Military Members with College Degrees

Just a quick question. I've been thinking about my options after high school and was curious if a lot of military members have college degrees? Does this affect promotions or postings?

Many soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coast guardsmen do indeed pursue higher education, either before their military service as ROTC members or Service Academy attendees, or during or after their service using military education benefits such as the GI Bill. While a sizable portion of enlisted personnel may not have a degree when they initially join, significant percentages do pursue degrees while serving or after their service.

Regarding promotions or postings, having a college degree can potentially impact a soldier's career trajectory. For example, in order to become an officer, which involves a greater level of leadership and offers higher pay, a four-year degree is typically required. In this case, having a degree can open up avenues for career advancement. Moreover, for certain Military Occupational Specialties (MOS), such as those in medical or legal fields, a degree or specialized education may be required.

However, it's important to note that promotions aren't entirely dictated by one's educational background. They are also based on things like performance evaluations, physical fitness tests, leadership potential, and time in service, amongst other factors.

So to sum it up, while having a degree isn't necessary to join the military or to advance within it, it can provide more opportunities or facilitate advancement in specific areas. However, the ultimate decision should align with your personal career aspirations, financial goals, and readiness for the commitment military service entails.