How education affects promotions

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jason Burton
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  In today's fast-paced, technology driven society, knowledge is power. Every Airman has the opportunity to increase their knowledge through higher education with either tuition assistance or through the Montgomery G.I. Bill.

"Higher education is priceless," said Chief Master Sgt. Jeffery Antwine, 39th Air Base Wing Command Chief Master Sergeant. "As our Air Force transitions into a more lethal, agile and technological force, we need Airmen that are advanced, highly skilled, educated, and able to make rational decisions as we strive to achieve our Air Force missions, and fight this global war on terrorism."

Most Air Force members understand the importance of education; however, few realize how education can effect promotion.

"The obvious way education or lack of education affects promotion is evidenced by the requirement to earn an associate's degree in your career field through the Community College of the Air Force," said Chief Antwine. "Earning this degree allows enlisted members to be competitive for promotion to senior master sergeant and chief master sergeant."

Without the degree, senior non-commissioned officers receive a lower level of endorsement on their performance report Chief Antwine said. He added that the associate's degree also affects junior enlisted members as well.

"Degrees are looked upon favorably when members compete for quarterly and annual awards, which all contribute to promotion," he said. "Promotion to senior airman under the 'below the zone program' as well as promotion under the Stripes for Exceptional Performers program often occurs as a result of a contributing factor such as continued education."

Also, the officer corps faces similar requirements when it comes to promotions with advanced degree requirements for officers to progress through the ranks.

Professional Military Education is another form of education that is a requirement throughout every rank to progress through and/or maintain the desired grades, said Chief Antwine.

Education improves all around knowledge, which could improve job performance.

"Education is important because it allows you to focus on things outside of your specific career field and allows you to become well rounded," said 2nd Lt. Kandis Sallustio, 39th Services Squadron officer in charge of lodging.

As a former enlisted Airman, Lieutenant Sallustio knows the importance of earning a degree.

"Getting your CCAF degree helps you become more of an expert in your career field and also allows you to strive toward making rank," she said. "It definitely helps set the example, gives you more credibility, and shows that you are ready to go above and beyond."

"Education has given me more opportunities throughout my career," said Senior Airman Jacqueline Senior, 39th Comptroller Squadron. "Education is knowledge and the more you have, the more people come to you for answers."

Staff Sgt. Daniel McKeown, 39th Security Forces Squadron client systems administrator, has 82 credits toward a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and has earned 27 of those credits during his time at Incirlik. He said one of the benefits of his extra education is that it has improved his time management skills.

"I also think it separates me from my peers because it shows that I have the drive and discipline to finish something that many people don't," Sergeant McKeown said.

Currently, tuition assistance covers 100 percent of class costs for active duty members and has a limit of $4,500 per fiscal year.

"It is an amazing program that the Air Force offers and you shouldn't sell yourself short," Lieutenant Sallustio said. By taking advantage of the TA program, Airmen essentially are giving themselves a bonus she said. "It is like free money that you could add on to your paycheck."

Someone not using TA is essentially wasting money and an opportunity that could be extremely beneficial to them said Sergeant McKeown.

Airman Senior, who has an associate's degree and is working toward a bachelor's degree, added that, "We have the privilege to have the Air Force pay for our school at no cost, with no interest and no loans. What else could you ask for?"

Despite the many benefits of education and the minimal out-of-pocket expenses for active duty members, some Airmen feel it is too hard to start taking classes.

Lieutenant Sallustio said to embrace all opportunities for education because it will allow someone to grow as a person.

"Don't wait until later, don't think your job is ever going to slow down, you have to commit and be dedicated," she said. "If you are constantly waiting for a less hectic schedule to continue your education you are never going to finish."

"I would recommend starting with a very basic online course, just to get back in the habit of school work," said Senior Airman Eric Kensel, 39th Communications Squadron network infrastructure technician. "From there, once you're comfortable, you can take a more advanced class online or in person."

Airman Senior's advice for someone that wants to start taking classes is to first take classes that interests them the most, then mix in the less interesting ones to get by throughout the semester.

"Do your own research and ask as many questions as you can," said Sergeant McKeown. 

"Sign up for some classes that you know you will be interested in. This way you can get a feel for how a particular school runs their classes. If you don't like how they do business, at least the material is something you enjoy. Don't wait, start now."

For more information about different education opportunities, contact the education center at 676-3211.