everyone I know that went in did so because they were not going to college...
granted, that's not everyone... I'm sure some enlisted for other reasons...
but, does anyone know the average education level... and what about the average education level of those that aren't officers, because I believe they make up the majority of the miliary?
just curious...
2006-10-31 12:41:06 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
whip: you can talk about those too... but are they the majority?
in other words... I want an accuate analysis... not something skewed by five guys with a doctorate...
2006-10-31 12:48:20 · update #1
roxy: interesting... thanks for the link
2006-10-31 12:51:35 · update #2
The proportion of the enlisted force with postsecondary education (some college, a two-year associate's degree, a bachelor's degree, or higher) rose from 30 percent in 1985 to 74 percent in 1999 and continues to increase. Among the most senior personnel--those in pay grades E-8 and E-9--more than half now have at least an associate's degree.
2006-10-31 12:45:45 · answer #1 · answered by roxy 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I retired from the Navy in 1991 after 28 years. I was intimately involved in the Military going from the Universal draft to all volunteers. And I can tell you with absolute certainty that the average educational background of the average sailor was dramatically more than it was when I started in 1964.
If you want to get a good idea of the technical education of the average sailor read Tom Clancy's books Hunt for Red October and Red Storm Rising. In 1985 I was on the USS Harry W. Hill ...a guided missile destroyer .. the average age on that ship was 21 and the average education on that ship was 2 years college. The educational level of the average sailor has only gone up since then
2006-10-31 20:58:53 · answer #2 · answered by barrettins 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Coming from a family where my father, husband, and son are military people, I can tell you that you must have a high school diploma or equivalent to enter the military.
As a teacher I can assure you that the graduates we send to the military are of a much higher level of education than the "graduates" we send to the work force. The ones who go directly to the work force have an education equivalent of 8th grade.
By the way, did you know that the news papers and TV news reports are written on the 8th grade level? That is the average level of education in the US.
2006-10-31 20:52:11 · answer #3 · answered by physandchemteach 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
The simple fact of the matter is that most people you ask will state "money for education" as a factor in why they joined. That being said, you have to possess a degree to be an officer.
Also, most soldiers, marines, sailors and airmen over the rank of E4 also possess degrees or specialty training. When a member of the military tries to get to the Non Commissioned Officer (NCO or E4/E5 and above) level, the promotion board they go to looks at all kinds of different aspects in deciding who will get one of the limited number of spots. Based upon those criteria they award points. You get a point for every college credit so a lot of people get at least Bachelors which is a 120 pt edge in the competition.
The majority of those who have low educations are not; as we call them, “lifers” Lifers are those who make a career of the Military. As for the actual numbers, I’m not sure where to even look.
2006-10-31 20:51:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
I would guess that high school grad is the average. Generally speaking I believe that most that join up are just out of high school and probably don't have the time for college classes, but when you consider what their training consists of, to say that is their level of education would also be misleading. And then you have those who were not active, had a chance to go to school and may have re-enlisted or been recalled to active duty and went to college when they weren't active...so your answer would probably be..."some college" on a techincal level.
2006-10-31 20:50:17 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
98% have a high school diploma or better, compared with 75% for the general population. On average then, they are MORE educated.
Our men and women in Military Service deserve our highest respect. They perform demanding work at the risk of their own lives, to protect our freedom and our way of life.
I would argue that they are the most intelligent among us, because they are the ones with the vision to see beyond their own wants and needs, not just in a theoretical sense, but with a clarity that spurs them to action.
2006-10-31 20:54:26 · answer #6 · answered by Jay S 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
i don't know averages, but when i was in it was rare to find people who didn't have at least some college experience. the military strongly encourages education and it is nearly impossible to get beyond the 4th or 5th level of rank without college credits.
a degree is required to be an officer.
2006-10-31 20:47:46 · answer #7 · answered by Roger 4 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Regardless of their education level at this point (many were top 25% students in high school) many plan to go to college after they serve.
The Military teaches them the discipline & maturity they will need to excell in college and beyond.
Officers generally are college graduates.
2006-10-31 20:51:43 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
to find the education level check out the stats for what branch you want
officers have at least 4 years of college
enlisted have high school up to 4 years of college
2006-10-31 20:49:30 · answer #9 · answered by Wicked 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You trying to justify Kerrys comment and its not going to work so give it up! We have the most educated military force that as a country we've ever had! But something tells me it won't be high enough for you so you can mentally let Kerry off the hook. No way Pal!
2006-10-31 20:43:46 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋