Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/2nd BA degree and Army OCS

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Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 4/5/2011


Question
I'm going to apply to Army OCS starting sometime next winter, as well as thinking about getting a second BA. My question is: how would the process for applying be changed while I'm pursuing the second degree? Would they use my first or second degree for the program? Would I be allowed to stop my studies in my second degree if I get accepted into OCS, or would I need to finish them before going in?

Thank you?

Answer
Shannon,
At one time I also thought of getting a second BA degree.  Many wise military folks convinced me not to waste my time because it does no good.  Your military record simply shows like this:
Bachelor's Degree
Bachelor's Degree + 15 hours
Bachelor's Degree + 35 hours
Master's Degree
Ph.D.

Thus a second Bachelor's Degree would not show up on the records and appear as though you're making no progress.  Also, they always use the degree with the earliest date.  Additionally, the military will not pay for a second degree oft any level.  They want to see advancement, not repetitiveness.

So instead, I applied myself toward a Master's and eventually a Ph.D., a very wise step.
I would highly recommend you don't waste your time.
Colonel H

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

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MARK A. HOWELL

Expertise

All military questions, any Service. 30 years experience & two Ph.D.'s. 4 times Base Commander. Worked with Army, Navy, USMC, USCG and several foreign military units. Veteran of Kosovo, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and 10 civil wars in Africa.

Experience

Air Force Colonel with 30 years experience. Air Force Base Commander 4 times. Highly decorated.

Organizations
Org of Am Historians, Wild West History Assoc., Disabled American Veterans - Life Member, Am Motorcyclist Assoc. - Life Member, North Am Hunt Club - Life Member, NWTF - Life Member

Publications
Numerous book reviews published in the Journal of American History. Two books submitted for publication.

Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in military history, Columbus University (Summa Cum Laude) Ph.D. in history, Northfield University, London, England (Summa Cum Laude) Master of Arts degree in history, Marshall University, WV Bachelors degree, double-major in history and mathematics, Salem College, WV Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL

Awards and Honors
Legion of Merit Defense MSM MSM x 5 Joint Commendation Mdl AF Commendation Medal Army Commendation Mdl Joint Achievement Mdl AF Achievement Medal Outstanding Volunteer Mdl

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