Posted on Feb 7, 2018
Is education a big deal in the Army and Marine Corps?
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One of my biggest gripes about the Air Force is how much emphasis there is on education. I mean, I guess I should've expected that when I enlisted given the nature of the branch, but I definitely wasn't expecting to be told basically that I'll be kicked out after my first enlistment if not doing some sort of schooling. I understand that school is important and I probably should go but I just truly don't want to go and have no interest in it. Even if it is free.
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Substitute the word "education" for "professional development" and see if you still agree with your sentiment.
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I'll weigh in on the Marine Corps mentality when it comes to "school" having served some tours with them. They study war big time. Their school system at Quantico may seem "standard" to the casual military observer. However, the MC invests heavily into understanding history and military psychology, past and present. They constantly work on new scenarios, strategies, and test for weaknesses. Why? They want to maximize winning and minimize the dying piece. Simple as that. My own experience in my journey from E-1 to O-6 was the acceptance that you're always going to some school on a fairly predictable basis. You have to because everything is changing all the time. New stuff, new tactics, and unfortunately twice as many new restrictions. The military isn't intended to let any SM go into static mode. Those that do have very short careers. It's also part of the filtering process for promotion. If you think the commercial sector is easier, think again. Sure, you can dig ditches for the rest of your life, but most want next year to be better than last year. Learning new things. Becoming more capable. Having more control over your own life. Same thing as the military. Bottom line, if you want to grow, ongoing school work will be a part of your working life. When I retired, I continued to be a soccer referee. School work every year for the same reasons. The world moves some direction and if you don't want to be left behind, you have to keep up.
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SrA (Join to see) Education is a big deal. If you want to continue advancing in the military, you need to continue your education. The civilian world also values education. There will be life after the military, so do you have the training and skills for that future career that you want? Education can take many forms. Do you know how to prepare your tax returns or make sound saving and investment choices. Education, especially if it is free, is a valuable resource that will increase your value to your current and future employers.
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SrA (Join to see)
I see, I suppose it's just the way of the world now :/ gotta embrace it though right?
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Sgt (Join to see)
SrA (Join to see) - When I was discharged I had a clear vision of working for the Space Program and I knew that I would need a degree for the job that I wanted. It really depends on what kind of career that you see in your future. No matter what path you chose, it will be necessary to have some form of continuing education.
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Sgt Dale Briggs
You knew what you were getting into when joining the AF, there's budget cuts, and promotions can be tough depending on mos. So you think they should let you cruise as a terminal E4 because you don't want to learn or progress both professionally and personally? Think about that one. There's others eager to learn and eager to earn rank, it's more money first off and better housing when you PCS. You might even want to change MOS at some point. Whether you like it or not your in competition with your peers, and you choose not to compete and so they may seperate you? No kidding, they'll invest their money with a better bet to perform at a high standard instead of allowing someone content on sliding by from clogging up the chain. You may very well do your job well, but your making yourself non promotable, and given the competition and budget considerations being in that situation is probably a ticket home.
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