Commentary - First things first: Get your degrees in order

News > Commentary - First things first: Get your degrees in order

First things first: Get your degrees in order

Posted 10/4/2012

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Commentary by Chief Master Sgt. David Brinkley
451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

10/4/2012 - KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- In 1972 the Community College of the Air Force was established by the Air Force Chief of Staff, General John D. Ryan.

Four years later, President Gerald Ford authorized the Air Force, by law, to confer the associate degree. The CCAF was accredited in the start of 1977 and by the spring of that same year it awarded its first Associates of Applied Science degree.

This year the CCAF is expected to award the 400,000th AAS degree since the college's establishment. This is milestone stands as an impressive achievement for the college and a testament to the character of the men and women who make up our enlisted corps.

Unfortunately, some view the CCAF as a degree mill and discount the value of the degree.

Frankly, the investments toward the professional development of our own Airmen can't be matched by any corporation or any other service - it's foolish to undermine the efforts of nearly half a million Airmen.

Our enlisted corps is a highly-motivated, well-educated force, and the numbers back it up.

According to official records as of this month, within 412,000 Airmen serving in the Air Force you will find 77,343 with associate degrees, 29,487 with a bachelor's, 5,090 master's degrees, and 88 who have reached the highest academic levels and have earned a doctorate or professional degree.

As we continue to challenge our enlisted corps to chase educational goals, they will continue to reach more educational milestones; however for some the accomplishment of their AAS through the CCAF takes a backseat as they pursue their own interests. As a result, these well-meaning Airmen have their educational goals operating in reverse.

How do we keep them focused on the importance of completing their CCAF first?

From personal experience, I've reviewed countless Enlisted Performance Reports and award nominations that highlight a member's progress towards a baccalaureate degree. At first glance this looks great, balancing school and work isn't easy but upon further review many have not completed their CCAF degree.

This tells me the member is more focused on their personal goals than taking care of the Air Force's fundamental educational expectations. Some leaders offer guidance and encourage their subordinates to transfer their baccalaureate degree courses to CCAF so they get credit. But again, this is another step that reinforces the notion that the CCAF should be an afterthought and not at the forefront.

As enlisted leaders we are charged to deliberately develop our force. In the realm of education we must focus our subordinates on the importance of attaining their CCAF degree first.

This starts with properly approaching Career Development Courses with the right attitude. Upon completion of CDCs and in conjunction with on-the-job and up-grade training, members receive college credits; remind your Airmen they are in fact completing college level courses through their CDCs.

It is customary to prohibit members in UGT or who are enrolled in CDCs to simultaneously be enrolled in off-duty civilian education. We advise our Airmen that when their CDCs and UGT are complete they can then take college courses. This guidance is misleading. We should be telling our Airmen that because of the CCAF and their CDCs they are already enrolled in college and taking college courses.

We have a tendency to reward our Airmen for CDC completion by allowing them to pursue their bachelor's degree. Instead, we should continue to mentor our Airmen and keep them focused on their AAS. Once the first part of their education (CDC, OJT/UGT) is completed we can focus them on the other approximately 16 semester hours of classes they need for completion of their CCAF degree. Typically Airmen will enroll in be a bachelor's degree plan to further their educational goals; however, the focus should be on accomplishing the CCAF degree requirements rather than pursue an advanced degree from the beginning.

An Airman would be much better served if their advancement toward a BA or BS degree would be the by-product of their pursuit toward the AAS through the CCAF not vice versa. We need to remind our Airmen why CCAF accomplishment is important.

Some will say that CCAF completion is important because without it a member hurts their promotion potential; but leaders need to look at the bigger picture.

Individuals may only participate in CCAF degree programs designed for their Air Force occupation. Why is this? The US Air Force is the best at developing its workforce for current and future leadership and technical challenges. The 64 degree programs offered through CCAF are specifically created and tailored to address technical and leadership issues a member will encounter in their specialty. Nearly every profession requires its members to complete some type of education or certification. Our profession of arms is no different.

Completion of a CCAF degree helps members progress from apprentice to journeyman and onto craftsman in their trade. Of the 64 credit hours required for the CCAF AAS, 24 are in the technical education area. These 24 hours are accomplished through Technical School, OJT, UGT and the CDCs. The Air Force views the AAS as the first important step in the development of our junior enlisted corps, a step that can't be substituted with civilian academic degrees. Once Airmen complete this first and critical obligation then we can encourage them to continue and achieve other educational goals.
Our force benefits by having a team of educated leaders, managers and Airmen.

The road to educational excellence starts with understanding the true value of the CCAF AAS degree, accepting and tackling CDC, UGT, OJT as college level courses and not treating the completion of the CCAF AAS degree as a secondary goal, but making it our primary purpose and fulfilling the Air Force's educational expectations before seeking out further educational opportunities.

Comments

10/19/2012 10:13:37 AM ET
Wow. Every time someone tries to tell me whats wrong with the Air Force I typically change the subject but OMG you guys are it. Look at the way we treat each other, how personally offended we get at the suggestion we look at something through a different lens. Anywho, the consensus complaint seems to be that the Air Force won't promote you into its coveted senior ranks unless you take institutional requirements seriously -shocker. The Board doesn't meet you; they get your record and that shows what you've been up to for the past 12-20 years. If you have a Political Science degree but no professional credentials for your AFSC, it should come as no surprise that at least one member of the board may think another candidate more qualified to be in the top 3 percent. Skipping the CCAF says you didn't think it was important, yet the requirement is clear: no CCAF, no senior rater, slim chance for E8/E9. If the box is so simply checked, why all the whining? By the way great rebuttal, Ch

First Time Caller, Long Time Listener

10/17/2012 5:15:02 PM ET
@Maj Home for Change-Fortunately for the Air Force you don't decide effective utilization of CMSgts especially CCMs. So your opinion on that matter is irrelevant as it's above your pay-grade. Reference why SNCOs on this board are sensitive about reflective belt monitor..wonder...It's not sensitivity its the first hand knowledge that they do more than you'll ever know and don't deserve your dismissal and disregard for their value. They unlike you know without them the mission would fail. SNCOs and all Airmen including officers are a part of the team. I laughed at your comment. As an Officer I do have the RIGHT to put down the enlisted force...Really where did you learn that... Lol. I challenge you to ask Gen Welsh that question Gen Welsh sir as Officers aren't we entitled to put down the enlisted force. Let me know how that turns out. I am certain he will explain it to so you can understand. It is good to know we have outstanding officers like AD Major AMC base to balance

Chief, Reflective Belt Monitoring Post

10/17/2012 4:02:14 AM ET
If an officer earns the respect of his enlisted personnel we will ensure he is successful. On the other hand piss us off and see how success eludes you. No one person can succeed by themselves. Good officer career counseling 101.

David Wills, Kabul

10/16/2012 10:21:04 PM ET
Not sure how I got jumped on for saying that an officer insulting the enlisted force would be ridiculous but I understand people try to read more into these comments to make them more than they are. I do stand by my statement that even on a forum a SNCO does not give orders to an officer as he attempted to do in his last statement. Also why are the SNCOs on this board so sensitive about the reflective belt monitor comment. I wonder...

Maj, Home for a change

10/16/2012 10:26:05 AM ET
Gentlemen: Please lay off the insults, however well-worded they may be. My view is that a CCAF should be used to start off an Airman who hasn't any credits to begin with a stepping stone. If the Airman, Sergeant, Captain etc. holds an equivalent or higher degree, they shouldn't be penalized for not having a CCAF-branded AAS. Instead, any education-related sections in whatever package should note that the individual has already done the work above-and-beyond the scope of a CCAF. That is a rather large check in the Exceeds Standards box, don't you think? Good morning.

SSgt C W, Holloman AFB

10/16/2012 7:23:49 AM ET
HmmmRespect my internet authority.

Sentry and Avenger, cyberspace

10/15/2012 8:50:55 PM ET
First let me say as an active duty major i'm disgusted at the comments made by Major at home for a change. Dude, its an honor to serve with the best enlisted force in the world and you just made the entire officer corps look disgraceful. I'm proud to be prior service myself, and my grandfather is a retired chief and my father a retired SNCO, so I deeply value what our enlisted leaders bring to the fight. Your rank absolutely DOESN'T give you the right to put down the enlisted force. It does give you a priviliged opportunity and responsibility to lead your Airmen and accomplish the mission. I get it mission first and I also agree that you and everyone else has a right to disagree with the Chief's article. Just don't forget that the Air Force is built on trust and respect. Some of the smartest people I know are enlisted. Gen Welsh himself recently said that some of your smartest people will be those who work for you dont let that scare you. Any smart leader embraces the diversity and t

AD Major, AMC base near you

10/15/2012 4:59:22 PM ET
Did a Maj really just pull the you have to do whatever I say card? On a comment thread? And then say that they have the right to put down the enlisted force? If this is how AF leadership is going, we are all in for a very bad ride.

This Guy, CO

10/15/2012 3:57:41 PM ET
@Maj Home for a Change. Sir, your attitude is appalling. First you made a nitpicking and obvious statement about mission first when the Chief's point was that CCAF should come before further education for enlisted members. Then your response to SNCO OCONUS indicates that you do not respect the value of enlisted members especially SNCOs. You don't have the right to put down the enlisted force, sir. You have the privilege to lead and manage them. And you may not have to listen to SNCOs, sir, but you disregard our guidance and advice at your own peril.

An Educated SNCO, Earth

10/13/2012 5:06:52 PM ET
I remember giving up on the CCAF as an Airman when they told me they could only transfer 2.33 credits for all the classes I'd taken in Washngton State before joining the Air Force. Where was I going to find a place to give me .67 credits for every class I'd already taken

Capt, Cali

10/12/2012 4:55:10 PM ET
SMSgt FNonetheless impressive but so what I'll put my name on it too. The article above seems at best a missed approach at an attempt to highlight the finer points of the benefits of a CCAF as opposed to but not in conjunction with other higher education initiatives when it comes to career progression. At a minimum these remarks on this board are taking the writer to task about supposed questionable guidance because we know that not all guidance is perfect. Airing foolish banter in public view Hardly. No more or any less foolish than any other remarks here inluding yours.

MSgt Henry Thomas, BLV

10/12/2012 3:42:06 PM ET
please help me understand the air force i like article jus hard to understand.

Coolio, Air Force

10/12/2012 10:42:35 AM ET
@SNCO OCONUS I have not ASSUMED that the Chief does not know the mission is forefront. His title for this article about the CCAF is FIRST THINGS FIRST. The mission is FIRST not the CCAF. Finally as an officer I do absolutely have the right to put down the enlisted force but would never do so as that would be ridiculous. If an individual gives bad advice to my airmen as the Chief has done here however I will let them know that it is wrong. You on the other hand do not have the authority to tell me what to do.

Maj, Home for a change

10/12/2012 10:34:52 AM ET
As one of those crazy enlisted individuals that have spent 10 years to garner a PhD I would have to say that the CCAF is a solid foundation to your education but if that is all you strive for you will someday be in a huge world of hurt I find it amazing we push enlisted to get that all important CCAF degree yet for Officers they promote getting a Masters degree. Are we really that far behind in the education ladder Is that all an enlisted can strive for is a two year degree and that is the pinnacle of our educational goals When you can get a degree for your technical training and taking a few CLEPs I would tend to say that this isnt really the college experience and when you HOPEFULLY start a bachelors program you will already be starting behind because a CLEP does not help you if it has helped you good on you but for the majority it is a detriment. I had a Masters degree before I had my CCAF and a package could not be submitted for me because I did not have a CCAF degree.

SNCO, USA

10/11/2012 9:46:04 PM ET
A number of people let the chief down on this. The PA office should have edited the work to ensure that an article touting the professionalism of the enlisted corps was largely grammatically correct and puntuated appropriately. Other chiefs should have advised this one that you can tout the importance of the lesser degree without getting into a measuring contest with the better ones. But overall the chief let himself down here because he is just plain wrong in this matter. And the only thing worse than being wrong is being FAMOUSLY wrong. Posting this article publicly has promoted him to Famously Wrong.

An Educated SNCO, Earth

10/11/2012 10:17:07 AM ET
The funny thing about this when I transitioned to the guard I made a point to my airmen about the need for a CCAF and the funny thing though most of my airmen were either college students already had a bachelors already had a masters or were working on it and we even had one SSgt who was a PhD candidate. So needless to say they all pretty much scoffed the CCAF and why shouldn't they When I explained that sooner or later it would come over to the Guard that if they wanted E8 or E9 they'd need it and since most of them already had bachelors it was basically a paperwork action to get the CCAF well over the course of a few months we had folks getting one or two or even three CCAFs at every UTA. Understand though that as far as most of those airmen were concerned CCAF was nothing more than a resume builder and a square to check. From talking to my airmen not ONE of them has managed to land a civilian job based on CCAF. It should be a bridge program to a higher degree.

Maj D, Tyndall AFB FL

10/11/2012 7:44:09 AM ET
Another fine example of missing the boat and airing foolish banter in public view. The Chief said nothing about disregarding the pursuit of higher education. The point is concentrate on the things that the AF has ID'd will make better Airmen. If you don't like it don't do it... but don't cry in the end. Some of you so called ldrs need to read about org norms. And BTW I am 1.5 yrs from being a Ph.D. holder...

SMSgt F., Fort Dix NJ

10/10/2012 4:43:35 PM ET
X equals E8. Solve for X.

Arctic Warrior, Colorado Springs CO

10/10/2012 3:35:18 PM ET
@Maj Home for a Change CMSgt Brinkley is the Command Chief Master Sergeant for the 451 AEW. Just in case you haven't been mentored CMSgts are more than reflective belt monitors. The sad part is you'll never get why you haven't earned the right to insult the enlisted force and SNCOs buy assuming he doesn't know the mission is at the forefront. Do us a favor and save yourself further embarrassment by notmaking insultingignorant comments about SNCOs.

SNCO, OCONUS

10/10/2012 9:25:45 AM ET
I cannot defend this article or disagree with the comments posted. However I would like to remind everyone that until the system changes the CCAF degree is an expectation for higher rank. Not that that is right but an expectation. Personally I think a BS or BA should be the minimum requirement for SMSgt or CMSgt. I tell my Amn go for the CCAF and don't stop until you get a BS or BA...then go for the next one.

A SMSgt, An AFB Near you

10/10/2012 8:28:01 AM ET
This advice is well-meaning but completely ridiculous. Simply saying that the CCAF is more important to pursue than a Bachelors degree is insane. The CCAF can be completed entirely by CLEPsDANTES. The CCAF doesn't prove ANY quality of education. After your tech school credits and CDC credits are applied simple core requirements are all that remain. Completing your CCAF doesn't make you a better Airman NCO or SNCO. I compare this to those that choose to go to community college instead of a four-year university. If your goal is short-term go to a community college and get an Associates. If you are planning for you and your family's future beyond the military get a Bachelor's. I will never tell my Airmen to do something as ignorant as this. A CCAF degree isn't any indication of intelligence or hard work. If you are trying to say that someone going up for SMSgt or CMSgt looks bettermore competent with a CCAF degree rather than a Bachelors Masters or PhD...this proves why the Air

DedicatedNCO, AFSPC

10/9/2012 3:24:57 PM ET
Chief As we all know Big Blue does a pretty good job of taking care of its people and in the education arena we are second to none. For any Airman young or old there is no reason not to capitalize on the education benefits that are available to all of us. These are entitlements if you dont use them you lose them. In a figurative way However your approach in pushing CCAF is appreciated it just does not pass the take care of my people test. As I wanted to write a comment on this issue I reviewed your bio ten years to complete your CCAF and 19 to complete your Bachelors. One perception that I wanted to point out is that your education coincided with your promotions. I like many SNCO's want the Airman that I have contact with to understand the importance of an education and also understand that if you make this a career you MUST have a piece of paper to fall back on. In today's job market a CCAF with get you cents not thousands more in your negotiations. Experience does not

Just another SNCO, Hades

10/9/2012 1:38:25 PM ET
Chief, I like the thought about advising CDCs are part of the CCAF education.

SSgt Hollingsworth, Scott AFB

10/9/2012 11:32:08 AM ET
Way off the mark. No way would I steer my troops from higher education past a CCAF just to ensure they complete their CCAF first. That's just nonsense and stifles initiative. Both can run concurrently and most of our folks end up checking both boxes when pursuing a bachelor's degree almost without even knowing it. Granted the CCAF will help them professionally, but the advantage of pursuing both objectives concurrently will make a more well rounded Airman that is not only an asset to the AF but can stand and think on their own in both the military and civilian arena LIFE. My troops can do both concurrently if they wish and I will steer them towards both options and leave them to decide which is more important to them.

MSgt Henry Thomas, Short timer at BLV

10/8/2012 12:22:55 PM ET
A associates degree today alone will not keep you employeed unless you have a needed skill gained through the military. When I was in the begining of my 22 year career the base education office talked me into the CCAF pursuit and I started classes but when I came up due for math classes they had none to start me off from the high school referesher level in England when I asked for assistance in getting a tutor I was told I was on my own and come on back when you are able to complete the collage level math and science classes. Lucky for me I had the military training skill the aviation industry needed. However when you look around the minimum required in any white collar profession now is a 4 year degree anything less then that will not keep you employed for 20 plus years. All industry seeks retired military and some 4 year previous military but if one person pops up witth a 4 years degree and previous military experience they get the job no question about it. In todays World I would ad

SNCO Ret 89, Ohio

10/8/2012 3:56:29 AM ET
Horrible advice. Part of being a good mentor is setting a subordinate up for success which doesn't mean holding back future higher education for CCAF completion. Second the AF has failed to adjust promotionscope of responsibility for degree-holding Airmen which ruins the basis for hastily getting that CCAF. A mid-20s E-4 or below should be getting to E-5 much sooner than the 18-20 year olds.

SrA MBA, Nevada

10/8/2012 3:51:18 AM ET
If the current focus is to obtain the CCAF degree then why isn't there value added when testing for promotion I understand that without a CCAF degree no one will make SMSgt or Chief but where is the benefit of obtaining the CCAF earlier in a career vice later when it really matters.

Eric, Deployed

10/7/2012 6:56:02 AM ET
Chief there are just some silly statements in here that really reinforce the belief among the enlisted corps that leadership is tone deaf and checking a box is more important than substance. First and foremost yes education in incredibly important and CCAF is often the easiest path to that end. In the vast majority of cases these days most airmen only need to knock out some general education courses to finish their CCAF - speech management etc. These aren't core courses which in any way feed direct value back into my ability as a technician doing my job. Do they have value Clearly. Do they make me more well-rounded Absolutely. But to say that there is more inherent value in taking those to obtain your CCAF as opposed to focusing more on a bachelor degree from somewhere else is just plain silly. If you posit that belief you're selling out your credibility to the system. You're saying that you don't want really well-educated Airmen. You want indoctrinated Airmen to perpetua

Dave, Washington DC

10/6/2012 11:15:44 PM ET
While a CCAF appears to be a requirement if you wish to attain SMSgt it should not be a primary focus. Why not encourage Airmen to attain a civilian 4-year degree instead That is the purpose some people join the education benefits. You can attain your CCAF as an afterthought while pursuing a higher degree. The sole focus on attaining your CCAF is an admirable goal but the reasoning seems a little misguided. It does not help a person reach their craftsman skill level its actually quite the opposite. I received my CCAF as an afterthought while pursuing my Bachelor of Science degree as a SSgt with my 7 skill level. From what I've seen the CCAF checks off a few boxes it simply makes me eligible for more jobs and promotion opportunities. It might as well be much like a PME requirement.

Jess, South Carolina

10/6/2012 12:55:59 PM ET
Most of the core classes needed for the CCAF Degree are the same ones needed to complete a Bachelors Degree with the exception of public speaking. Why not pursue both the Bachelors and CCAF at the same time. Youll obviously complete the CCAF first since its 5 or so classes after you complete UGT and ALS. Looking at my transcript it took me only two in-class classes to complete a CCAF Math and Social Science. Both classes were needed for my BS degree. The other three writing humanities and the dreaded speech were completed through CLEPS. I still dont understand why they do not brief at ALS to take the speech clep immediately after ALS as they teach you all you need to know to pass that exam. If youve graduated ALS theres no excuse not to have public speaking accomplished except for laziness or ignorance. I am a sucker for education. - knocked out an MBA before my 10 year mark and I dont mention that to brag but to show that even a not so bright individual can complete these

oldman, earth

10/6/2012 10:31:56 AM ET
Work on your Bachelors degree. The credits you earn towrads your Bachelors degree transfer over so you can kill 2 birds with 1 stone per se. CCAF works for the AF......Civilian world not so much.

jg, SD

10/6/2012 8:59:57 AM ET
BRING BACK WARRANT OFFICERS

Kevin, Warfield ANGB MD

10/5/2012 10:59:05 PM ET
Airmen can complete 4-year degree requirements and AAS degree at the same time since they both require the same general education classes. At most you may have to take speech 101 since some 4-years degrees allow you to fulfill this requirement with a different communication course. I have a 4-year degree and three CCAFs and I do not think the CCAF is worthless. I am a traditional reservist and those extra AA degrees have benefited me. Bottom line you plan to stay enlisted you will have to complete the degree. Get it done and stop being typical airmen who always finds something to complain about.

Ray, California

10/5/2012 6:34:06 PM ET
I came into the Air Force a few credits shy of a BA. By the time I finished my AF technical training I was a few credits shy of a BSEE. I went ahead and finished that BA. Nobody since I retired from the Air Force has been the slightest bit interested in anything but my electronics schooling and experience. Nobody. Oh the BA might get me a management job but I've already turned down two.

Ret MSgt, St Paul MN

10/5/2012 1:32:36 PM ET
You need to get the BA or BS or Masters degree. Forget the CCAF. Most companies in the real world do not believe the CCAF is a real AA. They think of it as a degree you got for doing your job. Remember you will not be in the AF forever. There really is life after the AF and if you only have a CCAF you are going to put at the bottom of the hiring barrel. As an example my company just hired a retired MSgt and a retired TSgt both with 20 years experience. The MSgt only has a CCAF and the other a BA. They are both performing the exact same job. One works for the West and one for the East divisions. The CCAF degree holder starts out at 55k per year. The BA holder started out at 85K. Do the math and set your priorities to what works best for you.

Retired, CT

10/5/2012 12:34:51 PM ET
The CCAF is a good thing. However I remember when it became mandatory to make SCMSgt. I had a buddy w a MBA from Univ of Oklahoma while stationed at Tinker. BS from ERAU and no CCAF because ERAU counted NCOA as speech. He had no time for speech before his EPR closed and no senior rate due to that. He lost all chances for SMSgt. I think the AF needs to re-eval the demand for a CCAF and make it Or equilvalent.

Andy, Texas

10/5/2012 3:07:43 AM ET
The issue with CCAFs points to a deeper issue witin AF culture. It used to be that if you kept your nose relatively clean you could look forward to a career in the AF. Now with the one mistake AF and multiple force cuts we have made Airmen disposable - and they know it. Instead of a way of life the AF has become a job. If you concentrate on your CCAF and get force shaped that CCAF does not translate well into the civilian world. But a Bachelor's does and can be used to obtain the CCAF quite easily if you can make a career of it.

Karen, Deployed

10/4/2012 10:26:34 PM ET
I appreciate and agree with everyone's comments below about the absurdity of the Chief's assertion that CCAF should always take precedence over other higher degrees. My question however is why is a CMSgt assigned to Kandahar stating that the FIRST THING is to get your degrees in order. Shouldn't the FIRST THING be the mission. I did notice that the Chief is assigned to the protocol office. What a waste. That job could easily be handled by a MSgt and eliminate one more reflective belt monitor.

Maj, Home for a change

10/4/2012 7:01:28 PM ET
I'd like to see the metrics on how many good careers of prospective undergrads this Chief has negatively affected by favoring stagnant CCAF degree holders.

Curious, Glad not Kandahar

10/4/2012 5:15:08 PM ET
@mathias...There are not a bunch of crusty old Chiefs who came in during Vietnam out there before education was mandatory. There are plenty of Chiefs in their 30's out there. 99 percent of current Chiefs possess as a bare minimum their CCAF and most even higher than that. To the rest of the negative comments...with an inflated EPR system an easy PT test and medals awarded for just about anything we need something to separate those that want to attain the top 3 percent of the enlisted force. The Chief is just trying to motivate and help out and he is not saying that personnel should not pursue a bachelors degree or above. He is just providing short term attainable goals that might help the airman in the future. And no I have not drank the kool aid just being real.

Chief, Masters Degree and Proud of It

10/4/2012 5:12:39 PM ET
With all due respect Chief as a FTA with the intention of getting out at the end of my enlistment it makes no sense for me to work towards my CCAF before my Bachelor's Degree. I joined for the purpose of attaining higher education but while in the Air Force my first priority has always been to be the best at my job I can be. That being said getting general education credits for my CCAF won't make me any better at my job than my Bachelor's Degree elective credits will. While I may earn the credits required to get my CCAF eventually this is a secondary priority to my Bachelor's Degree in the field I wish to pursue once I seperate.

Some A1C, FL

10/4/2012 4:34:40 PM ET
Don't forget to add BSM without valor doubling down on your community service and organizing the blue kool-aid recipie book for the unit booster club.

Garrett, Reality

10/4/2012 3:37:29 PM ET
You get the degree because education improves people. And if your hold back is that previous generations didn't need it then you're out of touch. When my father was my age an Associates degree was pretty good it was more education than HS in my generation a BS was pretty choice... now we live in a society where a premium is placed on education and Masters Degrees are less and less the exception and more the rule. You have to evolve and what's good for you isn't going to always be the same for your kids and your airmen. Good leaders survey the landscape see what their troops will need to succeed on all fronts and push them to it. Many come in with the intent to leave in 4-6 but many people get a late jump on things when they decide to stay in... it's called keeping your options open folks. Don't want a CCAF Get a Bach. one doesn't preclude the others.

JP, VA

10/4/2012 3:26:00 PM ET
I think that the CCAF program is good for Airman that are new to the military and don't have any advanced education but for some it shouldn't be a main focus. There are more Airmen these days that already have advanced degrees and the career field they are in now may not be the career field they stay in. I've met a few enlisted that have or a pursuing their Doctorate Degree. If they cross-train should they be highly encouraged to pursue a CCAF in their new career field And if so perhaps the officers should enroll too.

David, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam

10/4/2012 3:14:58 PM ET
A CCAF degree is great for some cases it's a 2 year degree which can communicate to the world the skills one learned in the Air Force. However a CCAF degree does not make one more qualified or proficient at one's primary duties as there are no additional technical requirements for the CCAF degree above those which are required for upgrade. It's asinine for the Chief to suggest that Airmen delay their pursuit for a 4 year degree so they can finish up their CCAF degree. This can cost additional time and money in many cases. In today's world a 4 year degree is the minimum to succeed the value of a 2 year degree is nominal at best. If someone already has a 4 year or better degree the CCAF is pretty much worthless. This can easily become a self licking ice cream cone if NCOs start dispensing this sort of advice it amounts to getting the degree at the AF school to demonstrate one's enthusiasm for the AF program.

Arnie, MD

10/4/2012 2:29:01 PM ET
I would be interested to see the metrics of the Chief's peers. How many of them assended the ranks without a CCAF? In today's Air Force, the same set of Chiefs have determined you won't make E-8 or E-9 without one. Seems sort of hypocritcal and infuriates me when I hear a bunch of old Chiefs tell stories of how it used to be yet they are the ones directing the changes.

mathias, Germany

10/4/2012 2:16:53 PM ET
Several failures of logic to be pointed out and addressed in this article. First. Where is the correlation between completing CCAF requirements and becoming a craftsman in your AFSC? Is the USAF so distanced from operational reality that the established thinking is a speech class and a few CLEPs, General Ed courses are going to enhance an Airman's ability to take the fight to the enemy or support doing so? Second. The notion that one should forgo a Bachelor's program to take onesietwosie classes for CCAF enrollment is ludicrous. The logistical realities of higher education are such that enrolling in a Bachelor's program and then transferring some of those credits to CCAF is the only feasible way. Telling an academic counselor at a university that you don't want to enroll in a Bachelor's program because Well ma'am I need this CCAF first is myopic thinking at its best.Third. The Chief needs to brush up on what constitutes college level material. With a few exceptions CDC's

Just Some Sergeant, NAS Oceana.

10/4/2012 11:37:07 AM ET
Too many blanket statements here, Chief. Not everyone aspires to ascend to the rank which you have. Many Airmen come in to the AF with the intention of leaving in 4 to 6. If that is the case, it makes more sense to pursue a track that leads to a 4 year degree. In my case it was a commission I sought. Again a 4 year degree is more appropriate. What I disagree with most of all is your assertion that Airmen must be quote focused end quote on their CCAF once UGT and CDCs are complete. A CCAF is not required PME. If the AF wants to focus Airmen in this manner, then make it required PME. Otherwise let Airmen make decisions about their education that are consistent with their career objectives. A CCAF would have been completely useless to me just as it is to many other Airmen. Just because it is available doesn't mean we should put anymore emphasis on focusing Airmen to take advantage.

Chris Kimball, Indiana

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