Barksdale education office teaches Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Allison M. Boehm
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Educational benefits are one of the many reasons Airmen join the military and the main goal of the Barksdale education office is to present Airmen with the educational benefits that are available to military personnel.

"We want to support Airmen with their schedules, all the different disciplines of study they wish to pursue and ensure we make them aware of the outstanding benefits the military has to offer them," said Alejandro Vega, Barksdale education office education services specialist.

The four counselors at the education office help ensure the transition into college flows smoothly for all Airmen.

"The services at the education office are very user friendly," explained Mr. Vega. "Once a member comes in, we give them a tuition assistance briefing to explain how the process works and where funding can come from. If an Airman comes in and wants to talk about education, we will talk to them and do whatever their requests are, whether it is to pursue a degree, certificate or commissioning program.

"We can pretty much do anything and make an educational goal for the Airmen, but our main priority is to make sure the Airmen know what is available to them and they get their education," he added.

The Air Force will pay for one associates degree and as many Community College of the Air Force associate degrees one can cross-train into, along with 100 percent of a bachelor's and master's degree in any field of study.

Also, a certification can be earned with a value up to $9,000. Certifications must stem from a nationally or regionally accredited university or program and includes fields from personal training to massage therapy to cosmetology.

"In today's fast-paced and fast evolving culture, most companies feel more comfortable hiring individuals who have a background in education," said Mr. Vega. "Individuals have much higher opportunities in the workforce when they are more prepared and diverse in skills."

An Air Combat Command guideline allows Airmen to enroll in up to two classes per semester, which will be covered by tuition assistance.

"For new Airmen enrolling in college, the most common method is to take two classes per semester using Air Force tuition assistance," said Mr. Vega. "Grants can also be available to students through the college they choose."

Although the education office hosts two universities on base, there are eight local colleges Airmen can attend.

Mr. Vega also encourages Airmen look into enrolling in online courses.

"Online courses can be a very good thing for the Airmen," he said. "It creates more flexibility for their schedules and all that is needed is a computer and connectivity. The student can log in anytime they wish."

Although online courses are popular, enrolling to take a classroom course is also made easier.

"We offer more afternoon and evening classes due to higher demand," said Mr. Vega. "However, we will schedule morning classes if there is a need for it."

To help further spread the word about the educational programs available to Airmen, counselors at the education office have implemented an indefinite briefing designed to inform interested personnel about commissioning programs.

An hour-long mass briefing will be held twice a month on the first and third Wednesday of each month. The briefing introduces all commissioning programs Airmen can apply for along with a brief from Louisiana Technical University Reserve Officer Training Corps non-commissioned officer.

Mr. Vega strongly encourages Airmen to follow after commissioning programs.

"In comparison to previous boards, the exception rates have increased and in some cases, have been met at 100 percent selection rate," said Mr. Vega. "Now is better than ever, there is more opportunity and more available slots to apply for a commission. We believe we have a lot of qualified Airmen here with the proper credentials to be selected for a commission."

The education office is available for appointments throughout the day with walkins from 8 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays and from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesdays. For more information contact Mr. Vega at 456-4918.