I would like to know why the Coast Guard rarely if ever solicits for enlisted, particularly senior enlisted for the Advanced Education Opportunities? I have a degree and have for many years, and have waited for the Coast Guard to offer the LMR/Marine Science Masters Program for people like me? DTG R 311548Z Mar 2009 does not solicit for one single Enlisted person this year, and it infuriates me that the Coast Guard considers me a second rate person compared to the Officers Corps!! This type of degree cannot be obtained by evening classes nor on-line classes. Thanks for your feed back.

The way I read that msg is that they may consider it for next year or a few years down the road. I do agree, though, that a degree is a degree, no matter who holds it, and everyone with the knowledge and skills should have the opportunity afforded to attend!

Answer a question for me Jim, are you currently working on a Masters degree program? Or are you waiting for the time and money to be handed to you? Yes there might be changes coming down the road to who was offer degree programs to, but that isn't the case today. That's just part of the difference between the Officer world and the Enlisted world.

The only person who can make you a second rate citizen is yourself by your actions. And I find it hard to believe that there isn't any way or program out there that wouldn't get you the degree you seek. You just haven't look hard enough. I've managed to finish 3 degrees, one of them a Masters while an operational enlisted member of our service. So don't tell me it can't be done.

Ski;
I have it on good authority that one of the VERY FIRST THINGS on the plate of DCOs CMC, when the first one reports in, is to address that very issue. CG-2, CG-09 and DCMS all have programs that enlisted may apply and regularly get accepted in to. The DCO does not sponsor any.

Now, why SHOULD the CG pay for you to grow your hair long, go off to some college, hide away for two years to get THAT degree? What POSSIBLE benifit would be provided to the CG? What would you provide to the CG AFTER getting that degree that you can not provide now, and neither can anyone else without that degree? What unit would NEED that capability to do their job?

Those are NOT smartarse questions! If you got an answer, write it up (like an edgumacted person) and send it to me at my CG account. I will ensure it gets to the right hands.


NOW, take note again, that the message you refered to was from DCO, not 'the CG.' There are PLENTY of oppurtunities for enlisted people to get advanced degrees, on CG dime and time.

EDIT: Since you are a FN, talk to your Chief about ACET and other programs. Then get rated, and proove yourself in your rating. Then, 6-10 years down the line, read that message when it's version comes out that year.

Just a quick response to those who, thankfully, offered up their opinion. First off a Masters degree in Marine Science/Biology is not offered in evening or on-line classes anywhere I have found, most of it is Lab work. As well I think the benefit is apparent of how it would serve the Coast Guard as a whole. To have such a degree and work in a field (Marine Safety) within the Coast Guard, could not only benefit the Coast Guard, but also foster a relationship between Officer and enlisted that is still somewhat misaligned. As far as time and money are concerned, that is not the issue. The issue for many people I hear from is that they would like to give more to the Coast Guard in a capacity that is not afforded to enlisted usually. As well if afforded the opportunity, the Coast Guard would see a much better retention rate than they have now. (I do not have the scientific data to back that up), it is an assumption that has been brought to my attention from others that I agree with whole heartedly. I also know there is a process that one must apply for this opportunity, and not all people will receive that chance. If there is one or two spots open per year, then there is hope that the Coast Guard believes in who this person is, and given the opportunity, she or he will prove their merit.
The Coast Guard is an outstanding organization, and has afforded me and others the opportunity to receive there under graduate degree through TA. I am not fighting the battle for selfish reasons as much as it might have sounded, I will retire in the not to distant future, and work in my industry of choice, and possibly finish my Masters or Doctorate on the outside using the G.I bill, so that I may pursue a different dream than the Coast Guard has for me. I was just trying to give hope to those who are coming in behind me, so that they can realize their dreams while still being able to serve their country. BMC

Chief;
First off, I apologize for getting your ID wrong!

Not to sure if this is a retention issue. We have had record retention rates for years, and I'd bet they only get better with the economy.

That doesn't reduce your point. Like I said, this issue was brought to DCO by me and has her interest. Shoot me an email to my CG Account and I can share some more. (I got your note through here) I will be happy to assist in fighting for a program that has a clear benifit. That normally means you would have to ID an OFFICE at a particular location, that needs the skill obtain through the degree program.

Don't expect anything to be handed to you. If you want a masters degree you must go out an earn it.

If you feel that you are a "second rate citizen" you must do something to change that.

I do not expect anything to be handed to me, undoubtedly you did not read everything!! I never said anything about not going out and earning it!! Please do not turn this into some personal vendetta, this was an honest question with plenty of merit behind it. I am just asking for the enlisted corps to have some more opportunities afforded to them than they presently have. AGAIN, I did not write this for personal reasons, please read before striking, thank you!!

quote:

Originally posted by CGveteran:
Don't expect anything to be handed to you. If you want a masters degree you must go out an earn it.

If you feel that you are a "second rate citizen" you must do something to change that.

Chief: I have a B.A., from prior to enlisting in the Coast Guard, and I have worked with several others (enlisted) who have their undergraduate degrees. I think that this is a great topic for the future of the Coast Guard. Do you have ideas for other Master's programs that might fit with the various ratings?
I think the Coast Guard needs to be creative here and realize that this is an opportunity to fill some organizational gaps. With as many missions as the Coast Guard has, there must be some areas that need improvement. Will a better-educated workforce help fill those gaps? Can the Coast Guard identify a few advanced-degree programs that will close those gaps? If so, I don't see why those programs should only be offered to the officer corps, since the Coast Guard relies upon its enlisted to get the jobs done, and the enlisted are the backbone of the service.
Providing opportunities for enlisted personnel to earn advanced degrees (that are focused upon Coast Guard needs) seems like a smart approach for increasing the depth of leadership throughout the ranks: i.e., from officer to enlisted. That enlisted leader, who competed for the opportunity to earn an advanced degree for the Coast Guard, will have a great deal of influence on the junior enlisted.
In my opinion, I think there is a psychological barrier at play: why should officers, who already have a better paycheck, be the only ones who have access to these advanced degree programs that are offered by the Coast Guard?

I'd ask that you refocus just a little. (You are mostly on the mark).

A couple of things: There are MANY Advanced Ed programs for enlisted already. Just look them up. The message that started was just for one division w/i HQ.

That said, that program has been tasked with validating that position.

Finally, remember that Officers are the Managers and Enlisted are the leaders and workers. It does make perfect sense that management has more of a need for adv degrees. They are normally in billets where not only can the education 'apply' but is truely needed for performace of duites.

As Master Chief said we do have quite a few opportunities for the Advanced degrees in many fields. As well the message I referred to does specifically state that they are working on providing some of the same opportunities to the enlisted fleet.
With that said, you brought up the smae points that they are considering, one of which is how will an advanced degree for an enlisted person be used to benefit the CG!?!? I see your point and agree very much, as well we have to realize that the officer corps must have the opportunity first as they will be the ones to be in the management positions. If there is funding and a need (which is being established as we speak), then we will start to see more opportunities. I have to remind myself at times that just 10 years ago, I was not afforded the opportunity to even get a bachelors degree, beyond the GI bill. Of course now we have TA, and I took full advantage. Good things will come in time!!!

Hey Jim,

Just to let you know, if I recall correctly, the CG did offer at least one Masters level program 2 or three years ago for enlisted folks that not a single person applied for. I think it was in the area of Human Performance. Anyway things have been out there in the past and not been taken advantage of.

I know this titbit of information does not help you so…

If no school offers the degree you are looking for in your area have you thought of working with a university in your area to get one created?

This is not as daft as it sounds. I can tell you that because I am in the middle of that process right now. A while back I was looking for a Masters in Maritime Search and Rescue Management that could be accomplished primarily by distance education. I was unsuccessful in finding one so I contacted a University here in the UK and after some discussions, and a lot of work, it looks like this program could be a go in early 2010. This is by no means a done deal, as the university will have to approve and validate the curriculum and ensure that there is a reasonable market out there for their investment of time and money to create the degree.

Now I have not got a clue if you could do whatever M job it is you have better with an advanced degree. Based on what little I have read I do think it is unlikely anything is going to be coming your way anytime soon sponsored by the USCG. So why don’t you pioneer the way? If you want it that bad then make it happen and then the next kid that comes along after you will be able to use TA and the new GI bill to get that degree.

If you want help in how to make this happen then email me. I’ll give you what pointers I have.

Good Luck

P.S.

If anyone out there is interested in a Masters Degree in Maritime Search and Rescue Management drop me a line at jojo_mains@rnli.org.uk and I’ll let you know if and when the University will be taking applications. Bare in mind this is a University in the United Kingdom.

Regards,

JoJo