Let me first state that I respect both of the posters above. And can agree that in the ideal situation that a cadet can learn things from CULP that might benefit them in their future.
I'm not looking at OML. If I was looking at OML I would agree that CULP is a plus.
And yes I will admit that most schools offered or combat branch based schools, but that does not mean that having those on your record is not a plus aside from the skills you learn from them.
I believe, and in contradiction to your statement that you believe
professionally CULP is better than AA or AB, aside from directly or indirectly using the skills taught in the schools, that if one is to pursue a career in the military (not saying retire from) that having the schools listed on your record is more likely to help you in gaining a promotion or fill a vacancy than if you attended CULP as a cadet. I'm pretty sure that CULP does not go onto your military records (might be wrong, correct me if I am).
And yes, a badge alone will not get you promoted, just as spending 3 weeks overseas will not, but as with private industry (which I am not debating), if you have 2 equal candidates and one has attended more schools or conferences related to your industry that candidate is going to have a leg up. I would think especially in the military when I assume a lot of promotions or advances are given based purely on paperwork.
Again, I just do not agree with your statement that CULP is better professionally than the schools.
Have a 19 yr old kid from the California fly the woods of Georgia to train with a bunch of special forces guys for 3 weeks and talk about cultural awareness and adapting to your surroundings
Edit: I keep using the term promotion when in today's army the term retention might be better suited.