View Full Version : Education and the Military
Higher education and the military gave gone together for a while now. I would imagine that a majority of folks joining the military have college in mind, and tuition assistance along with that. Education does make for a more well-rounded person, broadens career opportunities (especially outside the military), and is increasingly tied to promotions. In fact, I would say that ANY learning is beneficial, even if it's learning to be a welder, plumber, or any of the trade school careers (which seem to be looked down upon by many).
Myself, I was a Munitions Specialist for 20 years in the USAF. Assembling bombs, testing guided missiles on electronic test sets, hauling munitions out to the flightline, rewarhousing munitions in storage structures, etc. Sounds kind of technical, but nothing I did was anything that couldn't be learned by any reasonably intelligent person after a short "how to" period. Hell, some tasks I could teach to a 10-year old girl and have her working competently in an hour.
I would imagine there are a significant percentage of military specialties that would fit in a similar mold. Obviously, some others are highly technical and require extensive training.
I guess my observation is - What is the real point of the military's emphasis on education? Is it the theory that a more educated person is a better person overall, or that more learning will somehow make you better at your job? A college degree really won't help you attach the fin to a bomb any better than a dropout with a GED will (in fact, he may be more mechanically inclined than you).
Alpha Sierra
08-01-14, 18:23
A properly done university education sharpens your learning skills and your critical thinking skills. That's the main reason why being an officer on a command track requires so.
The execution sometimes leaves much to be desired, but by and large the theory is correct.
Because for some people, the military teaches no valuable life skills. The list of jobs with carry over into the civilian sector is small. And with the private sector screaming for college degrees, the military is trying to prepare people for the after life. Everytime I send a Soldier to a job fair, the overwhelming reaction is, I should get a degree.
I too have spent the last 16 yrs counting, storing, destroying munitions, I can do it as a civilian but I'd like to separate myself from the jackassery of the Army after I retire. And my MOS doesn't required the highest of GT scores. Mine was 91 when I came in so that should say enough (it's 112 now). So I am getting a degree.
I've watched Engineers and others in the midst of their Masters attend and fail out of EOD School. So you're right, degrees don't always translate into a better person. But comparing a college grad who's been on his own to an 18-19 yr old who finally left home for his first taste of freedom is like night and day. It's a certain maturity level that the Military is hoping for I think. Plus the brains to go along with it. But at the end of the day, it's the person not the degree that benefits the military. But I'll let the Pentagon figure that out on their own.
I would agree with all that. I suppose my overall opinion is that, when it comes to many (most?) military jobs, the average Joe wouldn't have much trouble learning them - college degree or not.
In addition, the Army has used the GI Bill (helping pay for a soldier's education) as one of the many benefits to get people to enlist. Oh, and soldiers IMHO make better students, too - they have better self-discipline (at least most of them do), and recognize the value of it.
In addition, the Army has used the GI Bill (helping pay for a soldier's education) as one of the many benefits to get people to enlist. Oh, and soldiers IMHO make better students, too - they have better self-discipline (at least most of them do), and recognize the value of it.
And the Student Loan Repayment Program, that's the big attraction for Grads. Of course mostly the ones who cannot find a job in there degree field.
It's really a win win, you TA while you are enlisted or commissioned AND THEN, get out and use the GI Bill. Even the Post 9/11 to continue to get BAH while you learn.
From the stand point of a large number of people(ex-population), when its members attain higher levels of knowledge, this group should be able to make a better contribution to society. Society and the individuals themselves--as well as the military--will benefit. Hopefully.
A properly done university education sharpens your learning skills and your critical thinking skills. That's the main reason why being an officer on a command track requires so.
The execution sometimes leaves much to be desired, but by and large the theory is correct.
I agree, and it also demonstrates that you are a self starter and able to finish what you start. The La. National Guard found out that college students arrived on time and took better care of the equipment. In Recruiting Command I learned that GED Enlistees failed Basic more than Soldiers that had finished high school.
These points are all true, plus having education generally demonstrates that one is trainable. It is like the "trickle down" theory in economics.
I missed the 'New' GI Bill by a few years - If I hadn't, then I could transfer my education benefits to my Daughter...another plus.
On the flip side, I've seen a few dumbshits with degrees.
On the flip side, I've seen a few dumbshits with degrees.
They're the exceptions to prove the rule, but for the most part anybody getting much in the way of useful education done while still in is going to be somebody actively seeking to suck less at some aspect of their life, and those are the ones you want to reward somehow. Even the dumb staff NCOs rounding out degrees they'll never use, it's still something tangible they're working towards other than an aneurysm, so it's in the interest of the service to fund and reward that anyway.
Job field isn't the end-all for it; we had all the smart kids on the enlisted side of the house for my job (2+ years of nothing but education just to get in), but still only a few took the time to round out the AA degree that required one 3-hour course for most.
No argument that college is beneficial to getting a decent career in today's job market. It's unfortunate that many folks seem to come up short :
http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2012/03/why-do-so-many-americans-drop-out-of-college/255226/
I wish I would have listened to a former NCO many many years ago. But at the same time it took a bit to figure out my learning style
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