JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
For U.S. Air Force Airmen, there are ways to progress
and become the “model Airman,” through career development courses, temporary
duty opportunities and training. They can also use some of these benefits to improve
not only their careers, but their personal goals. Thanks to military education
centers, they can grab their backpacks and head to school.
Service members have an abundance of educational
benefits available to them to pay for education. For fiscal year 2017 alone,
the Air Force paid over $4 million to Airmen for school.
Through the education office, Airmen are able use
these benefits not only to advance in their careers, but also in their personal
life as well.
Whether an Airman is planning on staying in for one
enlistment or a full 20 years, the benefits for their personal growth through
education is only a few steps away.
According to Ronald Duquette, 633rd Force Support
Squadron education services supervisor, many Airmen come into the U.S. Air
Force to start or complete their education. For some reason however, some are
not starting or completing their educational goals.
“Tuition Assistance is (there) to help Airmen
professionally for their military career and civilian career,” said Duquette.
“They can use it for an associates, bachelors and masters degree. They can also
use it for certifications that are related to their career field.”
Airmen are able to use TA after attending a TA briefing
at the Education Center on Langley Air Force Base. The briefing covers the
rules of engagement for using TA such as establishing a plan or goal before
applying, what the goal covers, grade point average requirements, and timelines
when Airmen can apply.
According to Duquette, setting a goal before applying
for TA is important because members are only allowed up to one degree change per
degree level after their initial degree goal is submitted. Setting a goal will
help Airmen focus and ensure they stay motivated and are going to school for
something they enjoy.
Setting personal goals is meant to not only help the
Airmen using TA, but their families as well.
“TA benefits the family of the Airman because the
Airman is gaining knowledge for their careers outside of the Air Force, if they
decide to separate; or gaining knowledge for their jobs,” said Duquette. “Being
knowledgeable in their (career field) can mean promotions, ribbons and awards.”
While a lot of Airmen come into the Air Force meaning
to start school, some are probably anxious according to Duquette.
“Some people probably think they aren’t prepared
enough to start school,” said Duquette. “I advise them to just take one course
starting off. Make it something you enjoy doing and chip away with it a little
at a time. If you don’t start, you will never get done. I understand that some
jobs are difficult and take up some time, but you have to stay committed.”
For U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Celeste Elliott,
633rd Security Forces Squadron installation entry controller, the education
briefings took away some of the worries associated with starting something new.
“The briefing was very helpful,” said Elliott. “It
gave us all the basic information like what the funding is for us, and other
options such as CLEP/DANTES tests.”
Elliott just finished her career development courses
and took her first step towards pursuing a higher education level by going to
the tuition assistance briefing. Duquette encourages other Airmen to do the
same.
“Your future is like a car,” said Duquette. “If your
car is in reverse, you’ll go backwards. If the car is in neutral, you might
stay stable unless you’re on a decline. If you have your car even in just the
first gear, you’ll start moving slowly and over time you’ll be surprised how
far you can go.”
For more information on education benefits, email the
Education Center at 633fss.fsde.eo@us.af.mil.