ROLL CALL: Military students post here!

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by 4Q, Mar 15, 2002.

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  1. 4Q

    4Q New Member

    Just thought I'd start a thread where we talk about our experiences with DL and whatever else.

    I'll get it started...

    I'm active duty E-8 in the USAF. Completed my CCAF degree (Aircraft Maintenance Technology) and enrolled in Thomas Edison State college last October shortly after discovering this board. I'm going for their BA in Liberal Studies.

    So far I'm happy with TESC. Like most military students I had assorted credits from several sources since I usually attend schools where ever I'm stationed. After submitting all my transcripts I wound up with 93 applied toward my degree. Since January I have earned 18 credits by examination and I'm awaiting the results of several other exams. Although I'm just 9 credits down, I took so many CLEP, DANTES, and Excelsior exams (hell, it's free...why not?) that I will have excess credits if I pass them all. After that I will just need to pay a fee or two to TESC and I will have earned my BA!!!!

    The down side is that since I didn't actually take any courses through TESC, the Air Force won't any TA toward my $830 "annual tuition" fee. So in a way it's like I paid for the 30 or so "free" exams I've taken. Kinda sucks....

    Overall though, I'm pleased with TESC and my DL experience. This board helped motivate me to do something I had stalling on since I got my CCAF degree.

    Well, that's all I have for now. What are your experiences?
     
  2. Tracy Gies

    Tracy Gies New Member

    I'm an active-duty E-6(P), in the Army. My DL experience is limited to four schools: The National Cryptologic School, Bemidji State University (MN), The University of Iowa, and Lousiana State University. The majority of my education has come from traditional schooling, and in-residence military education. This includes 28 credits that I earned from CCAF in 1987 as a result of my job specialty education at Goodfellow AFB, and twelve credits in-residence from the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA. I completed my senior year (actully, 62 quarter hours) in residence at the Joint Military Intelligence College on Bolling AFB in Washington, DC. Before I joined the Army, I had earned 45 credits in-residence at Mankato State University (MN). When I was stationed in San Antonio, TX, I attended San Antonio College full-time (plus) for one semester. All of this (including credits from other military education) I transferred to Charter Oak State College. I finally earned my B.S. in individualized studies in November.

    I am enrolled in Touro University International's online MBA program. Classes begin on Monday.

    Tracy<><
     
  3. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    Education Specialist, 1978-80 (SrA)
    Training Specialist, 1980-83 (SSgt)
    Education and Training Officer, 1984-88
    Assistant Professor, Aerospace Studies (AFROTC, SDSU), 1988-92
    Squadron Section Commander, 51 MS, Osan AB, ROK, 1992-93
    Squadron Section Commander, 57 AGS, Nellis AFB, NV, 1993-96
    Retired 1996 (Capt) Age 36

    Field Representative, Prudential Preferred, 1996
    Training Manager, Corrections Corp of America, 1997-2000
    Leadership Trainer, Prince William Health System, 2000-1
    Lead Trainer, Management Development, AT&T, 2001-Present Age 42

    A.A. Liberal Arts U. of the State of New York, 1979
    A.A.S. Education Adminstration and Methodology, CCAF, 1981
    B.S. Business, USNY, 1980
    B.A., Liberal Arts (Sociology) USNY, 1981
    MBA, National University, 1985
    Ph.D Candidate, Union Institute and University (Present, hope to finish around March 2003)

    Rich Douglas

    My first post in a month. My last for even longer. I'm at [email protected] if you need anything.

    P.S.: You're not an "E-8." That's your pay grade. Your grade is Senior Master Sergeant, assuming you live up to the responsibilities of being an NCO.
     
  4. GBrown

    GBrown New Member

    I am a Chinook helicopter maintenance test pilot for the Army. I've flown them for the last five years in Korea, Fort Campbell, and now in Alaska. Prior to becoming a CWO, I was enlisted as an air traffic controller and attained the rank of SSG. I worked in the tower, ground control approach radar, and flight following at various stations. I was also a small group leader at BNCOC (93C) for about a year at Fort Rucker (1995).

    My educational background includes: A.S. (1994) and B.S. (2001) in Professional Aeronautics (emphasis in ATC) from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and an MBA with a concentration in Information Technology Management from Touro University International (2002). I am attending for my PhD in Business with TUI.

    I chose E-RAU for its availability (everywhere I was stationed) and because it is an aviation school (I received about 36 SH for my MOS training). I initially selected TUI for its price: virtually FREE for the military if you use tuition assistance. I was skeptical at first (you get what you pay for...) but found it to be a challenging and worthwhile program. I decided to continue with them for my PhD studies - mostly because I am comfortable with them and they don't have a physical residency requirement. Their faculty and support staff are phenominal!
     
  5. StevenKing

    StevenKing Active Member

    ARMY

    Distance Education enthusiast here. E-5 in US Army working on possible deal to go full time to residential school of choice and earn BSN. Result: quick commission to 01E (more than 2x salary pay raise).

    Educational experiences:
    BA - General Ministry Bethany College, Scotts Valley, CA (completed via distance education)
    MBA - Touro University International - completion May 2002.

    All around nice guy - former minister - current ICU nurse - Avid reader - Tae Kwon Do practioner.

    Lover of education and wanting to eke out time to complete some IT certifications.

    :D
    Steven King
     
  6. wfready

    wfready New Member

    Hello!

    Former Marine (Corporal E-4). Was an component level avionics tech for 5 years. Enrolled into Excelsior college. Had prior college credit, 26 credits for A (tech) school and MOS. 5 credits from Marine Corps Institute correspondence courses (various electronics courses). Now, I have an AAS in Technical Studies w/ Electromechanical and I am a field service engineer at a Semiconductor Fab.

    Going to try to continue to a four year degree. Did a couple stupid things though that will make it kind of hard.. One thing is that I took NOT ONE CLEP during active duty (free during active). So, now I have to cough up 60 bucks a pop :/ Another thing being finding a program that will take my AAS degree (hard considering it is a terminal degree). May go the Excelsior route again. Hoping to do a BS in Technology, but literature says AAS degree may transfer better in a BSLS w/ a concentration.

    Trying to use my GI bill for the BS at Excelsior. I am so confused.. Excelsior is telling me VA will explain... VA is telling me Excelsior will explain... Excelsior takes longer to reply to my emails than the VA (AMAZING....). That's about it! Any other Marines or Sailors posting in here?

    Regards,

    Bill


    PS

    <snip>
    You're not an "E-8." That's your pay grade. Your grade is Senior Master Sergeant, assuming you live up to the responsibilities of being an NCO.
    <snip>

    Stand easy, Captain Douglas. I Think 4Q was just making it easier for different branches to relate, considering we have different ranks? Besides, hes a nasty airwinger what do you expect?? JK!! Don't flame please!? hehe. Take care.
     
  7. Charles

    Charles New Member

    Greetings,

    I'm a Navy Chief Petty Officer. I am completing my last semester at AMU. I am looking forward to beginning my MBA quest this summer.

    A.S. City University, 1988
    B.A. American Military University, 2002
    MBA Liberty University, (Classes start in May)
     
  8. DCross

    DCross New Member

    Hello:


    Former Electronics Technician Third Class (E-4), U. S. Navy 1990-1995

    This got me 43 credits with UoP

    Started school in June 1997- Mckendree College
    Transferred to U of Phoenix October 1998

    Graduated April 2000

    Started MBA June 2000- Fontbonne (College) University

    Graduated December 2001


    Begin Phd Business Admin Monday (March 18 2002)
     
  9. 4Q

    4Q New Member

    But wfready hit the nail on the head as to my initial intent. Futhermore Rich, if I were the nitpicking sort, I would say that SMSgt is a rank, not a grade. :D
     
  10. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    I thought I'd leave, but I'll toss in one more. "SMSgt" is not a rank; it is a grade. The term "rank" is a relative one. One person outranks another. In fact, my grandfather, a retired senior chief petty officer, takes pains to note that enlisted personnel don't have rank; officers do.

    There is a difference between grade (SMSgt, in this case) and pay grade (E-8). This used to be particularly true with E-4s. Some were sergeants, others senior airmen. The Army has long perpetuated this difference with its specialist grades.

    My original comment was not a flame; there remains in the Air Force's NCO corps a strong feeling about those who take seriously the responsibilities of the NCO and those who merely earn the pay. This is especially true in the senior NCO grades, where a comment like, "He's not a Chief, he's an E-9" can sometimes be heard. It is meant to depict one who has been promoted to a leadership role, but does not lead.

    I in no way meant to imply such about our esteemed senior NCO, but I can certainly see where that might be construed. I did not intend this, and offer my apologies.

    In sum:

    Grade: The level you serve.
    Pay Grade: The money you earn.
    Rank: Your place among others.

    Rich Douglas, who learned these things via NCO PME courses, Officer Training School, and Squadron Officer School, then taught them at AFROTC (as Commandant of Cadets). Goodnight now. :)
     
  11. Guest

    Guest Guest

    Greetings Rich!

    First, glad to see you are a candidate with UIU. I wish you the best of luck and hope that in the not too distant future we will be able to refer to you *formally* as Dr. Douglas.

    Second, as to the pay grade thing. I know in the army we would occasionally get corrected as well but it was in such common use among enlisted personnel (not officers). We would often refer to someone when talking about them "he's an E-8 (except 1SG's) or she' an E-4" or "I am an E-5". So, your point is taken but it was ignored on active duty.

    As to me.....I am a former E-5 (SGT) US Army (Chaplain Assistant or Unit Ministry Team NCO). Currently using my GI Bill. I earned my Masters degree (Counseling) in the army using tuition assistance and am now working on my doctorate (Counseling) at a TRACS accredited seminary using my GI Bill.

    Let me say here that I am very thankful for the educational opportunites that the army offered & financed (T.A. thru GI Bill).
    I think it is fantastic the number of schools from Touro (free) & Liberty (subsidized) and NCU that offer breaks to military people earning degrees. I think Liberty also used to offer a break to law enforcemnt.

    North


     
  12. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    I did 3 years active Army (Division Recon, 101st Airborne) and 6 years National Guard (972 MP Company). I just want to encourage, with the experience of someone who didn't, every military member to take advantage of the educational opportunities available. I was more interested in drinking & womanizing in my off-time than going to school, and I regretted it for years. It's much easier (and cheaper with Uncle Sam footing the bill) to do while you're young.

    As far as the rank/grade/pay grade, I always use pay grades when addressing a multi-service audience. I got out of the Guard as an E-6, which is Staff Sergeant in the Army. I think SSG is E-5 in the Air Force, and the Navy is something like Senior Assistant Chief Porthole Engineer. :D I just find it easier to say "E-6", so everyone knows where on the food chain you fall.


    Bruce
     
  13. me again

    me again Well-Known Member

    Army

    Former MP
    • E-4, 95b, Regular Army
    • 0-2, 31A, National Guard
    I got out (completely) in 1991. I’m currently in CID in a civilian agency as a juvenile detective (no, not as an immature detective ;)).

    I too am addicted to education (can’t seem to stop). I told myself that once I finish this Master of Arts, then that’s it!!! However, we’ll see how far this addiction (to education) will carry itself.

    Reference Ranks:
    I like it when people say they are an E-8 (or whatever) because that tells me what rank they are, regardless of which branch they are in. For example, someone identified themselves as a chief petty officer. I don’t know what rank that is, but would guess it is between an E-6 and an E-8???.

    As another example, when I state that my father was an O-9, all members of all branches immediately know exactly what that means! ;) My natural father died in action as an O-3. He was a West Pointer and was a chopper pilot.
     
  14. Charles

    Charles New Member

    I concur with Mr. Douglas. Referring to senior enlisted by pay grade, particularly in the Navy (Chief Petty Officer - pay grade E-7, Senior Chief Petty Officer - pay grade E-8, Master Chief Petty Officer - pay grade E-9) would be considered an insult.

    From the GOATLOCKER, the most popular CPO website:


    "Are you a Chief Petty Officer
    or
    Just an E-7
    The Chief is always a part of the answer;
    The E-7 is always part of the problem.
    The Chief always has a program;
    The E-7 always has a excuse.
    The Chief says, "LET ME DO IT FOR YOU";
    The E-7 says "That's not my job."
    The Chief Sees an answer for every problem;
    The E-7 sees a problem for every answer.
    The Chief sees a green near every sand trap;
    The E-7 sees a sand trap near every green.
    The Chief says, "it may be difficult but it's possible";
    The E-7 says,"it may be possible, but it's too difficult."
    The Chief works harder then an E-7 and has more time:
    The E-7 is always "too busy" to do what is necessary.
    The Chief makes COMMITMENTS!
    The E-7 makes Promises".
    http://goatlocker.exis.net/chief.htm
     
  15. wfready

    wfready New Member

    Wow! We are still on the rank vs. grade discussion?

    Charles, calling somone by their grade (ex. e-8) directly is an insult for senior and junior, enlisted and commisioned! I, personally have never heard anyone say, "Hey E-8! How are you?". Not only is it rude, but it sounds kind of dumb. Another thing I feel is disrespectful and unprofessional is the calling somone w/o a rank at all. Calling somone Johnson instead of SSgt Johnson. That goes for both junior addressing senior AND senior addressing junior. Well just my opinion any ways!


    Regards,

    Bill
     
  16. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    I don't think that's what anyone meant. If I said I got out as a Staff Sergeant, people who were/are in the other services might not know that SSG is E-6 in the Army. For example, I have no idea what grade a Chief Bosun's Mate is, so it makes it easier for me to understand if they say "I was an E-_". That immediately lets me know where a Chief Bosun's Mate would fall in the Army rank structure.


    Bruce
     
  17. Guest

    Guest Guest

    In the army you did not refer to a NCO by pay grade when speaking to him or her. That was certainly not respectful and would have likely ended with you at "parade rest". However, "he's a E-6 promotable" might be heard. She's and E-4, etc. I agree with what others have said which is that it certainly helps distinguish between the various titles the services use.

    North

     
  18. timmyq45

    timmyq45 New Member

    :D :rolleyes: :D

    I am a retired Chief Petty Officer (submarines) and if anyone ever called me an E-7 I would rip your head off. I am finishing my BS degree at Excelsior one stats test to go. I also am enrolled in a Master's Certificate Program with GWU and ESI International in IT Project Management.

    I also was initiated for those of you who know what I mean lol

    I plan to start my masters at capella in the fall in Technology management.

    And I have an armful of IT Certs, including CISSP. MCT and others.

    I have found this forum to be most helpful, since I was under the water most of my career (back to back sea tours on subs for about 14 years.

    To top it all off I am a New Yorker who works for a group of politicians at the local government level. Just like having 5 admirals!!!
     
  19. Tracy Gies

    Tracy Gies New Member

    North is correct. Pay grades are usually used for clarity, but not in addressing each other. Usually when filling out a form (especially DoD forms) you will be asked to provide a grade rather than a rank. In this multi-service environment, grades do help us distinguish rank. It would be discurtious (but not *necessarily* insulting) to address someone by their pay grade, however. It would be both discurtious and insulting to assume that someone who chose to use a grade for clarity is not a professional.

    Tracy Gies<><
    SSG/E-6(P)

    11C, Minnesota Army National Guard, 1983-87
    98G3HC8QB, Regular Army 1987-Present, and still loving it.
     
  20. Tracy Gies

    Tracy Gies New Member

    Charles, I understand the problem that this illustrates, but let's face it, we've all known people who referred to themselves by their rank that still just couldn't cut it at their pay grade. I suggest that you can't separate the SSG from the E-6, the CPO from the E-7, or the SMSgt from the E-8. To do so is to separate the rank from the responsibility.

    Tracy Gies<><
    SSG/E-6(P)
     

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