Joining Air Force with a degree?

Question

I am working on my associates degree in Radiologic Technology and was just wondering if I could use that degree in the Air Force or any branch for that matter? Would an associates degree count for anything or do I need a bach degree? Also would the military pay my college bills I allready have? Thanks for any help?

Answer 1

It depends on the branch of service you enlist in.

In the AF, E-3 is the highest rank you can enlist as.

In the Navy, with a specific degree and if you enlisted as a Radiologic Technician, they might let you enlist at a higher pay grade. but you would have to talk to the navy recruiter to find out.

The Navy has always been better than the other services at letting people with specialist skills enlist at higher pay grades, goes back to the WWll Seebee's when the Navy wanted trained men.

The Army, Navy and Air Force all have Radiologic Technicians.

The Military will not pay the college bills you already have, but

There is the Military College Loan Repayment Program (CLRP)

Which for non prior service recruits, will pay some of your student loans back, the amount depending on which branch of the military you join.The Army and Navy will pay up to 65,000 in loans back, the Air Force will pay 10,000 back, the Marines do not offer the program.

Whether you should continue to receive your BS, that depends on what you want to do, just like there is a difference in civilan hospitals between Radiologic Technicians with a AS degree and a BS degree, the same applies in the Military.

With an AS degree, you would be an enlisted pay grade, with a BS, you could choose either enlisted or apply for OCS ( officer candiate school) and become an officer.


All branchs of the military offer tution reimbursement for class's taken while on active duty.

Answer 2

The USAF, USA and the USN all have medical services where your education and training in radiological technology could be used. As for counting toward anything...I believe it allows you do join at the E-3 rank vs. E-1. With a bachelors degree you can join at the pay grade of E-4. But as for paying your existing college bills; I am not familiar with any such program. But check with a recruiter. I served as an army officer years ago joining with a BS degree and there wasn't any program to pay bills at that time..but I paid my way through college and didn't have any bills. Also, consider using the in service GI Bill to obtain your bachelor. I used it to obtain my 1st graduate degree when I served.

Answer 3

I don't think that the military will be able to pay for your college loan. If you get a bachelor's and are commisioned in the military, they make you sign up for a certain number of years and then will they be able to pay for your loan. If you join with an associate's, the best scenario is that you come in as an E-4 and you get additional training for Radiology Tech.

Answer 4

Yes it can give you a higher rank and bonus. You need your 4yr degree to become an officer or to go in as an e-4. With your 2yr degree you can be an E-3 and have a bonus up to 20,000, not bad

Response to the post under me....in order to come in as an E-4 you need your 4yr degree.

Yes if you go enlisted route the military has a college loan payment program I think its up to 65,000 they can pay up to, not to mention the 40,000 you get in ya gi bill for college, and you can go to school while in the military and the TA will pay while you are in, the military is a great option.

Answer 5

If you go in any branch of the military with a degree then you automatically go in as an officer, and that means better pay. My daughter checked into it, and is thinking about doing the same thing. Good luck!

Answer 6

I'm sorry but I am a huge Bills fan. (Born and raised in WNY)
Anyway, just wanted to say "Go BILLS"