i guess it really bores down to individual and their bosses. i had a couple of specialists, 3SG they say. i will make arrangements for my specialists should they come to me and highlight their intention to further their studies. however, this must come with no compromise of their standards in their work.

There are certain criterias which i take into considerations before i put up my specs for further education. i had rank them in order:

1. attitude in work
2. his intention of further education
3. the time which he chose to study

i think i need not elaborate on point 1. point 2, many a times, specialists who came forth that they want time off to study, often were already thinking of leaving the force. personally i am not in favor of that becoz the work load during his time away on courses/lessons will have to be bore by his colleagues which isnt fair. there had been numerous encounters whereby these group often used study periods to meet up with their girlfriends etc.

3rd point, sometimes it must be communicated to them by their superiors the reason why they are advised to hold back their further education plans, it could be the time is not right? i must admit some of the superiors are holding them back for selfish gains, but many times, specialists wanted to pursue their education during critical points of their career such as during ranking periods, when their promotion is due etc. this is a bad move, at least in my opinion. i urge all specs to consult their superiors and plan at least 3 years ahead in terms of career advancement. believe me, there will be a time whereby they should go get that degree and stay out of the competition.