[blue02hd]

fng (nice nickname btw)

It seems to me you are trying to juggle apples and oranges. You have remarked on the desire to acquire additional maturity and time to physically train while you pursue a Masters. You have conveyed that you believe that will better prepare you for an attempt at SFAS and eventually the teams. From my experiences this could not be further from the truth.

Get your education, it will set you up for success after the service. Do not expect to gain maturity or wisdom from your additional degree, as that can only be gained with experience and time on the job. The best SF soldiers I have worked with were outstanding soldiers prior to joining the teams, not because of any civilian diploma. Their experience and maturity began when they were privates and continued on from there.

I have worked with and have met many a Masters Grad that I wouldn't let watch my son while I went to the store 10 minutes away let alone watch my back downrange. Education does not guarantee you common sense.
One QP has suggested that SFAS will always be there, well the opposite is also true. Your Masters will always be there as well, and the Army does have programs that will financially assist you in reaching that goal. You can really go either way. Just depends on what is more important to you.

If and when you join the Army you will be leaving the civilian culture and entering into the military culture which you do not understand yet. You could be a Rhodes Scholar or waiving a fresh GED and it won't matter the first time a Drill Sgt singles you out.

You must figure out what is most important to you and then follow your heart, tuck your chin, and go get it.

I wish you luck on your Masters. Just remember, not all post grads make it to their Masters Ceremony.

I wish you luck if SFAS. Statistically, the odds are definitely against you there.

All My Best