Development of a master's degree in Operational Logistics for logistics officers - Inside Logistics

Air Force Journal of Logistics, Summer, 2002 by Marcus Boyette

So what is the issue? Increased time, training, and focus required to qualify as a logistics readiness officer will reduce the time available and focus possible to complete an off-duty master's degree by the 10-year point or prior to meeting the major's board. Things are already tough, and now they are going to get tougher. If this sounds like whining, let's take a look at the aircraft and munitions maintenance crowd. Young officers are looking at 10-, 12-, or 14-hour days; nights; weekends; and holidays. Contracting--again, long hours. Who's got time for a master's degree? What's the most expedient avenue to get one?

Wouldn't it be great if logistics officers could work toward a Master of Science in Operational Logistics while qualifying in their career field? What if this master's degree awarded them credit hours for Air Force formal training? So they are actually working toward their master's simply by qualifying in their career field. In an educational sense, a Master of Science in Operational Logistics would tie together the multiple disciplines of the logistics readiness officer. It would also cover maintenance and production management for aircraft and munitions maintenance officers, as well as acquisition logistics for the contracting officers.

This is not rocket science. It's a win-win for everybody. So what's the best approach? What are the alternatives?

Course of Action 1

Partner with AFIT, to offer an accredited nontechnical or semitechnical master's program focusing on operational logistics and geared toward off-duty students. This program should not be on the same level of difficulty as an in-residence ART master's degree or intended to fulfill advanced academic degree requirements. It must have distance-learning (either online or via correspondence) capability to allow loggies at any location to complete the course work. Papers could be mailed to AFIT for grading. Testing would need to take place through the base education office.

Key. Logistics officers must receive credit hours for formal training and certifications.

Advantages.

* Lends itself toward central management by the Air Force.

* AFIT already has logistics-focused courses to draw from.

Course of Action 2

Partner with civilian colleges that have specialized master's programs in logistics to offer a program tailored for off-duty military students. Again, the program for the Air Force should be nontechnical or semitechnical with a focus on operational logistics, and courses must be available either online or via correspondence. Papers could be mailed to the college for grading, and testing could take place through the base education office.

Key. Logistics officers must receive credit hours for formal training and certifications.

Advantages.

* These colleges already have logistics-focused courses to draw from.

* The degree would be from a regionally accredited college.

Course of Action 3

Partner with civilian colleges that have numerous extended-campus programs at military bases. Request development of a nontechnical or semitechnical master's program focusing on operational logistics. Students would be able to attend classes at worldwide satellite locations. Distance learning must also be available for individuals in unserviced locations. Papers could be handled by the local instructor or mailed to the college for individuals at unserviced locations. Testing could take place through the base education office.