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Off-Duty Education: Air Force Programs

Air Force Voluntary Education Branch

The Voluntary Education Branch oversees all Air Force education centers, education counselors, administration of tuition assistance, testing and related services.

Airman Education and Commissioning Program

This program allows airmen to earn a bachelor's degree in an ABET-accredited engineering major, computer science, mathematics, physics, meteorology, nursing, foreign languages and foreign studies in hard-to-fill areas. Students must attend Air Force ROTC courses and earn a bachelor's degree within three years before being commissioned as a second lieutenant. More information is available at base education offices.

Community College of the Air Force

The college, open to enlisted active-duty Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve members, has full regional accreditation. It offers 67 associate’s degree programs in five career areas: aircraft and missile maintenance (nine), allied health (20), electronics and telecommunications (eight), logistics and resources (nine), and public and support services (21).

To earn two-year degrees, students combine Air Force technical training, professional military education and general education credits from accredited colleges and universities. See http://www.au.af.mil/au/ccaf.

Leaders Encouraging Airmen Development

LEAD allows wing commanders to identify outstanding and deserving airmen for appointment to the Air Force Academy and Air Force ROTC scholarship programs.

Contact: Base education offices or http://www.afrotc.com/scholarships.

Scholarships for Outstanding Airmen to ROTC

SOAR offers enlisted airmen two- to four-year Air Force ROTC scholarships. Airmen must have fewer than six years of active-duty service, and applicants with fewer than 24 semester hours or 36 quarter hours must meet minimum SAT/ACT scores.

Contact: Base education offices or http://www.afrotc.com/scholarships.

Academic Testing Program

Each base education office has a testing office to provide free tests to airmen such as the College Level Education Program (CLEP). Satisfactory tests scores are a way for airmen to bypass some resident courses.

Contact: Base education offices.

Academic Counseling Program

Each base education office has professionals to help airmen choose schools and degree programs to meet their educational goals. Counseling and interest assessment tests are free to airmen.

Contact: Base education offices.