The benefits of a CCAF degree

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Christina Bozeman
  • 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
The Community College of the Air Force's mission is simple, and that is to produce the future. The Air Force has put a community college online to help Airmen succeed. Air University, established in 1946, continues the proud tradition of educating tomorrow's planners and leaders, in air, space and cyberspace power for the Air Force, other branches of the U.S. armed forces, federal government civilians and international organizations.

With headquarters at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., Air University is a key component of Air Education and Training Command, and is the Air Force's center for professional military education.

"It's a big deal," Staff Sgt. Armil Rucker, 94 Airlift Wing training manager stated. "It's identified with more than a civilian degree. It's like mastering your skill."

Air University provides the full spectrum of Air Force education, from pre-commissioning to all levels of professional military education, including degree granting and professional continuing education for officers, enlisted and civilian personnel throughout their careers. AU's professional military education programs educate Airmen on the capabilities of air, space and cyberspace power and its role in national security.

"Everyone in the Air Force is automatically enrolled after tech school," said Master Sgt. Dave Bridges, assistant chief of Education and Training.

These programs focus on the knowledge and abilities needed to develop, employ, command, and support air and space power at the highest levels. Specialized professional continuing educational programs provide scientific, technological, managerial and other professional expertise to meet the needs of the Air Force.

Air University conducts research in air and space power, education, leadership and management. The university also provides citizenship programs and contributes to the development and testing of Air Force doctrine, concepts and strategy.

Air University is accredited by the Commission of Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Civilian credit is applied to a CCAF record by only accepting official transcripts from civilian institutions. The transcript must be mailed directly from the civilian institution to CCAF. Thirty-one schools are signed up to participate in CCAF.
Today, Air University's reach spans not only the globe, but the careers of every Air Force member. The cost is nothing, but the outcome is priceless.

"It makes you competitive for promotions in today's Air Force," said Senior Master Sgt. Joy Hughes, chief of Education and Training. "CCAF is key."

For more information on CCAF and furthering your education, log on to www.au.af.mil/au/ccaf.