CCAF: It's within your reach

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Neal Joiner
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Don't think you have time to further your education? Don't think you will be able to earn any credits toward your Community College of the Air Force degree while deployed? Well, you do and you can!

CCAF programs are designed to provide students with knowledge, skills and theoretical background for enhanced performance as technicians and NCOs. Degrees from the CCAF are accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. This means that the credits earned towards a CCAF can be applied to a bachelor's degree from another university.

According to the CCAF website, the college also offers licensure and credentialing for several career field-related programs. Airmen should consider pursing occupational-related credentials while serving in the Air Force to increase their Air Force occupational skills, broaden their professional development and be better prepared for transition. Finding a career after the military can be tricky, and a degree from the CCAF is a great way to increase your marketability both in the Air Force and the civilian market.

For an Airman juggling work, deployments, family and fitness, the DSST program, formerly known as DANTES Subject Standardized Test, and the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) provide a quick option for achieving a CCAF degree.

CLEP and DSST are both examinations that allow you to earn college credit without actually attending classes. You show up during the testing date and time and simply take the exam. Once you pass, the results are automatically forwarded to the CCAF to be applied to your degree.

CLEPs and DSSTs are free for active duty service members. Even better, the Community College of the Air Force accepts up to 30 semester hours from testing; almost half your degree. What this means, is that you can earn an associate's degree in your career field without ever stepping foot in a classroom once you have completed Basic Military Training and an Air Force technical school.

For more information on obtaining your CCAF or the CLEP and DSST programs, contact the 100th Force Support Squadron Education Center at DSN 238-2350. Additional information on the CCAF can be found at http://www.au.af.mil/au/ccaf/index.asp.

(Tarrell Matthews, 100th Force Support Squadron Education Center, contributed to this article)