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Education...Start Now!
Posted 10/22/2012 Updated 10/22/2012
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Commentary by Master Sgt. Deric Walker
7th Security Forces Squadron
10/22/2012 - DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- I would like to personally challenge everyone to think about his or her education priorities. As a first sergeant, I regularly brief Airmen who are new to the Air Force and new to Dyess. I can tell you first hand that education is atop the list of priorities for many Airmen, as it should be. We all know it is important but for various reasons, many of us fail to act on that belief.
I too was guilty early in my career because it seemed so overwhelming. As a young Airman, I thought it would take forever to reach my educational goals. Completing your Community College of the Air Force degree, your bachelor's and possibly your master's, takes time and a lot of patience and sacrifice, especially if you have a family. It took me seven years to get my CCAF and another eight years to earn my bachelor's degree.
Looking back, I realize it didn't take a long time to earn those degrees, there were just reasons why I delayed. Studying for the next promotion was always a priority. I never took any college courses while I was preparing for promotion. A permanent change of station assignment challenged me to evaluate my options and many times I was forced to change schools or degree choices, losing credits in the process. Keep in mind this was before distance learning and online universities were an option.
Deployments, professional military education schools, technical schools and upgrade training all placed demands on my time; even to this day. I am currently working toward my master's degree, and with my professional obligations and my personal commitments to my family, I have to work extremely hard to effectively manage my time. However, if you are looking to improve the long-term quality of life for you and your family, it is important you consider exercising your education options. Although, it is tough and challenging with the demands that come along with being an Airman in the Air Force, it can be done. Every day Airmen are performing their mission while earning college degrees and certifications.
When I talk to FTAC students, my challenge to them is to establish goals; short, mid and long term. I think the key question to ask yourself is what do you want out of your career? Many of the FTAC students I talk to generally want to finish school, get experience and move forward, whether in the Air Force or in the civilian sector. I tell them to get into their work centers and learn their jobs, get those career development courses and upgrade training done in a timely manner, and look into pursuing their education goals.
For you supervisors out there, how far along are you in achieving your education goals? It is important that you recognize that you also have an obligation to lead the way by example. Do you have or are you working toward your CCAF? Are you taking the time to explain the education benefits to all of your Airmen? Are you encouraging them to pursue higher educational opportunities? It doesn't take a lot to motivate others to do the right thing, especially when the Air Force is paying 100 percent of the costs.
A great educational benefit is the Associate-to-Baccalaureate Cooperation program. In my opinion, it is the best educational benefit the Air Force ever implemented for our Airmen. There are dozens of different schools within the ABC program that will give you credit for your CCAF, and put all of those credits toward the completion of a bachelor's degree via distance learning, meaning you can take your classroom anywhere in the world, regardless of a TDY, deployment or PCS. If the ABC program was around when I was a young Airman, I assure you that it would not have taken me 15 years to complete my bachelor's degree!
The Air Force has provided all of us with valuable experience and training, but it is critical you explore your education options as well. An educated force is a more capable force. When you learn, we all learn. I encourage and challenge all of you to take the first step and to at least explore your options. Ask the questions and then sign-up for those classes you need to complete your degree. Make it a priority, and don't get caught in making excuses as to why you cannot get it done. Remember, it took me 15 years to complete my bachelor's degree. If you take advantage of all the educational programs and benefits that the Air Force offers today, I am sure you will have a lot more education under your belts in 15 years time than I did.
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