Has anyone completed a post command Gradso to obtain a Masters or Doctorates that can explain the process to me?

2016-05-15T10:54:08-04:00

Obviously I have a few years before I reach an opportunity at command and post command activities, but I like to plan far in advance. I am interested in attending grad school, and I have heard that after command you are able to submit a gradso request to do this. What all is involved in this process? Are they making this harder during budget cuts? All that I found on Google seems outdated.

Response by SP5 Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2016 1:27 PM

2016-05-15T13:27:58-04:00

CPT Private RallyPoint Member Congratulations on completing your G2G path. Good fortune in your career to come. Might be worthwhile to take a/some grad school pre tests just to see how that path could develop.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2016 1:30 PM

2016-05-15T13:30:04-04:00

Follow the link and review the portion pertaining to GrADSO : http://www.usma.edu/gene/siteassets/sitepages/prospective%20faculty/link%20to%20acs%20sop.docx

Budget as always is what determines program availability, but as of FY16 I haven't noticed any drastic trends making admittance harder.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made May 16 at 2016 6:59 PM

2016-05-16T18:59:39-04:00

I have done both my MBA and my PhD through this process, but it was through the Army Medical Department. Their policies won't apply to you, although it's a similar process.

In general, the Army sends out a message each year for specific schooling opportunities, and they are normally tied to specific follow-on jobs (so, to get the opportunity, you'd need to be willing to accept the assignment.). If you meet all of the criteria to apply, and if you have your command's approval, you can apply. The Army then convenes a selection board to pick the best candidates (I've actually sat on one of those boards). Once selected, the Army will PCS you to school, and that will be your one and only job for the length of time you're in school (go to class, study, and graduate on time).

You'll need a competitive service record, competitive grades, and a competitive standardized test score. The Army will select those officers a) most deserving based on their military performance and b) best equipped to successfully complete the schooling opportunity (normally in that order of importance, but you need both). The Army won't send someone with a mediocre service record and outstanding scores/grades. The last thing the Army wants to do is to invest heavily in someone who won't get promoted. The Army also won't send a high-speed officer who hasn't demonstrated the intellectual ability to be successful in graduate school. The Army won't send someone who will fail to accomplish the mission (i.e. graduate). You'll need both a competitive service record and competitive grades/scores.

COL Private RallyPoint Member has gone this route for both his Masters (to be an USMA instructor) and his PhD (ORSA), so he's probably better equipped to answer any specific questions about the broader Army process.

Best of luck to you!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2016 10:04 AM

2016-05-17T10:04:36-04:00

I'd recommend you look at all your options, not just the GRADSO. Many CCCs offer the opportunity to obtain your masters concurrent with the course.

I'm at CGSC now (resident) and there are multiple options to get your masters here as well.

Other programs you can apply for after KD CPT time include fellowships and internships; many of those will send you to grad school.

I worked at USMA as a tactical officer, and was sent to Columbia to get my masters.

Lots off opportunity; work hard in the next few years, let your CoC know your goals and keep doing your research.

Bottom line for ANY of these programs is you need to be a high-performing officer to apply, so work hard.

Response by Lt Col Harry Clawson made May 17 at 2016 11:12 PM

2016-05-17T23:12:13-04:00

I am kind of curious on the response this will get from the other services but for AFSOC, arguably the most operational combat oriented command in USAF, I can say after 3/4 of my career, I never met a commander who didn't have his/her masters already. You could almost write your self off of get selected for 05 without it and you surely didn't get a command slot-- regardless of your very full combat resume. I assumed it was similar with the other branches but perhaps not. (Btw -- yes you can get a masters at the midlevel pme but if you didn't get to go-- you still were not going to get selected without it. PH.D. we're not normal-- something like less than 1-2 but masters were first page in the prf