For the almost 40% of the US military with real jobs.

We talk business, news, and culture for the PART⚡TIME warrior.

This week:

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Like most Millennial yuppies, I have toyed with the idea of getting an MBA multiple times over the years. I have ultimately decided it’s not worth it for me, and probably not for most people.

Basically, MBA’s are expensive (in terms of direct cost and opportunity cost), time-consuming, their curriculums are antiquated and readily available, and there’s no data that suggests getting an MBA makes much of a difference in lifetime career earnings, etc.

Basically, the data says that if you’re successful with an MBA, you were probably going to be successful without one, anyway.

Better to save the money, study on your own, and learn/build through practice instead of classroom lectures.

Now, as veterans, many of us have the GI Bill, which makes things like graduate school programs much more financially palatable, but even so, I would caution against getting an MBA as the easy button to becoming a corporate executive, especially as AI begins to displace cognitive white-collar and middle management positions.

I would look at smaller, niche, more focused programs that provide tangible skills you can bring to customers or an employer.

Or if you want to take 2 years off to get drunk under the guise of self-development, it’s a good option.

If you are absolutely committed to an MBA, only go to a top, full-time program. I do not believe the ROI is there for lower end or part-time programs whatsoever.

You can be VA Disability rated and continue to serve and deploy in the Guard/Reserve!

Got knee pain? Anxiety? Peyronie's Disease? You may qualify for VA disability now. And can start collecting now.

Don't wait until you're out and your records are scattered and you have to track a million people down. A VA-accredited attorney like Matt Brooks will assess your case, gather evidence, and build the strongest claim possible.

Former federal prosecutor. Direct VA access. No "claim shark" games. No bullshit.

Talk to Matt now for free—mention PTH. Find out what you're entitled to.

Boss giving you grief about your military commitments? Call Brian Lawler.

If you’re running into problems with your employer due to your military service, contact Brian Lawler.

Brian’s a former Marine pilot, reservist, and one of the top USERRA attorneys in the country. He knows the law better than your HR department, and he’s made a career out of holding employers accountable.

Free consult. No win, no fee.
If your job’s on the line, Brian’s the guy you want in the fight.

Set up a meeting here.

Space-A travel is one of the best “if it works, it’s amazing” benefits. Space-Available (Space-A) lets eligible travelers fly on military aircraft when seats open up after mission and higher-priority passengers are accommodated. You can fly pretty much anywhere DoD aircraft with space are flying (in theory).

As Reservists, we’re pretty far down on the list of priority passengers, but I kind of doubt Space-A get used all that much anyway.

Full disclosure: We’ve never used Space-A. If you have and it’s awesome or it sucks, let us know.

Sign up at your nearest Air Mobility Command terminal. You'll receive a priority category (typically Category VI for reservists). Check terminal Facebook pages for 72-hour flight schedules. When seats open, passengers board by priority.

Basically, you show up with your bags packed and ready to go to the destination you’re trying to get to. You may or may not get on the flight due to scheduling, space availability, whatever. So it’s generally not good for people with strict timelines, budgets, and families.

But for a single gray man/woman or a couple with time and flexibility, it can be a great way to save thousands of dollars on air travel.

Complete AMC Form 140 online and email it to your desired terminal. Review eligibility requirements and required documentation at the links below.

Resources:

Doug Diaz is a Program Manager at Accenture Federal Services, where he currently supports IRS modernization efforts. A military leader with 18 years of service across both the Guard and Reserve, Doug has served as both an enlisted Soldier and an officer, with experience spanning infantry, artillery, and civil affairs. He currently serves as a Civil Affairs company commander, bringing a mission-focused, people-first approach to complex government transformation work and is an expert on securing dinner reservations during drill weekend.

A living list of stuff we like—tactical, grooming, whatever, with discounts.

1) Black Wool Cap: Cool black wool caps, use discount code GRAYMAN for 15% discount

2) OTB Boots: Baller tactical footwear company, use this link for discount

If you want to make baller ass unit gear repping our logo suite, check out The Fratty Guard Unit Collab Store.

Or for the GOAT classics, head over to The Fratty Guard.

If you support the work that Friendly Forces does, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help keep the lights on. Every bit helps. Turns out stuff is expensive and we put countless man hours into the work.

Absolutely massive things coming.