Why do some Navy SEAL instructors have a college degree, but are still enlisted men?

Question

I am reading "The Warrior Elite", which goes in depth into the BUD/S training for Class 228, and it mentions that the instructors (these particular ones enlisted) have college degrees. I found it strange.

Just curious.

Thanks for the information, guys.

But the second guy...SMELLY SMELLY????

OK then......

I understand what you guys are saying, but why wouldn't they become officers, you know, go to OCS, they have the degree, why not have more authority, pay, etc...??

Thanks Idaho!!!

Answer 1

Because a college degree does not instantly confer a commission upon an individual. The college degree is only one of the requirements to attaining your commission, OCS/ROTC training being a major part.

A college degree does help enlisted personnel rise through the ranks faster and have access to better jobs.

Answer 2

In today's Navy, all hands are enthusiasticaly encouraged to work toward a degree. Recently, there was a movement to make it a requirement for all CPOs to have a degree in a field related to their rating before they could advance. However, not all Sailors want to be officers. Many Sailors believe that being an officer takes you off the deck plates, and in so doing, takes you away from being able to properly take care your Sailors.
The Navy has the Limited Duty Officer program. This program allows outstanding senior enlisted personnel ascend to officer ranks, then keep going until they reach Captain (in the Navy, a Captain is a Senior Officer, similar to a full Colonel in the other services). All this can happen without a degree.
Anyway, with rank does not necessarily come increased responsibility or authority. It's all a matter of perspective. There are an awful lot of Lieutenant Commanders (top of the Navy's Junior Officer food chain) that will not buck a CPO, much less Senior or Master Chief.

Answer 3

First, no matter how "hands on" one is in the Navy becoming an Officer draws a line between you and your men; enough said.
How are you going to gain the respect of your charges (all enlisted) if you go off to BOQ and hit the O club at night?

I have know several senior NCO's (E-8 and E-9) with Masters degrees that simply chose NOT to make the change. As enlisted you are rated upon how you perform and NOT a lot of POLITICAL BS; that changes as an officer. Enlisted guys also have a LOT more FUN.

I got out after 4 and made E-5 in three. They suggested a form of OCS and I passed

USN 1964-1968 in country ops and intel
"Honorary" Marine Corps DI

Answer 4

Why do you find it strange? I have a degree and enlisted (Army, and not SF). Those guys love their jobs and training others. Commissioned officers are never the primary trainers in any school, except those that directly involve training officers for command type jobs. Officers set the doctrine for training, NCO's carry it out and make sure the standards are met or exceeded.

Edit: Yeah, officers get more pay, but have to pay for their own uniforms and less money for food. I get over $500 to get new uniforms every year. The Authority is never guaranteed, I've seen NCO's have a ton more pull than a Lt. or Captain. Everyone still has to earn it.

Answer 5

The actual requirements are as follows. 1. swim 500 yards in 12.5 minutes or less, followed by a 10-minute rest 2. do 42 push-ups in under two minutes, followed by a two-minute rest 3. do 50 sit-ups in under two minutes, followed by a two-minute rest 4. do six pull-ups, followed by a 10-minute rest 5. run 1.5 miles in boots and long pants in less than 11.5 minutes However this is just to be able to get into BUD/S, but to be competitive you need to be able to do a lot better. Just remember it's 90% mental, as strong as you may be, the person next to you may not be so you may be carrying a heavier load than you should, but the sick humor that some get out of the pain is a key to survival. Remember at all times that 70-90% of people who leave BUD/S are voluntary drop outs, so if you have the mental ability to keep going, odds are you won't be kicked. I plan on joining the SEALs as well and can say that the years I have spent memorizing every single moment of BUD/S has helped me prepare for the worst case scenario. I suggest doing the same, if you're not completely ready for what is ahead you will be terrified when it actually happens. I want to emphasize one last time the importance of mental preparation, you can never be ready enough to face BUD/S, it is designed to revolve around teamwork and mental strength so keep working hard and you'll make it easy, but not painlessly.

Answer 6

My husband has a college degree, and has no interest in being an officer. He gets asked this question a lot and his answer is always the same..."I work for a living"

And just for clarification, my husband as a squad leader and a platoon sgt. IS a manager! He resolves soldier's issues on a daily basis, so that they never even have to cross the desk of the officers in his command.

Answer 7

A college degree, in and of itself, does not entitle a soldier to a commission. It's that way in every branch of the service. While all officers have degrees (except for those who went OCS and have not yet completed the 4-year degree--- and they will have to have it to be promoted to Captain. Captain is the highest rank of Jr. officers.), an enlisted soldier with a degree is not automatically commissioned.

Answer 8

I have a college degree and I'm enlisted. It makes more sense to me, because I am one of few enlisted with a degree, so it helps me get promotions, etc. Plus, I would never want to be an officer, I love being enlisted.

Answer 9

I know a lot of NCO's that have degrees. Some of them enjoy their jobs and don't want to be taken out of their element. If the SEAL instructors got commissioned, they would not be training SEALs anymore. They would be put back in operations or sat behind a desk at the school.

Answer 10

It's different to be a SEAL. I know people that's been one and those who are still one. Being a SEAL isn't about authority, pay, or anything else. It's about what you do as a team and what the team within you can bring out the best. Hope that answers your question.