Army Reserve Encourages Soldiers to Pursue MBA
Considering a career in business? Browse your options
The U.S. Army Reserve has enlisted the help of the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), an association of the world’s top business schools, to help encourage soldiers to pursue a graduate business degree. Operation MBA was created to teach army reservists about the value of an advanced business degree. When combined with their military experience, the MBA prepares them to compete against civilian job seekers and excel in business.
Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz, Chief, Army Reserve, and Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserve Command is excited about the program.
“Operation MBA will enhance opportunities for Army Reserve Soldiers who wish to contribute their talents and skills to the Nation’s business communities.”
Military + MBA = Business Success
The level of responsibility granted at relatively young ages in the military, the requirement to solve problems on the spot, and the leadership skills developed in the military are all a good foundation for success in business. With baby boomers leaving executive positions for retirement, ex-military may have just the skills corporate America needs. An MBA gives them the specific business credential they’ll need to get in the door.
According to a poll by Military MBA, over one fourth of military officers seek an MBA in order to improve career opportunities outside the military.
David A. Wilson, president of GMAC, notes the synergy between the military and business school and beyond:
“Officers and other leaders are among the very best candidates for business school. Their experience in managing resources and developing strategy enrich the dialogue in the classroom, a cornerstone of the MBA program. Their discipline prepares them well for the rigors of the program and for management upon graduation.”
Goals of Operation MBA
Teaming up with the GMAC, the Army Reserve hopes to accomplish the following:
- teach members of the Army Reserve the value of obtaining an MBA
- providing easy access to preparation materials for the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
- information about applying to graduate business schools
- listing of military-friendly business schools
The list of schools is especially useful in that these institutions have agreed make various concessions to military personnel, such as waiving admissions fees, making financial aid available, and offering grant deferments if soldier’s plans are delayed by their service branch. Together GMAC and the Army Reserve will post material about Operation MBA on their respective websites, www.mba.com and www.ArmyReserve.Army.mil.
If the military is such a good preparation for management, maybe our Fortune 500 should incorporate some military style discipline into their training programs . Jim Bolt at Fast Company agrees. How about you?
