I get a lot of questions about the need for a college degree in the civilian job market. I was fortunate enough to sit in on an Employer Panel at one of our Career Expos when a job seeker asked about the issue (this is why I always say the Employer Panels are a must-attend - I've taken a ton of advice from them, too).
The key point I took from the discussion was the importance of your education matching your experience level. Whether you have a degree or not, it doesn't change what you've actually done. If you served for thirty years as a diesel mechanic and have an MBA, your education hasn't caught up with your experience. If you have no engineering degree but the right service experience, on the other hand, you can still qualify for many engineering positions.
Hal posted earlier about using GI Bill benefits for your first job as an alternative to college. Here are some more tips for those transitioning without a degree. I'm happy to say that many of the career fields mentioned are always solidly represented at our events!
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