Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Officers and continued education

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Expert: Howard Lorenz - 3/8/2010


Question
I have decided about six months ago that I really want to be an Officer in the military. Too many of my family members are in the Air Force for life so I feel like this is the place for me. I have already started the process of being considered for OCS, have good test scores, and I have read many posts about career paths that I may want to look into. The only main concern I have now is education. I want nothing more than to obtain a masters in counseling or related field. Whether I go for a four year career or a twenty year career when I get out I hope to one day open my own practice. At the moment I have looked into public affairs and services. If I were to join one of those fields what are my chances of being able to get my masters while active duty within four years?

Answer
basically after you get in , you getting your masters is pretty much all on you. There is a training period of about a year that you will not be able to do education outside of your current training for your position, but after that its all you. you are allowed 4500 a year which is basically a full class load. The only warning that I can tell you is to pace your self and do not over load... you still have a job to do.  

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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Howard Lorenz

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I have spent the past 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, 3 years was assigned as an Enlisted Accessions Recruiter. I have been deployed various times to several locations. If it is a career in the military you are looking for or thinking about I most likely have the answer. I still have contacts with in the recruiting field and if I don't know the answer then I have folks who do where I can find the answer. I am very blunt and straight forward and will make no attempts to BS you. I will give you the best information that I possible can can. If you think that you cant handle the answer that I give you, then don't ask the question...... If you are planning on joining the military, your number 1 decision factor in making this kind of move is that you need to be more concerned about serving your country than your country serving you!! All the benefits are the best that you can find. Education is at a premium right now and its the most rewarding thing that you can do. If I dont answer right away probably means that I am busy, but have patience, I will get to you.

Experience

Air Force Recruiter for 3 years, Air Force Career 21 Years

Organizations
Veterans of Foreign Wars

Education/Credentials
Community College of the Air Force, International Air Academy, Allied Business Schools, Embry Riddle Aeronautical College, Defense Acquisition University

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