CCAF more important than ever for NCOs

  • Published
  • By Lori Burling Alves
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  A college education can bring noncommissioned officer's knowledge, success and a couple more stripes on their sleeve. And that education is readily available through the Community College of the Air Force.

"I'm currently working long hours to complete my master's degree. The reality of it is, if I had not completed my associate's degree through the Community College of the Air Force, I would retire with two less stripes on my sleeves," said Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Antwine, 39th Air Base Wing command chief. "In many cases, the only thing holding up a promotion to senior master sergeant or chief master sergeant is completing an associate degree program."

The CCAF is one of several federally chartered degree-granting institutions, but is the only two-year institution exclusively serving enlisted military personnel, according to its Web site. The college offers the associate in applied science degree in the career areas of aircraft and missile maintenance, allied health, electronics and telecommunications, logistics and resources, and public and support services. All programs include at least 64 hours of study.

"Despite the increase in deployments and job demands, it's worth taking the time to squeeze in a few classes," said Chief Antwine.

Of the 156 master sergeants assigned to Incirlik, less than 62 percent have an associate's degree, according to Chief Antwine. There are 60 master sergeants that will not be able to compete for promotions and assignments because they do not have a degree.

And Chief Master Sgt. Jim Findley of the 39th Security Forces Squadron advises Airmen of all ages and ranks to begin their education as soon as possible.

"Airmen should really take the time to talk with their education counselors because I think they would find out they're farther along in their degrees than they think," he said.
In most cases, education received during technical training, basic training and Career Development Courses will all transfer to CCAF.

"All Airmen go through basic training and tech. school. If they take the time to transfer those credits, they already have a good start on their degree. And it's easier to complete your degree as a younger Airman. It's a huge hurdle to overcome once you're at a tech. sergeant or master sergeant level," said Chief. Findley, who has earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees.

Chief Antwine also urges NCOs to earn their degrees to remain competitive in the job market once leaving the Air Force.

"A college degree's economic value is huge outside of the Air Force," he said.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, workers 18 years old and older who have a bachelor's degree earned more than $51,000 a year compared to less than $28,000 by workers with only a high school education.

"College graduates enjoy a higher level of savings, increased personal and professional mobility, and a better quality of life for their children," said Chief Antwine.
CCAF, based at Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, Ala., offers classes online--reaching Airmen wherever they are stationed. Since its creation in 1971, the school has awarded more than 290,000 degrees to military members.

"It's just an additional benefit of being in the Armed Forces," said Chief Findley. "The military pays 100 percent of the tuition and Airmen should take advantage of that. If they don't have their degree, it can have far reaching career implications--in and out of the Air Force."

For more information about CCAF and its programs, visit Incirlik's education center or go to CCAF's Web site at http://maxwell.af.mil/au/ccaf.