DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- The lights are on, the wing commander just finished speaking, and a line of airmen of all ranks are lined up with fists out and hands held high to congratulate you for your accomplishment. This is just a glimpse of what Verhulst Hall looked like during the most recent Community College of the Air Force graduation ceremony at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga., Nov. 3, 2024.
“There is a sense of pride to be had when your leadership recognizes your accomplishments,” said Tech. Sgt. Anthony Charles, 94th Airlift Wing commander’s support staff non-commissioned officer in charge. “The ceremony also shows all airmen, from the youngest to the oldest, that they too can obtain a degree.”
The CCAF degree is an associate degree program offered by the Air Force through Air University. Each Air Force Specialty Code, or career field, has a degree path aligned with the duties and knowledge one would utilize in that career. Airmen are also able to use their time at Basic Military Training and technical school towards their degree; though, credit hours vary from AFSC to AFSC.
“The Air Force gives you a great head start toward a degree,” said Master Sgt. Krystal Knight, 94th Airlift Wing command chief executive assistant. “You only have to take a few steps to solidify it, so why not do that for yourself?”
In-person graduation ceremonies allow members to receive further recognition for their accomplishments from leadership, peers, friends, and family, and allows those individuals the time to show their support.
“It’s important that people get recognized,” Knight said.
Whether members want to further their degrees through the commissioning program or pursue other jobs in the civilian world as a Reservist, pursuing higher education may open doors in their careers.
“Everyone of us has to take the uniform off one day,” said Knight. “You need something to show what you did. What we do doesn’t always easily transfer to the civilian sector, so having a degree, something that says you are a technical expert in X, Y, Z, then you’ve got some more leverage on the outside.”
There are many education benefits that can be taken advantage of, such as tuition assistance, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill and Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line.
“Airmen, enlisted and officers alike, should take full advantage of the education benefits they’re provided via the Air Force,” Charles said. “The doors education opens are unlimited. It can open whatever door you want it to. Whether that’s personally or professionally, make it what you want it to be.”
To date, more than 580,000 degrees from the Community College of the Air Force have been awarded.
“Never stop seeking answers,” said Charles. “If you don’t know something, find that drive to figure it out. Being successful takes effort on your part.”
For more information on obtaining a CCAF degree and assistance provided, check out the resources listed below:
Air University: Community College of the Air Force
Dobbins Education and Training Office: 678-655-4000
DETO Org. Box: 94fss.fsde.orgbox@us.af.mil
Tuition Assistance: https://afvec.us.af.mil/afvec/account/login
Veterans Affairs Education Website: https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/
VA Helpline: 888-442-4551