FY14 Military Tuition Assistance changes

  • Published
  • By Edwards AFB Education Office
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Air Force's new management controls and system upgrades to Military Tuition Assistance were created to ensure Airmen's on-and-off-duty education and training is complementary and not duplicative. The new TA program will become effective on Oct. 1, 2013 and will apply to all military Airmen who are currently taking, or will be applying for, courses starting on or after Oct. 1.

Air Force will require Airmen to take a more proactive approach to managing their course selections and Military TA towards the achievement of specific academic goals. To ensure the program's success, Airmen will be required to complete updated Military TA training prior to requesting Military TA and will be notified via the Air Force Virtual Education Center and Air Force Portal when they may begin applying for courses starting on or after Oct. 1.

There are four main changes to program eligibility:
  • Supervisors are now required to approve all Military TA requests
  • Military TA will automatically be denied for Airmen with UIFs, failed PT tests, referral EPR/OPRs or on a Control Roster
  • Foreign language courses are only approved as part of a degree or if on the approved shortage list
  • Military TA cannot be used for multiple degrees at the same level
In addition to eligibility changes, there have been multiple administrative changes in how Airmen have incurred a Military TA debt for unsatisfactory completion of their course(s).

Military TA limits will remain the same as they were before. Airmen who meet the new eligibility criteria can receive up to $4,500 per fiscal year and a maximum of $250 per semester hour (or quarter hour equivalent) inclusive of tuition and allowable fees.

Supervisors (military and civilians who directly supervise military Airmen) will now become an integral part of the Military TA program. Supervisor involvement provides an opportunity for leaders to become more involved in the professional development of their Airmen and provide a chance for mentoring. Supervisors will need to work with their Airmen to ensure their educational goals are achievable without impacting the mission. Additionally, students will be required to keep their supervisor's email address updated in AFVEC so supervisors can be notified as necessary.

Edwards Education and Training Center is here to help provide educational support to Edwards Airmen. Airmen are encouraged to contact the Education and Training Center to help answer TA questions and get up-to-date information regarding the new TA process. Training information can also be found on the AFVEC website: www.my.af.mil/afvec.

The Edwards Education and Training Center is located at 140 Methusa Ave, Bldg 2453. Please call (661) 277-2713 or email 412fss.fsde.education.services@edwards.af.mil for more information.