In addition to being adaptable, a Soldier must also set goals for himself, seek positions of greater responsibility and pursue opportunities to further his education. These small steps will help him to separate himself from his peers in this competitive Army.

I am a firm believer that ‘‘you shouldn’t put all of your eggs in one basket” meaning that although I have had a very successful career as a Soldier, I am aware that one day, I will need to retire and let someone else fill the position of command sergeant major. Knowing this, it is my personal responsibility to plan for a future outside of the military.

My career path is grounded in technology.We live in a technological society where jobs and careers are attached to degrees awarded to deserving individuals who have worked hard to earn the right to walk across stage and graduate from the college of their choice. Once you have achieved this goal, various windows of opportunity will begin to open for you. Your lifestyle will improve, as well as, your financial resources.

That recently earned degree has made it possible for you to separate yourself from your peers. You are now able to enter into lucrative careers with benefits, higher pay, manageable hours and safe working conditions. You now have options and do not have to wait helplessly on a Social Security check to arrive, upon retirement.

Even in a thriving economy, many employers today look to hire applicants who have degrees first, to handle the excessive information that runs their organizations.

Many opportunities for skilled laborers have been outsourced to third world countries, and jobs are becoming increasing harder to obtain due to the large amounts of uneducated individuals who are competing for the positions that don’t require a degree.

It is a fact that people who earn the higher degrees get the higher pay and I explain this concept to my staff and faculty at the RNCOA every chance that I get. I learned this concept early in my career and this knowledge aided me in developing ways to motivate my Soldiers to better themselves through furthering their education.

Our motto at the Signal Regimental Noncommissioned Officer Academy is ‘‘Train to Lead, Lead to Train.” In order for me to expect my Soldiers to follow me, I must be a great leader and lead by example.

Education is important because it impacts our development and stimulates our economic growth. Education inspires confidence and provides our Soldiers with the skills needed to participate in our ever-changing world. It makes us self-reliant and aware of the opportunities and rights provided to us by being citizens of this beautiful country.

The right to earn an education is one that our Soldiers die to defend every day. Don’t let their lives have been taken in vein. Get out there and sign up for a college course, and encourage your Soldiers to do the same.