Marines and Higher Education: A Journey Through Service and Learning
Despite the demanding nature of marine service, military personnel have ample opportunities to pursue higher education. In fact, many pragmatic marines utilize the benefits of the GI Bill to advance their education while serving their country. This article explores the experiences of a marine who took advantage of these opportunities and the value it added to his career and life.
Access to Higher Education While Serving
Do marines have access to higher education while serving their country? Absolutely. Active military members can tap into a wealth of resources, including the GI Bill, which provides financial assistance for tuition, fees, and other education-related expenses. These benefits can significantly reduce the financial burden of pursuing a degree during active service.
Personal Experience of a Marine's Educational Journey
During my time in the marines, I had several opportunities to attend college and further my education while serving my country. This was not just about personal development; it was a strategic choice to enhance my career prospects and broaden my knowledge. I eventually claimed numerous benefits, including those from the GI Bill, which helped me achieve several academic milestones.
Colleges and Universities Attended During Active Service
My educational journey began at DeVry University in Chicago, Illinois, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Electronic Engineering. Utilizing the GI Bill, I was able to fund this pursuit. Upon graduating, I secured job offers from prominent companies such as General Electric and IBM. Ultimately, I opted for the GE position, which was located near Marquette University, where I aimed to pursue a Master’s Degree in Electronic Engineering.
Unfortunately, my academic goals were briefly interrupted due to the demanding overtime requirements as a Computer Technician on GE's first Whole Body CAT called CTs, now Scanners. I held this position for 3–4 years. Subsequently, I was transferred to Phizer Medical Systems as a Field Service Engineer on their CAT Scanners. During this time, I pursued another Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from Lambuth University, which is part of University of Memphis.
Simultaneously, I completed an MBA from St. Louis University located across the river in Illinois, completing my academic journey at Lewis and Clark Community College. These experiences were not just academic achievements but also valuable experiences in the field of engineering and business management.
The Value of Continuous Education
My continuous pursuit of education was not without challenges. Balancing the demands of my job and the requirements of my courses was not always easy. However, it was a rewarding experience. Despite the numerous job offers to teach in community colleges, these positions could not match the pay I was earning as a Field Service Engineer. My base pay continued to increase, although my take-home pay remained relatively stable over 18 years, averaging around 65,000 USD per year.
Conclusion
In conclusion, marines have multiple pathways to higher education, and leveraging these opportunities can significantly enhance personal and professional growth. My own experience underscores the value of combining service with educational advancement. The GI Bill and other vocational training programs provide a framework for balancing the demands of military service with the pursuit of knowledge and career development.