Education center offers opportunities for Airmen during enlistment, commission Published Aug. 29, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Stacy Sanchez 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the Air Force, one of the main priorities for Airmen is to attain a degree during their enlistment or commission. The 95th Mission Support and Services Squadron Human Resources Development Education and Training Complex here provides Edwards Airmen with a centralized location to help pursue their educational goals. Education Services helps the Edwards community acquire information about various colleges available on and off base, either through formal education or through online distance learning. Education Services also provides information to enlisted Airmen about the Community College of the Air Force. They offer academic counseling to help Airmen obtain an associate's, bachelor's or master's degree, said Michael Frye, 95th MSSS chief of education and training. "A CCAF degree is definitely the way to go for an Airman," Mr. Frye said. "It doesn't mean that Airmen should exclusively pursue a CCAF degree, but a CCAF degree is going to be mandatory for a senior-non commissioned officer recommendation on an enlisted performance report." The Education Services has five schools that are available for Airman and civilians. This includes Cerro Coso Community College, Chapman University, Embry Riddle Aero University, Southern Illinois University and Webster University. "We know that with Airmen's job obligations, it is sometimes hard to attend school," said Cynthia Morse, 95th MSSS education counselor. "With on base classes, we can provide a way for them to complete their degree without traveling a long distance." Making an appointment with a guidance counselor can help Airmen find out the best way to pursue their education, Ms. Morse said. "Our counselors will sit down with Airmen and discuss what their goals are to figure out what area would best interest them," Ms. Morse said. Since several of our services being online now, a lot of information is available on the Internet through the Air Force Virtual Education Center through the Air Force Portal, Mr. Frye said. Airmen can research and access a lot of information about pursuing their educational goals. On the Web site, Airmen can find any on-base degree program available and what it provides, Mr. Frye said. They can also get linked directly to the degree programs, apply for tuition assistance and find testing schedules. "It is very important for our Airmen to pursue a degree," Ms. Morse said. "The military is very important when it comes to training highly-effective individuals, and we would like to encourage them with their education." For more information about educational opportunities at the Education Center, call 277-2713.