Self-improvement through education

  • Published
  • By Nevardo Cayemitte
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La --  The Air Force is a full-time job, but this doesn’t mean Airmen should give up on their educational dreams. One of the many ways Airmen can improve themselves this year is by continuing their education.

Whether the goal is to advance a career path after the military, there is no time like the present. The education center is staffed by professionals who can assist in assessing educational interests and developing a plan of action to help select the right program to achieve goals.

“Making decisions about what path to take when pursuing an education and career can be overwhelming, but don’t worry,” said Danielle Williams, 2nd Force Support Squadron education service specialist. “If people need assistance, we have admissions advisors and career counselors who can help them make good choices and determine the best direction. They can also help people make the most of their military education benefits.”

Every year thousands of Airmen continue their education on their own time. The Air Force supports these efforts with education programs designed to help active duty members earn a college degree and acquire new skills. Depending on their career choice and goals, people may decide to pursue anything from a professional certification to a graduate degree.

Through tuition support and scholarships, Airmen are encouraged to enroll in courses at various accredited colleges and universities as well as vocational-technical schools. If someone is already following a career of choice, there are educational opportunities that can help them learn new skills to make them more efficient in their current job.

“Education is very important in the field I want to work in,” said Staff Sgt. Luke Meister, 2nd Contracting Squadron, service contracting administrator. “I took the opportunity the Air Force provides to get a degree using tuition assistance, now I’m enrolled at a university pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration and minor in contracts management. My goal is to obtain a bachelor degree next year in order to further my career outside of the military.”

The Air Force is the only service that issues college credits and college degrees. They do this through the Community College of the Air Force, which is a fully-accredited community college. It issues fully accredited college transcripts and awards associate of science degrees to Air Force members in educational areas of their military specialties, using a combination of credits for off-duty college courses, military schools and military experience.

Barksdale’s education center offers professional guidance to enhance individual and mission readiness, educate and equip Airmen of available education programs and assist in preparing the world’s elite fighting force through education.

To schedule an appointment, call the education center at (318) 456-2615 or submit a request to educationservices@us.af.mil.