Education is essential in today's Air Force

  • Published
  • By Airman Sondra Wieseler
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Airmen get asked all the time, "Why did you join the Air Force?"

There are many different answers and everyone has their own reasons. Yet, one of the most common answers to that question in today's Air Force is a prominent one: education.

Although it is considered one of the prerequisites of joining the military, education is highly encouraged in the Air Force as it can assist in mission success.

Here, we have developed a Learning Center, where the Base Education and Training Office is located, that gives all Airmen the opportunity to further their education by offering college courses on base, among other services.

"Everything that every enlisted member in the Air Force needs to start working the education process is right here on base," said Mr. Sam Mata, 49th Mission Support Squadron, a guidance counselor at the Learning Center.

The educational benefits that the Air Force offers are hard to beat. Not only will most Airmen receive the Montgomery G.I. Bill benefit, which amounts to more than $39,000 for education after a member separates or retires, but all active-duty Air Force members also receive 100 percent tuition assistance, with certain limitations, while serving.

"While in the Air Force, students have a huge advantage because off-duty education can be 100 percent free, except for the cost of books," said Mr. Mata. "Air Force Tuition Assistance will cover up to $250 per semester hour (or $166 per quarter hour), up to $4500 a year, for courses taken through regionally or nationally accredited schools."

Also, the Air Force automatically enrolls every single enlisted member into the Community College of the Air Force about five weeks into their career.

"Through CCAF, the Air Force offers every enlisted member the opportunity to earn a regionally accredited associates degree, and the Air Force is the only branch of service to do so," said Mr. Mata. "The student is eligible to go to any regionally or nationally accredited school they want. As long as the courses work towards the Airman's CCAF degree or an approved bachelor's or master's degree plan, the Air Force will grant tuition assistance."

Tuition assistance will cover many courses, through both on-campus and distance learning schools. Holloman AFB has offices for five regionally accredited colleges right here on base; New Mexico State University-Alamogordo, Central Texas College, Park University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and Troy University.

Holloman Air Force Base also has had the highest CCAF graduation rate in Air Combat Command for the past 4 graduations, which occur twice a year, said Mr. Mata. Unfortunately, current personnel statistics show that only about 20 percent of the enlisted force, from Airman Basic through Chief Master Sergeant, have utilized the benefits and earned their CCAF degree.

"I believe that this number is based on a myth among many active duty enlisted members that an associate's degree is a waste of time and not worth much," said Staff Sgt. Alberto Fuentes of the 49th Maintenance Operations Squadron, who recently earned his Associate in Applied Science Degree in Maintenance Production Management through CCAF. "I feel that like many things in my life, a CCAF degree, too, is a stepping stone for many greater things to come."

One of the ways to make earning a degree easier is through certain tests offered through the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES). There are College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and DANTES Standardized Subject (DSST) tests available at Holloman. They are free of charge for all active-duty members.

"CLEP and DSST tests are wonderful tools that are available to every person on this base," said Mr. Mata. "They are tests that evaluate your level of understanding in certain subjects and they earn students regionally accredited hours applicable to certain degrees."

Both of these types of tests are available at the Base Education and Training Office and the tester can earn anywhere from 3 to 12 semester hours per test with passing scores. There is study material available at the library, also located in the Learning Center, and through the Air Force Virtual Education Center website. If the student does not pass a test, the tester must wait six months to retake it.

"I thought to myself, 'I can either sit in class for an additional two to four months or I can take 60 - 90 minutes and earn three credit hours towards the same degree I am pursuing,'" said Sergeant Fuentes, who utilized the CLEP tests to attain his degree. "I had to take advantage of this incredible opportunity that the Air Force offers."

Having a degree does not only benefit enlisted Airmen, it also benefits civilians and those separated from the military.

"Today, education is important because it opens up doors and provides more opportunities," said Mr. Mata. "If you don't have education behind you, you probably will end up with less career options as you progress in the ranks and also later, when you separate from the Air Force."

Not only is possessing a CCAF degree becoming an essential part of the promotion process for Senior NCOs, it also beneficial for lower-level Airmen as it can improve Enlistment Performance Reports, help in promotion packages and can make them an overall better test-taker.

"I have learned to better manage my personal, home life and still make time to study for Weighted Airmen Promotion testing in blocked increments most days of the week," said Sergeant Fuentes.

If anyone is interested in obtaining more information about going to school, or what they need to do the Base Education and Training Office is open from 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and their phone number is 572-3971. The online Air Force Virtual Education Center, which can be accessed through the Air Force Portal, can provide information as well.

"Come find either myself or Mrs. Chandell Gill, the lead Guidance Counselor here at Holloman, and let us show you how easy it really is," said Mr. Mata. "Take one CLEP or DSST test, take one course, and you might be surprised. Please let us help you get a jump-start on your education."

"The wonderful staff at the education center is a wealth of knowledge," said Sergeant Fuentes. "Because of the expertise and professionalism they possess, they were able to answer my every question."