Well...It's Official, JPME

[Steve Wilkins]

I'm being commissioned in 13 days and might be going to either Navy PG School or AF Institute of Technology for either a mechanical or aeronautical engineering masters before flight school (either that or straight to flight school, still haven't heard back...).

Few quick questions about this:

1. Can I do the JPME program as an O-1?
2. Should I do the JPME program as an O-1?
3. Anyone know if they have it out at AFIT?

Thanks for the help.

I'll keep my comments about sending a brand new Ensign to post-grad school to myself, but to answer your questions:

1) If you go to NPS, JPME-1 should be part of your curriculum (required)
2) You won't be eligible to do JPME until you make O-3 (unless you go to NPS as an O-1)
3) Don't know what's at AFIT....I'm guessing they probably do have it if that's the AF's version of NPS.

 

[Chris Hill]

Thanks!

Regarding the whole O-1 grad school thing, it wasn't initially my intention to go. I was basically asked to apply for the program. They do 10 or so SNA Ensigns every year. I don't know if I got in yet (let's hope I find out soon), but it was such a good deal I couldn't say no...

 

[eddie]

Asked to apply? Why you?

Just curious...

 

[skidkid]

Back to the green side,

I've read about doing AWS through the distance education program, and I talked to one of the Marine FO's on the Yard about it. He told me that if you're a grunt, you need to be a resident at AWS in Quantico, but it really doesn't matter for Pilots/FO's. I don't want to raise a ruckus, but will it hurt someone going up for command screening to do AWS through correspondence?

Also, how does obtaining a regular master's (i.e. M.S., Engineering vs. M.A. Political Science) fare for those going up for command screening?

What are some pros and cons of not only doing PME degrees through correspondence, but doing a conventional master's through correspondence while managing your duty's as an officer and raising a family? Sorry for all the questions-I'm just curious about postgrad. education in the Marine Corps.

As for PME it doesnt matter a bit, all a promotion board briefs is PME complete yes or no.
The Marine Corps is neutral at best when if comes to a Masters degree. Many of the other services want you to have on but the Marine Corps would rather you do the PME. There is something of a "well if you have time for off duty masters you arent working hord enough on your primary duties" current that is around
Best place to do a masters in on MOI duty.
Hope this helped.

 

[phrogdriver]

As for PME it doesnt matter a bit, all a promotion board briefs is PME complete yes or no.
The Marine Corps is neutral at best when if comes to a Masters degree. Many of the other services want you to have on but the Marine Corps would rather you do the PME. There is something of a "well if you have time for off duty masters you arent working hord enough on your primary duties" current that is around
Best place to do a masters in on MOI duty.
Hope this helped.

Except that MOI duty isn't exactly a crowd-pleaser at the board, either.

2 colonels who had served on promotion boards gave us a talk on the whole promotion deal. The master's was definitely not a big plus, but was a plus, as long as your fitrep in your primary job was strong. If they got the sense you gaffed off to get a master's, you were toast.

My perspective--someday you will leave the big green gun club, either by quitting or getting fired. Managerial level positions nowadays expect MAs or MSs. Be sure to take care of yourself along the way, because the Corps isn't going to. Whether you get a degree via resident PME or by night school over 5 years, just do it. Don't sacrifice your duties, but do it.

BTW, can't beat seminar for PME in the USMC. Don't waste a year of flt time by going to res-EWS. C&S at least can get you a master's, so that's another story.

 

[Chris Hill]

Asked to apply? Why you?

Just curious...

It's called AE-IGEP. Here's some more info I posted in an earlier thread:

http://www.airwarriors.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10291

My CO sent me the info and he and a few other officers strongly encouraged me to apply. I thought it was kind of strange that they'd offer the program to O-1's too. But hey, take the opportunities when they come...