Continuing education

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Aubrey Robinson
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE N.C. --  People join the U.S. Air Force for all sorts of reasons such as travel, benefits or to defend our nation. One of the most popular reasons is free education.

The mission of the base education office is to support and encourage voluntary education for military members. They offer academic program advisement, Community College of the Air Force counseling and tuition assistance.

Military leaders stress the importance for Airmen to begin, or continue, their education.
"Supervisors at every level of an Airman's career should emphasize the importance of education," said Master Sgt. Chuck Downs, 4th Force Support Squadron NCOIC of education services. "The benefit of tuition assistance is excellent and should be fully taken advantage of."

To aid with course fees, military tuition assistance provides members up to $4,500 per fiscal year with a $250 per semester hour cap. The education office also encourages Airmen to apply for financial aid by means of the Free Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Federal Pell Grant.

"Airmen should check for scholarship and financial aid options with the financial department of the school they are attending, in addition to reviewing online resources," said Margaret Slade, 4th Force Support Squadron chief of education and training. "Though they are not labeled as financial aid, military members can also gain college credits through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)."

The CLEP and DSST's are standardized credit-by-examination tests which allow students to demonstrate proficiency in several college subjects. Many colleges grant credit to students who meet their minimum qualifying score. The base education center offers challenge exam testing for free to military members along with study materials.

Since the mission must come first for military members, many new Airmen are encouraged to complete their initial upgrade-training prior to taking on additional college courses.

"Education supports mission readiness and enhances professional and personal development," Slade said. "The end goal is a more developed, competent and educated force."

For more information about education services, call the base education office at 919-722-5800.