Education is the key to opportunity

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Walter Simco
  • 507th Maintenance Operations Flight First Sergeant
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Oklahoma --  Being enlisted in the United States Reserve we have an investment in the Community College of the Air Force. 

This post-secondary or tertiary education is a non-compulsory educational opportunity provided to us for our intellectual growth and continued advancement within the enlisted grades. 

The United States Air Force (USAF) has always recognized the positive effects of education on Air Force personnel and has continually established various programs to meet the needs of the Air Force, its personnel and society as a whole. One of the most notable programs is the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF). The college is one of several federally chartered degree-granting institutions; however, it is the only 2-year institution exclusively serving enlisted personnel. 

The college awards the Associate in Applied Science degree after a student successfully completes a degree program designed for an Air Force specialty. The Community College of the Air Force is accredited through Air University by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the associate degree.

We can obtain an associate degree in our job-related (AFSC) by completing the academic requirements listed for that chosen field. This degree will not only be the continuing measurement for the Air Force to support upward movement within the ranks of the enlisted members, but also assist in the retention of servicemen. 

We all know that education is the key to opportunity and it will help build the enlisted force that propels the Air Force forward into the future. How do you get started? All you have to do is decide that you want to have a degree and make the commitment to change your life as necessary to obtain your degree. 

Once you make the decision to make the sacrifices and put in the hard work you will be on the way to learning and acquiring the skills. You might ignite a passion for learning that drives you to continue the pursuit of more knowledge. 

For those of us in pursuit of higher education from the beginning of our Air Force careers, it is imperative that you take a look at the list of courses you need for your associate degree. You might already have the course work completed or just need a few classes. This might be the degree that will boost your career upward or the catalyst that assists with a transition to a career later in life. Or you could find yourself being drawn into interests or areas of study that produce new life passions. 

That's the attractiveness of continuing education; it can help advance personal and professional goals while offering lifelong learning. CCAF opportunities enable reservists to pursue their educational and professional growth goals at the same time they are meeting military obligations. This is another great available opportunity that should not be overlooked. 

CCAF opens the door for reservists to increase their training in a given field or to transition to a new career. Through continuing education, you can enhance your own skills and hence, your employability. 

Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.) put education, in general, succinctly in perspective when he noted, "A good education is the key to national economic growth, as well as personal opportunity, and it is what sets America apart from other nations." 

Stop the procrastination! Take the time to find out which classes you need and take a few nights out of the week to attend class. Before you know it you will have what you need for that degree.