2 yr vs 4 yr degree and community service questions

[Jamezs]

With having military experience as well as combat (2 Iraq tours) and a 2 yr degree will it be just as good as a 4 yr? With military experience are there significant benefits to having a 4 vs a 2 yr degree?

Also, I've heard and read that volunteering and community service looks good on a resume and I've started looking at wildlife and outdoor groups (I’m an outdoor and hunting lover). Does it matter WHAT kind of volunteering you do? Thank you very much.

[Kimble]

With having military experience as well as combat (2 Iraq tours) and a 2 yr degree will it be just as good as a 4 yr? With military experience are there significant benefits to having a 4 vs a 2 yr degree?

Some departments require a bachelors degree (in which an associates degree wouldn't be enough), other require some college credits, and still others only require a HS diploma/GED. If you apply for a department that doesn't have a specific degree standard, you're experience in the service will likely far outweigh the degree, so either one would only help to make you more competitive.

Also, some agencies offer salary bonuses for education, so having a BS/BA degree may raise your starting salary further than an AS/AA. You also have to consider that many promotions (Lt and higher) in some departments are now moving to requiring a bachelor's degree, if that's even something you think you'd pursue later in your career.

[pafindr]

With having military experience as well as combat (2 Iraq tours) and a 2 yr degree will it be just as good as a 4 yr? With military experience are there significant benefits to having a 4 vs a 2 yr degree?

I think this would depend on your competition. If there is someone with the same experience as you do but they have the 4yr degree they may get the position before you. I think there are quite a few officers out there with military backgrounds.

Also, I've heard and read that volunteering and community service looks good on a resume and I've started looking at wildlife and outdoor groups (I’m an outdoor and hunting lover). Does it matter WHAT kind of volunteering you do? Thank you very much.

Yeah if you volunteer to take out your mother in law that would be bad. :p
I think what is being looked for is if you are willing to give to your community because basically that is what you'll be doing in law enforcement.

just my two cents