AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar -- More than 40 deployed Airmen will graduate from the Community College of the Air Force at a graduation ceremony here next week.
The graduating members represent Total Force personnel deployed in support of operations throughout the Air Forces Central Command area of responsibility.
Tech. Sgt. Carlos Gonzalez, Expeditionary Force Support Squadron education services specialist, believes education is critically beneficial to both Airmen and the Air Force.
“Airmen often focus on the CCAF degree as strictly an Air Force requirement,” Gonzalez said. “They sometimes overlook that the Community College of the Air Force is a regionally accredited institution, the highest accreditation nationwide.”
Established on April 1, 1972, the CCAF is the world's only degree-granting institution for enlisted personnel and is regionally accredited through Air University by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
“This is a worthy associate degree, with many educational institutions having agreements with the Air Force to accept most of the 64 credit hours toward a bachelor’s degree in the same career field,” he said. “The degree can also be accepted at a majority of civilian institutions as technical credits or be articulated into elective credits, meaning you can complete the CCAF associate degree while simultaneously earning credit towards your bachelor’s degree.”
Gonzalez highlighted that the CCAF associate degree benefits members personally and professionally.
“Think about the day you separate from the military, and keep in mind that your resume is the most vital step in securing a second career,” Gonzalez said. “Education allows for great insight into innovative ideas. As future or current leaders, you will be called upon to make tough decisions. You will be better armed with education, which is backed by your experience and, of course, your integrity.”
Personnel at AUAB have access to education resources to advance both personal and professional goals while deployed through the Education Center located at the BPC Mall, which is open daily.
“Our goal is to provide individual, specialized assistance to every member based on their goals,” said Master Sgt. Anthony Weiger, 379th EFSS AUAB Education Center NCO in-charge.
In addition to CCAF advising, the Education Center offers other routine services and programs such as in-person classes, proctor services, and college credit exam testing through several colleges and educational programs.
Perhaps less known, the base’s education center also offers other unique opportunities to deployed personnel, including Defense Language Institute testing, professional military education testing, and Federal Aviation Administration exams.
Personnel deployed to AUAB who would like more information about education resources and opportunities should contact the AUAB Education Center at DSN: 437-0015 or walk-in for an advising appointment 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily.