Academy Airmen earn CCAF degrees

  • Published
  • By Ray Bowden
  • U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY PUBLIC AFFAIRS --  A group of Airmen assigned to the U.S. Air Force Academy received their Community College of the Air Force degrees during a graduation ceremony at the Falcon Club here June 9.

Col. Troy Dunn, the 10th Air Base Wing commander, said earning a CCAF degree is a notable achievement for any Airman, but it's even more important now that it's a requirement for promotion to master sergeant.

"We want to recruit, retain and develop the best senior NCOs and this new stratification will help ensure we do that," he said after he conferred the CCAF degrees of the graduates at the ceremony.

Late last year, the Air Force revised requirements for technical sergeants to be eligible for promotion to master sergeant, requiring these Airmen to complete a CCAF degree in any discipline.

"This is a good requirement because it will promote the most knowledgably and qualified NCOs," said Senior Airman Joshua Reyes of the 10th Security Forces Squadron.

Reyes received his CCAF in Criminal Justice at the ceremony. He said he plans to pursue a bachelors degree in social science.

"At the end of the day, we're all here to serve and protect our nation," he said. "Higher education gives us better credentials to do just that."

Lori Collins, an Academy education counselor, said earning a CCAF is an "educational launching point" for any Airmen.

"If nothing else, they will leave the Air Force with an associates degree, but most go on to pursue a bachelors degree and even a masters degree once they earn their CCAF," she said. "Getting a degree at any level is so important because it will improve your life. We hope and encourage all Airmen here to visit the education office and get started on furthering their education."

For more information, call 333-3298 or visit www.usafasupport.com/education.