Education: essential to professional, personal development

  • Published
  • By Senior Leadership
  • Pentagon
WASHINGTON, D.C. --  Over the years, Air Force leaders have placed increasing emphasis on the importance of education for the professional and personal development of all Airmen. Through base education centers and the Air Force Virtual Education Center, or AFVEC, the Airmen have countless educational benefits right at their fingertips. 

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne wrote the following in a "Letter to Airmen" on education:
"We must take the Air Force's basic educational foundation to the next level and be relentless in our continued pursuit to become knowledge-enabled Airmen. All Total Force Airmen have the opportunity to incorporate higher education into their development ... Make education a priority throughout your career, and doors will continue to open." 

Members should be aware of these benefits and programs:
- The Air Force Tuition Assistance Program will pay up to $4,500 in tuition and fees per year for college courses. TA can not be used for lateral or lower-level degrees than the member already possesses, however, it may also be used for any civilian certification accredited by an organization recognized by the Department of Education. 

- The Montgomery G.I. Bill ("Kicker") Buy-up Program allows active-duty service members to increase their total benefits up to $5,400. If members contribute an additional $600 to the MGIB before separating from the Air Force, they will receive an extra $150 per month above the standard rate. The kicker can be paid in monthly increments of $20 to $600, and MGIB benefits may be used up to 10 years after separation or retirement. 

- Education Centers offer free education counseling services to members. Counselors can help Airmen with locating and enrolling in schools, accreditation, degree programs, online classes, distance learning, commissioning programs, applying for TA and much more. 

- The Air Force also offers free CLEP and DANTES testing. These tests, which can cost $80 or more in the civilian sector, can count as college credit toward certain degree programs.
For more information about these and other Air Force education benefits, contact your local education center or visit the AFVEC website through the Air Force Portal. 

Find Airman's Roll Call Online Here: http://www.af.mil/library/viewpoints/ 

Airman's Roll Call is designed for supervisors at all levels to help keep Airmen