mission and you will exceed even your loftiest expectations of yourself in the classroom. Do it for yourself. Do it for your family. Do it for the military brothers and sisters to your left and right!
This quote from the piece stuck out to me most: "...you find out it isn’t as difficult as you would think going into it." Think of all the crazy difficult things we do while we are in the military -- physical, mental, and emotional challenges that we overcome because we believe in one another and believe in ourselves. Getting a college degree while you're wearing the uniform is just another positive challenge, and one that will often reward you greatly BOTH inside and outside the military as years go by.
I would shout this from the top of a hill if I could -- If you are a service member right now, please do yourself a huge favor and at least pause and consider what a college degree could do for you professionally. There are ways to get it done. Treat it like a mission. You must always complete the mission. Make this your mission and you will exceed even your loftiest expectations of yourself in the classroom. Do it for yourself. Do it for your family. Do it for the military brothers and sisters to your left and right!
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Many of the RallyPoint "mega-contributers" have earned their masters degree online and some spent the majority of their career to do it. Talk about a gut check! Multiple schools, deployments, marriage, kids, and retiring with a masters degree. RESPECT!!!
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SGM Erik Marquez
Completely agree, it takes a lot of determination to do that over the long haul while maintaining all the rest. Much respect to those that made it work.
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SFC Mark Merino
My poor kids growing up were frustrated with school work and watching 40+ y/o dad still in school. "Are we ever going to stop going to school?!" I had to laugh (because crying in front of the kids isn't an option)...lol
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PO2 Ryan Brogan
I'm a week out from finishing my bachelors degree. Completing it on sea duty is definitely one of the hardest things I've ever done. But, I got the Navy to pay for all of it by utilizing tuition assistance! Now, I'm preparing to separate and pursue my masters with the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Hard work pays off!
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It's very feasible if soldiers get their heads out of their ass and use their time responsbility. So many soldiers have told me thay don't have time for school, and then use all their free time to drink and party. You don't have time or you don't want to make time?
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SGT Kristin Wiley
SGM Erik Marquez
That is correct, I do not think deployment in itself is an excuse. As you mentioned, it is all about the resources available during a deployment. There is a difference between saying that "I didn't attend college because I was deployed", and saying that "there were no opportunities for me to attend college while I was deployed." The first is an excuse in my opinion, but the second is a valid reason. My issue is with soldiers who have more than enough time and opportunties to attend college, and refuse to put in the work.
That is correct, I do not think deployment in itself is an excuse. As you mentioned, it is all about the resources available during a deployment. There is a difference between saying that "I didn't attend college because I was deployed", and saying that "there were no opportunities for me to attend college while I was deployed." The first is an excuse in my opinion, but the second is a valid reason. My issue is with soldiers who have more than enough time and opportunties to attend college, and refuse to put in the work.
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SGM Erik Marquez
SGT Kristin Wiley thank you for expanding on your statement, it makes it perfectly clear NOW as to what you meant.. And I for one agree with you.
I felt sure what you posted was not what not what it felt like it was saying.
I felt sure what you posted was not what not what it felt like it was saying.
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SGT Kristin Wiley
SGM Erik Marquez
No problem, I thought there was some slight misunderstanding. It's also early here, so my english skills might need the assistance of some coffee.
The military has some great programs for soldiers to invest in their futures, it saddens me that so many who are able do not use these opportunities while they still exist.
No problem, I thought there was some slight misunderstanding. It's also early here, so my english skills might need the assistance of some coffee.
The military has some great programs for soldiers to invest in their futures, it saddens me that so many who are able do not use these opportunities while they still exist.
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My story is this, after graduating from the Infantry Officer Advanced Course I had the opportunity to get a degree ( Boot Strap) going full time. I got my degree and it help me to get further promotions. great program.
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MAJ David Vermillion
That is such a kind statement, thank you. I appreciate you and what you bring to Rallypoint! We need more Margaret's.
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Really appreciate hearing Kevin's story here. These are great questions to hear real answers to. With the GI Bill and TA, I think higher education is on everyone's mind within the active duty community. Especially the USAF. I've seen degrees masked and unmasked on performance reports several times. If personal time allows, it's a great option to knock out a degree in parallel with service and be ready for the transition whenever that day comes. One thing to consider is the commitment length that goes along with TA. Typically 2yrs after last paid credit. Unless this has changed over the last few years.
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MSgt Hal Weeden, MBA
Capt Charters, I am not aware of a commitment obligation for TA in USAF. My last two classes paid by TA ended only three weeks before I retired less than a year ago.
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SSgt Paul Mulwitz
In my time (1970s) there was no service commitment to receive tuition assistance in the USAF. The only requirement was that passing grades had to be achieved. (In my experience all college students with past or current military experience earned straight A's.) I did serve two years after receiving my BA but that was my choice. Perhaps other branches work differently but the USAF heavily encouraged further education for all members when I was on active duty.
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Funny when I was 18, I meet a couple of Army guys on an Amtrak train and after talking and drinking (yes drinking age was 18 back way then :)) they both told me to join the Air Force and to take college classes; I joined the Air Force one month later. I believe that anyone can accomplish anything they put their mind and hearts to and the military is an awesome way to accomplish getting your degree from work and study experience. Just like Kevin, I continued my college in the military at the first base I was assigned to in Okinawa with Embry Riddle Aero University extended campus; while working 14-18 hour days on the flight-line fixing F15 Jets; and starting a new family. Although it did take me 8 years to complete my 2 associates degree; and another 4 years to finish my bachelors; and another 4 years for my MBA; that was 16 years of my 21 years in the military; with multiple overseas stations and 2 war and contingency campaigns; co-parenting 2 wonderful kids; and three career changes in the military; Flight-line to Front-line combat to rear-line communications.
I say go for it!! Join and go to college!!
I say go for it!! Join and go to college!!
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SSG Steven Janocha
I agree anyone can get a degree if that put the effort in. I was able to get my first Degree well doing my combat deployments. And it also matters if you have good NCOs that will help you when you get back to garrison if you need to get to class or not. I was very lucky but i know alot of people who where not as lucky as me and there NCOs always gave them a hard time. Tim craig is one of the reason i joined the military even though he might now know it. Was always together and was doing well in life. So i wanted to beable to that as well.
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I was able to complete my entire MBA in 2 1/2 years through Liberty University's online program (LUO). They offer $250/hour for all levels of degree to military members, veterans, and their dependents! Courses taken on the campus in Lynchburg, VA are NOT discounted. There is a book voucher program for military undergraduate students, which one of my guys took advantage of. They have a dedicated military affairs office that fully understands TA. I did not use my GI Bill benefits, but I suspect they understand that program as well.
A regionally accredited school, I found the coursework at LUO to be educational and challenging. I wrote MANY papers. I did not deploy during this period, but I did go TDY quite a bit. Sometimes that meant I never saw anything except my duty station and my hotel room. On one project one of my partners was an F-16 pilot in Japan, and the other was an F-16 pilot in the AOR. In my case, I believe the sacrifice of free time versus an education that only cost me books, was a great deal.
Fifteen years ago I did the last year of my bachelor's degree using TA in a more traditional classroom setting. Back then TA was capped at 75% of the hourly rate, not to exceed $250. Even though I exceeded the annual TA cap and had to take student loans to pay the rest, I certainly still consider it money well spent. I managed seven TDYs during the 18 months I was in that program and through careful planning only missed one night of class. There were times I went directly from the airport to class and vice versa.
The bottom line is, if you are willing to dedicate the time, and you have a supportive supervisor, attaining a college degree (or two) is certainly possibly in many cases while on active duty.
A regionally accredited school, I found the coursework at LUO to be educational and challenging. I wrote MANY papers. I did not deploy during this period, but I did go TDY quite a bit. Sometimes that meant I never saw anything except my duty station and my hotel room. On one project one of my partners was an F-16 pilot in Japan, and the other was an F-16 pilot in the AOR. In my case, I believe the sacrifice of free time versus an education that only cost me books, was a great deal.
Fifteen years ago I did the last year of my bachelor's degree using TA in a more traditional classroom setting. Back then TA was capped at 75% of the hourly rate, not to exceed $250. Even though I exceeded the annual TA cap and had to take student loans to pay the rest, I certainly still consider it money well spent. I managed seven TDYs during the 18 months I was in that program and through careful planning only missed one night of class. There were times I went directly from the airport to class and vice versa.
The bottom line is, if you are willing to dedicate the time, and you have a supportive supervisor, attaining a college degree (or two) is certainly possibly in many cases while on active duty.
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I was able to earn a bachelors in business and an MBA with a concentration in. Management while on active duty in the Army. Doing so was hard but one of the best decisions I ever made. For me it began as a desire to earn a good living for my family upon retirement. I didn't know when I started but soon after I began discussing what it took to teach in college. One of my professors told me to earn a master's degree with at least 18 hours in the discipline I wanted to teach in. He also told me to get a couple of years business experience and apply to teach part time at a local college. I followed his advice to the letter and two years after retirement I obtained my first full time college teaching position. I advanced quickly into administration and the college sent me to get my Ph.D. . I subsequently changed colleges for a position of higher responsibility.
The moral of this story is members of the military are highly skilled, highly intelligent people that company's are looking for. The biggest trick is to figure out what you want to do after retiring or separating. Find people that are willing to help you and develop a plan of attack. Follow that plan and success will follow. One last thought. A college degree is kind of like a ticket to ride a roller coaster. The ticket will get you on the ride but during the ride you will be twisted, turned, jerked, pulled and might even throw up. It can be scary and fun at the same time. Just remember to hold on and enjoy the ride
The moral of this story is members of the military are highly skilled, highly intelligent people that company's are looking for. The biggest trick is to figure out what you want to do after retiring or separating. Find people that are willing to help you and develop a plan of attack. Follow that plan and success will follow. One last thought. A college degree is kind of like a ticket to ride a roller coaster. The ticket will get you on the ride but during the ride you will be twisted, turned, jerked, pulled and might even throw up. It can be scary and fun at the same time. Just remember to hold on and enjoy the ride
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I shall not pretend it is easy to complete your education goals while on active duty. However, just like anything else, if you want it bad enough it is possible. I spent my kid's childhood telling them that I would support them in any pat they picked to travel in life, as long as said path traveled through college. Once they had both followed my advice I found myself in an interesting situation. You see, I had not done so myself. I simply could not live with the fact that I had to look a hypocryt in the mirror every morning. I am due to separate from active duty in a few weeks now. I completed my Associates in General studies in 2013, and I have one more class to finish up my Bachelors in International Relations. I will manage to finish up before either of them.
While I did this for a very non-traditional reason, there is no doubt it helped make this unexpected transition a much less painful experience.
While I did this for a very non-traditional reason, there is no doubt it helped make this unexpected transition a much less painful experience.
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SFC Jack Dilbeck
Thank you for sharing your story. Like you, I worked hard to complete my education while in service. I too retired as a SFC. During my last assignment as an adviser to the Guard and Reserve, I completed both a bachelors and masters. Watching my peers retire and struggle finding well paying jobs was my motivation. Since retiring I have completed my Ph.D. In higher education leadership. I only point out my education because I want to say I know how hard you have worked for this and say you made the right decision. The next step is to figure out what you want to do when you retire and start making contacts in that field. I suggest that if you don't know anyone in your chosen field, write a letter to a company president / CEO explaining you situation and ask for advice on getting a job in your field. I actually asked one of my professors who helped me plan what to do to become a professor. I excelled at that and subsequently became a college dean. Sorry for waxing on so long but I really want to see retiring solders succeed in their next career. Best of luck.
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I finally got a set schedule in Cherry Pt. I cleared school with my NCOIC and OIC. Two weeks into school, after I paid my tuition, they scheduled me for riffle qual, NBC, and a few other things. I was dropped from class for attendance.
Good luck for getting time to attend.
Good luck for getting time to attend.
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