Officers authorized to receive TA for second graduate degree

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachel Martinez
  • 35th Fighter Wing public affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Officers with less than 15 years of TAFCSD are now eligible to receive tuition assistance for a second Masters degree.

Under the International Affairs Specialist Program, officers may be authorized to receive tuition assistance for a second graduate degree in foreign language, international politico-military affairs or area studies.

The program is relatively easy to qualify for, according to Evans Ramsey, 35th Mission Support Squadron supervisory education services specialist. First, the applicant must find a degree in one of the following degree concentrations/major areas: politico-military affairs, regional affairs (area studies), foreign language, or international relations (emphasis on an area study). Then the applicant must send an e-mail to SAF/IAPA with his or her degree plan and the accredited school they plan to attend. SAF/IAPA will either approve or disapprove the request. If approved, the officer takes the written approval to the education and training flight and requests the tuition assistance.

Maj. Leonardus Eason, 35th MSS, is one officer at Misawa who is taking advantage of the program.

"I love education and the overall introduction to new information, philosophies and ideals," he said. "One of my main objectives when I get to a new base is to go by the education center and see what they have to offer."

He did just that when he arrived at Misawa in July. He applied for the program and was approved. He is pursuing the international relations degree from Troy University.

"The discipline of international relations is a definite interest to me and has been since I was an undergraduate student majoring in political science and history at Samford University in Birmingham, Ala.," Major Eason said. "We, the Air Force, are everywhere and we are going even more places. In my professional opinion, it's essential to have a firm understanding on how sovereign nations relate to each other through law, agreements and cultural understandings, among other international issues.

"Additionally, this degree will allow me to walk into a government, preferably State Department job, after my service to the Air Force," he said. "It is a win-win."

While officers may apply to attend any regional or nationally accredited school, Troy University is the only school on Misawa that offers applicable degree programs. Currently, there are six officers on Misawa who are using tuition assistance to pursue a second Masters degree through Troy.

A Masters in International Relations from Troy University requires 36 credits. They offer an average of two on-site classes a term, as well as online classes. In addition, Troy will accept three credits from Squadron Officer School or up to 12 from Air Command and Staff College. If someone is aggressive in pursuing their degree, it can be completed in as little as 15 months, according to Deanna Ritzke, Troy University program coordinator.

"I think it is such a good program," Ms. Ritzke said. "Anytime someone is paying for you to go to school, you should do it. Even if you don't intend to use the degree right away, it's still good information to have for a career outside the military and to be an informed citizen."

Others agree with Ms. Ritzke on seizing the opportunity when it is presented.

"The Air Force is in constant change," said Mr. Ramsey. "This program gives people an opportunity - don't regret not taking advantage of it.

Some in the program encourage participation, but with a warning.

"I only recommend it if the members will actually make use of the degree," said Major Eason. "I'd hate to see the program abused and then possibly prohibited to members who really desire education for professional and personal improvement."

For more information visit the Troy University field office or the education and training office. Further information on the International Affairs Program can be found on the Air Force Portal by typing "IAPA" into the search engine.