I understand this is, for the most part, based on desire. I also understand the corps comes first and when I sign those papers I expect nothing less, but I do have to look out for my future and just wanted some info.
This is my plan:
What I want to do is go in to the intel field, move over to counter intel and during all this work up to becoming a scout sniper. However, during my first four years or so I want to earn my college degree. I am looking at going in enlisted because I feel it is important in becoming a efficient officer. My real questions I guess are : Are the online degrees worth much?, Is it really possible to earn a college degree while in the Corps or do they move you around too much?
I want everyone who has something to say, to answer, but please keep in mind I am looking for facts here so if at all possible please hold your opinions. Thanks!
2007-12-01 08:23:04 · 6 answers · asked by Inquisitive 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
I enlisted in the Navy with a degree. I opted not to go in as an officer because I wasn't sure I wanted to make that kind of commitment. After I reenlisted, somebody resurrected my degree and recommended me for OCS. A couple yeas later I was a kind of rarity... an Ensign over 6 with two rows of ribbons.
Back then... and this was before computerized classes... the Navy had a program that allowed a promising sailor to attend college on the Navy, earn his degree and then a commission.
I believe the Marine Corps has some similar program today. I don't know if it includes online classes. The advantage of a computer class is that you can attend it anywhere. The disadvantage of classroom work in the military must be, as you surmise, that you move around a lot.
But, if your classes are through an institution accredited by an organization recognized by the US government, then your classes, and any degree you might receive will be "worth something."
2007-12-01 09:06:44 · answer #1 · answered by gugliamo00 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With the military training you will be getting, you won't have much time for academic studies. If you were on a ship at sea and had no other distractions, you might be able to complete the coursework.
Unless it is with a real university, online degrees are worthless. Most universities require you to attend some classes then complete some coursework online. There are a few universities that have realized they can make a buck by assisting people with their degrees online. First decide what career field you want, and then find the schools with online coursework in that field. Realistically, you will only be able to take about six to nine hours of credit work per semester, but you can continue during the summer, too.
If you sign up for the new GI Bill, remember to sign the form allowing the 100/month payment to be deducted from your base salary, otherwise you won't get the benefit. Your first few days in basic will be extremely hectic, and you will be tired, confused, and under a lot of stress. Prior to going to the training, write down all of the things that you will need to accomplish, and take the list with you. When you do get a free moment, look over the list to be sure all that you need is getting done.
best of luck!
2007-12-01 09:03:22 · answer #2 · answered by OrakTheBold 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can earn a degree while in the service, however you will not finish it in your first four years. Think about it. A bachelors degree takes 4 years of continuous daily work. Now how are you going to cram 4 years of school into a job where you may be on duty for 20 hours a day? You may be able to finish an associates but a bachelors is almost out of the question.
2007-12-01 08:38:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's certainly an option. There are plenty of people just dying to get their degrees via military service.
Being a scout sniper and doing any kind of intel work are two very different things. To be taken seriously by, say, the CIA, you're going to need a solid degree from a good school. No need for military training - apparently it discourages the kind of "outside the box" thinking that this kind of work entails.
A friend was an analyst with the CIA for several years. He has a PHD in Economics and a law degree, both from Harvard. Obviously he could write his own ticket at any law firm in the country, but he had to scramble to get into the CIA - it's just that competitive, apparently.
He got out and quintupled his salary with a single phone call, and is now general counsel for an entertainment company.
Back to the topic, working from intel to counter intel and then to scout sniper seems like moving from stock trader to data entry. Nothing is wrong with data entry, of course, but it's pretty far down the food chain in terms of responsibility and pay. Same thing for even the best sniper.
I guess I would advise you to go for one, or the other, but not both.
2007-12-02 05:00:18 · answer #4 · answered by relaxification 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Services do not grant 4 year degrees, you get them from real colleges and yes, you might have to transfer credits around, but if you keep at it, you should get a degree in 8-9 years or get a good start on one in 4 and then GI bill for the rest.
Ret. USAF SNCO, I got 3 Associates in Applied Sciences during 20 years
2007-12-01 11:29:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
earn college degree worth marines
2016-02-03 06:28:20 · answer #6 · answered by Janean 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the first guy is 1/2 right. look into schools that will give you the maximum credit for your miltary training (i.e. basic training usaully worth 5 credits, AIT worth between 10 - 30 credits usually)
using your military training, dantes courses, and your arrts transcripts you could get a BS degree in four years.
2007-12-01 08:46:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋