CCAF opportunities for Airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Clay Murray
  • 75th Air Base Wing public affairs
It's one of the things that leadership insist every Airmen work to complete early in their Air Force careers.

Through the Community College of the Air Force, an associate degree is an excellent way to jumpstart a journey in higher education.

Terry Teigeler, CCAF advisor, thinks highly of the program and pushes for Airmen to make it a priority.

"All enlisted Airmen, whether they are active duty, Reserve or Guard, are eligible to work through the CCAF in pursuit of an associate degree," said Mr. Teigeler.

Airmen are automatically enrolled in the regionally accredited CCAF upon their date of enlistment. From there, they complete Basic Military Training and receive college credits for the training. Once they receive their three-level as an apprentice, they are entitled to more college credits. The process is identical for the journeyman and craftsman levels.

"The degree itself is more or less centered around those credits for the technical aspect of the Airman's job," said Rebecca Delgado, Education Services officer. "They are the core of the degree."

Other credits come from general education requirements like algebra for mathematics or public speaking for oral communication. Professional Military Education courses like Airman Leadership School also fulfill requirements for the degree.

Once the associate degree through the CCAF has been completed, Airmen who are retired, separated or currently serving, can continue their education through the university program of their choice and earn an Air University Associate-to-Baccalaureate Cooperative Degree from one of approximately 26 institutions which have all been identified as Air Force friendly.

While in the Air Force, completing the CCAF associate degree can prove beneficial for an Airman's career.

"Working toward an associate degree through the CCAF will provide Airmen with better chances of promotion because it shows a sense of self-improvement," said Master Sgt. Julie McQueen, career assistance advisor. "For enlisted grades E-8 and E-9 it plays a dramatic role. Furthermore, people should utilize the CCAF; it will put them on track for the AUABC cooperative degree program."

Sergeant McQueen also believes that pursuing education through the CCAF has benefits outside of the Air Force. Any degree obtained shows progression and a competitive nature, said Sergeant McQueen, good qualities to have when job hunting.

The Tuition Assistance Program can be used to pay for a CCAF associate degree, a civilian college associate degree, a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, and a single certification. The program pays for up to $250 per semester hour and a maximum of $4,500 per fiscal year. Tuition Assistance will cover the price of the certification up to $9,000.

For questions about the CCAF, AUABC cooperative degree program, TA or any other related education items, contact the education office at 777-2710.