Posted on Feb 28, 2023
Did you complete your doctorate while on active duty?
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Would love to hear from the rare few who have accomplished such a feat. I am interested in continuing my education, but like any other, doubtful of finding the time to do so at the doctorates level until my career on active duty would be complete.
Education
College
Leadership
Doctorate
Graduate School
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 14
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I did my BS and MBA while on active duty. Had the support of my Commander abd the Chief. It was not a walk in the park. Even my girlfriend of 43 years supported me. I was going to start my PhD but I was in Panama when General Noriega started up all that ruckus abd that my fellow soldiers when I had to stop. Note, my studies for the BS and MBA were all in a classroom environment. Working time and many nights to include Saturday and Sundays is how I did it.
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CPO Millard Thompson
I was there when the Iran Contra interdiction was underway. I hurt my back at 24 years old in that conflict (it felt like it was broken, but it wasn't, but I am now 75 and it is just as bad now as it was then) it was then that I decided that I would go the education route when I saw Senior Chief in my division avidly studying books that had no particular place in the radio room. It inspired me to start when I left the Navy, and from that time on it has been smooth sailing and following seas. From my prospective It is a no brainer for us. As far as I am concerned when we have completed such a glorious mission this has to be the next step.
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I'm a reservist, but I completed my doctorate while working full-time (travel job). If you make it a priority, it can be done...as long as you're looking at a program that doesn't in-person attendance other than conferences or limited seminars.
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1LT (Join to see)
Absolutely! I think that is trending in doctorate studies across the board, bi-annual seminars with the majority of work being done by students on their own schedules, around their other responsibilities. More and more degrees are heading online and people are.flxoking to them. From my view, it seems very doable, as long as the commander signs off.
How did your doctorates benefit the unit? I have this hopeful idea in my head that someone could combine a doctorates project with their unit, convincing the commander that it would bring in unique expertise.
How did your doctorates benefit the unit? I have this hopeful idea in my head that someone could combine a doctorates project with their unit, convincing the commander that it would bring in unique expertise.
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CPT (Join to see)
1LT (Join to see) so keep in mind my experience is largely Reserve. There is a tendency for our commanders to see mor value in civilian education since they are also working civilian careers at the same time.
As long as you can demonstrate your degree will broaden your skills as a leader and a soldier, it should be an easy sell to the right commander. A lot of it will require knowing your audience and what motivates them. If they’re looking for a PT stud as a future co commander, a degree in IT might not help get them excited.
As long as you can demonstrate your degree will broaden your skills as a leader and a soldier, it should be an easy sell to the right commander. A lot of it will require knowing your audience and what motivates them. If they’re looking for a PT stud as a future co commander, a degree in IT might not help get them excited.
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