My education journey: Guidance counselor provides insight on education

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Julius Delos Reyes
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Editor's note: This article is the sixth in a seven-part series highlighting the journey of Edwards Airmen in completing their education. Part seven of the series is scheduled for publication Dec. 11. 

On a weekly basis, approximately 12 Airmen come to the Edwards Education Center to talk to a guidance counselor, with banal questions about education benefits. Easy as it may seem however; the first step of the journey is most often the most difficult and murkiest. 

Providing a clear picture of the journey is Arthur Pinzon's job. As a guidance counselor, he provides Airmen better understanding regarding their educational goal. 

"Our goal is to set up the path for education," Mr. Pinzon said. 

The most common program he uses to entice Airmen is the Community College of the Air Force degree. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the CCAF program grants a two-year associate of applied science. 

"It is the same as what you get from other community colleges," Mr. Pinzon said. "However, your degree is more related to your careerfield. It is very specific to every Airman." 

While performing their mission, Airmen are already accumulating credits toward their associates' degrees because the program combines their technical education offered by Air Force schools, such as Basic Military Training, technical training, as well as the core of general education from accredited institutions and management education from the service and civilian sources. 

"It cuts the process down on how many classes you still need to take," Mr. Pinzon said. "With your CCAF, because you are awarded 24 credits with your technical school and course development course, it cuts your 64-credit process to just 40 credits." 

Because they will earn the rest with their day-to-day responsibilities and their Airman Leadership School, Airmen basically just need to accomplish their general education, worth 15 credits. These courses include math, science, English, social science and humanities. 

"The two biggest problems we find are Airmen's concerns regarding math and English," Mr. Pinzon said. "If I can get them over those fears of English and math, they usually roll right on to the other three. Science, humanities and social science are really simple classes." 

Some of the methods Airmen can use to finish their degrees include local community colleges and online classes. Highly recommended is General Education Mobile, where Airmen can get their classes online from CCAF-approved schools. In addition, Airmen can receive tuition assistance program to pay for their classes. After receiving their CCAF, they can pursue their bachelors' degree and even their masters. 

As appealing as it is, sometimes, Mr. Pinzon goes out of his way to talk to squadrons about these programs. 

"I just want to remind people how important education is," he said. "It is tough for them to come out here to the Education Center. I want to go to where they are. I am here for them. My goal is to get them fired about their CCAF degree. It can be done."