Originally Posted by
quinny89
In theory. But the GI Bill is only good for 10 years after seperation, AND most likely our Pilot B has used a good portion of that to help pay for his flight training and doesn't have enough for a 4 year degree also.
Do you truly believe someone spending 4 years in college shows ability to follow through on complex long term tasks MORE than someone spending 9 years in the service? (This is just a question, I don't mean for it to sound harsh)
quinny89 -
I always highly encouraged all members to use the educational benefits available to them while in the service. I am disappointed that I never put them to use myself.
If your goal is a major at some point in your career then you will find a way to finance that degree - even if you do it over a longer term than normal. One thing that the military usually does a good job in instilling in a person is perseverance.
Yes - the college degree is a hurtle that many occupations use as a defining point. If you want the upward movement then presently (with the ability to pick and chose in this environment) it is practically a requirement. It is a screening tool. One can always come up with disagreements with any screening tool, but that is just beating your head against a brick wall and usually a argument of one who finds that it has put another hurtle in the way of a goal.
If that goal is that important to them, they will find a way to pass that hurtle.
IMO - finishing a required time in service (whether it be an initial contract or a reelistment) at least has some teeth behind it, in that you just can't up and quit the first time you find disappointment. Staying the course through college through difficulties, whether they be personal, financial, or academic reasons does show commitment.
USMCFLYR