| There is no competing with the U.S. Navy's Chief | | | | educational foundation, both professionally and |
| Petty Officer rank when it comes to | | | | personally." |
| command-level authority for an enlisted person. | | | | Online associate and bachelor's degree programs |
| Nowhere else in America's armed forces are | | | | offer a way for Sailors to advance into the |
| enlisted personnel given so much respect and real | | | | highest enlisted ranks of the Navy or prepare for |
| authority. The promotion to this rank (E-7) | | | | their civilian career. Universities with online degree |
| increases a Sailor's responsibility, to such a great | | | | programs allow Sailors to earn a degree while |
| extent, that they trade in their white uniforms for | | | | serving their country, no matter whether it's on |
| the famous service khaki uniforms. | | | | the high seas or stationed back in the states; an |
| This important non-commissioned officer position | | | | Internet connection and a computer connects |
| requires a lot of experience, talent, training and | | | | Sailors to a host of accredited universities. |
| education, which is why beginning in fiscal year | | | | Sailors should be sure to take advantage of Navy |
| 2011, the Navy will require that all Senior Chief | | | | Tuition Assistance, which provides up to $4,500 a |
| Petty Officers (E-8) earn an "associate degree or | | | | year for university tuition. The Navy pays the |
| equivalent that is rating-relevant," according to a | | | | institution directly so that Sailors do not have to |
| Navy press release. | | | | pay anything out-of-pocket. Whether a Sailor is |
| "As the Navy continues to develop high-tech | | | | looking to prepare for a post-military career, earn |
| capabilities and reduce the size of its work force, | | | | promotion points or is set on becoming a Sr. Chief |
| Sailors will be called upon to perform in new and | | | | Petty Officer, earning a degree online is a great |
| challenging ways," said Master Chief Petty Officer | | | | way for Sailors to ensure that they can reach |
| of the Navy Terry D. Scott. "Adapting to these | | | | their career goals. |
| challenges will require Sailors to have a strong | | | | |