Regardless of whether you're aspiring to become a chief master sergeant, an officer or a successful person in the civilian world, some level of education is required. It can lead to more prestige, more responsibility and ultimately more money in your pocket. I've heard people say it's not important to further their education as enlisted members. Whether nominees pursue off-duty education, is often considered by enlisted quarterly and annual awards boards. As a former senior noncommissioned officer, I've sat on several boards and can assure you those who made education a priority almost always fared better than those who did not.
Education is also a factor in getting promoted to the top two enlisted ranks.
Of the 612 people selected for promotion to chief master sergeant in 1998, more than half own an associate's degree and almost 29 percent have a bachelor's degree. Five years ago, only 44 percent of those selected for promotion to chief had an associate's degree and 22 percent had a bachelor's degree. The importance of education is rising. More than 55 percent of those selected for senior master sergeant in 1999 possess an associate's degree and almost 26 percent have a bachelor's degree. In 1995, only 47 percent had an associate's degree and 20 percent owned a bachelor's degree.