Associate / Bachelor's entering military?

[Paul]

I hope it is ok to ask this on this thread since it is sort of a military question. What is the advantage of entering the military with an associate or bachelor's degree (from TESC) vs no degree?
Thanks & thanks to each of you for your service and the many sacrifices you endure on our behalf.

[firecatf7333]

I hope it is ok to ask this on this thread since it is sort of a military question. What is the advantage of entering the military with an associate or bachelor's degree (from TESC) vs no degree?
Thanks & thanks to each of you for your service and the many sacrifices you endure on our behalf.

Idk about other branches, but for the Air Force it means little. If your going to be an officer, then oviouslly you need a degree so it's a benieft.


For enlisted, you'll enter as an E-3 with like 47 or more credits, 20-47 E-2. That's the only benieft, but you'll put on E-3 in the air force around 1 1/2 years anyway.

[Old Rusty Pipe]

In the Navy, the obvious benefit is being able to go in as an officer with a Bachelor degree. The Navy does offer an elistment bonus for college credit.

This website says the following (United States Navy Enlistment Bonuses)

Bonuses for College Credits

Recruits with colllege degrees and college credits also qualify for a bonus. College bonuses may be combined with other enlistment bonuses. Members must provide official college transcripts prior to shipping to basic training.

Associate Degree = $5,000
Bachelor's Degree = $8,000

1 Year (900 class room hours) of vocational technical education = $3,000
2 Years (18,00 class room hours) of vocational technical education = $5,000

12-23 semester hours (or equivalent) of college = $2,000
24-47 semester hours (or equivalent) of college = $3,000
48-71 semester hours (or equivalent) of college = $4,000
72-95 semester hours (or equivalent) of college = $6,000
96+ semester hours (or equivalent) of college = $7,000

[firecatf7333]

In the Navy, the obvious benefit is being able to go in as an officer with a Bachelor degree. The Navy does offer an elistment bonus for college credit.

This website says the following (United States Navy Enlistment Bonuses)

Bonuses for College Credits

Recruits with colllege degrees and college credits also qualify for a bonus. College bonuses may be combined with other enlistment bonuses. Members must provide official college transcripts prior to shipping to basic training.

Associate Degree = $5,000
Bachelor's Degree = $8,000

1 Year (900 class room hours) of vocational technical education = $3,000
2 Years (18,00 class room hours) of vocational technical education = $5,000

12-23 semester hours (or equivalent) of college = $2,000
24-47 semester hours (or equivalent) of college = $3,000
48-71 semester hours (or equivalent) of college = $4,000
72-95 semester hours (or equivalent) of college = $6,000
96+ semester hours (or equivalent) of college = $7,000

Dang, i wish the AF gave us bonuses like the Navy did. I would be up 3k right now.

[HawkGuy]

If you enlist in the Army with a Bachelors degree, you go in as an E4.

Or you could just go officer.

[Old Rusty Pipe]

I find it rather funny. I joined as enlisted, but then gained my degree. I now have the option of pursuing a commission. At risk of sounding arrogant, I could pick it up and be on to OCS if I so desire. Instead, I'd rather stay enlisted. I have come to like my job and the people around me. I do have a commission in mind later on in my career, but for now I want to advance through the enlisted ranks. I may make less than I could, but all my responsibilities are covered.

There is something to be said about being an officer. It certainly seems more attractive from the outside. When most civilians think of the military, I think they tend to think of officers. I like my job. I like the fact that I have a far wider pool of people to become friends with. I'm not segregated away from the enlisted.

If you want the money, definitely go officer. There is no comparison there. There is something to be said for lifestyle choices though. I find the enlisted ranks to suit me just fine, for the time being at least.

Be aware of the all your choices, and having a Bachelor degree certainly gives you some options as far as the military is concerned. But really think long and hard about any job you choose. Pay isn't always everything.

Besides, how else am I supposed to honestly call myself a Mustang?

[JBjunior]

Just as others have mentioned, for the USCG with 30+ college credits you can come in as an E-3. There are many people in the CG that have there bachelors that are enlisted. There isn't any added benefits once you are in, just personal ones.

[Paul]

Thanks for each of your responses! Your input is really appreciated!