AL DHAFRA AIR BASE, United Arab Emirates -- Being selected for a deployment means that some plans may have to be placed on hold until you’ve returned. Thanks to the Education and Learning Resource Center at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, one thing you will not have to change is your educational goal.
“The mission of the Education and Learning Resource Center is to provide professional guidance to enhance individual and mission readiness, educate and equip deployed service members with available Air Force education programs and assist in preparing Airmen for the next level in their career,” said Master Sgt. Angelique Hall, 380th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron.
They provide ADAB members with Community College of the Air Force and General Education counseling, Tuition Assistance briefing, Montgomery GI Bill information, and College Level Examination Program/Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support testing. They also provide professional education options such as Career Development Course and Professional Military Education testing, certification testing, and Onsite classes through University of Maryland University College.
“We also offer computers, books, audio books, DVD's, and video games along with game night, movie night, and Study Hall,” said Hall. “We ensure Airmen have the support and guidance they need to continue to develop and grow into future Air Force leaders. We help Airmen set their education goals and get on the right track to accomplishing their goals.”
First deployers may not be aware of the continued PME support the LRC provides them.
“A lot of new members are unsure if they can continue their CDCs,” Master Sgt. Adam Oswalt, 380th EFSS NCOIC of ELRC. “We have the capabilities to grade their CDC Unit Review Examinations and they are able to take their exam here. Individuals coming here may not know that and think they are on hold status and they can continue it when they come back. They are actually able to complete it in a deployed location.”
Deployments provide new opportunities and goals to Airmen and education can be one.
“If people are interested in continuing their military careers through completing their professional military education and they don’t know how to get started then now’s the time,” said Oswalt. “Being deployed is a great opportunity for them to get into it, especially the new Airmen that don’t know how to start. Just come here and we will get you started.”
“Achieving those goals is just a few steps away and we're right here to assist when they are ready to make that happen,” said Hall.