Commentary - My CCAF journey

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Mike Strickler, the Public Affairs director at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., and his granddaughter, Zoe, read a bedtime story last December. Twenty-five years prior, his daughter Stephanie (below left) and son Michael motivated him to earn his first Community College of the Air Force degree. (Courtesy photos)
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My CCAF journey

Posted 2/2/2011

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Commentary by Mike Strickler
95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

2/2/2011 - EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- I sat down hard on the bed in our small Wiesbaden apartment when the news came: child number two was on the way and I knew, right then, that I had to get my collective together.

It was January 1985, cold and sunny, and Kim and I just stared at each other. Child number one was strolling through the house with huge Garfield slippers on, the joy of our lives giggling down the hallway in mommy's shoes and now that joy was to multiply.

I imagined a rush of fuzzy pairs of Garfield heads charging through the house, weaving under the dining room table and filling the rooms. And I was Odie, a damn fool dog with merely a handful of college credits, tongue wagging stupid and lazy. That had to change.

The following Monday I was in the base Education Office at Lindsey Air Station looking for a better life for my family and I found experienced hands ready to help.

It was 1985 and I was a young senior airman not yet 21, only as smart as my combat camera technical school with some early life lessons in marriage and parenting. Now, more than 25 years later, I'm Director of Public Affairs here and still in school, working in my third graduate degree program, writing a book, and taking on a PhD.

It all began with a Community College of the Air Force degree.

I started with a business course with Embry Riddle; then I enrolled in an algebra class and found a knack for trinomials and properties of equality that just didn't exist in high school. It's funny how a few life lessons, like marriage and kids, can make one a scholar. It wasn't long before I had a two-year degree in my hands and by then, I was hooked.

Thank God and the Air Force for tuition assistance. I can't remember how much I made as a staff sergeant back then, but the amount the Air Force kicked in for school each year probably doubled it. You will not find a better employer than the USAF in supporting your educational goals, both in terms of assistance and moral support. And the more you know in this organization, the higher you'll go.

How high? It depends on your aim.

For me, I decided to apply for Officer Training School and was selected only months after sewing on technical sergeant, promotion being a great benefit of good study habits learned in college. I had a pretty good package going in because the English and History courses I took prepared me for the Noncommissioned Officers Academy, where I won the John Levitow award. In OTS the management skills I learned in college allowed me to earn recognition as a distinguished graduate, and that got me into blue chip schools and provided opportunities I never knew existed.

Business, English, history, management and math. You'll take all manner of courses to achieve advanced degrees, but it's the bedrock subjects you'll study in getting your CCAF degree that will help the most. All you have to do is sign up, show up, and apply yourself.

It's been said that the constant pursuit of knowledge is an addiction. If so, then it's a craving to understand more about yourself and those things and people around you, and learning is the bug that keeps your interest in life burning.

My favorite saying is "You don't know what you don't know" and it has aptly applied to all situations of life I've found, especially in the military. That day in the Lindsey Education Center I found out just how much I didn't know, and then, found out how I could find out more. I haven't looked back since.

Twenty-five years ago that little girl in the too-big slippers motivated me to be better than I was, and now she's a nurse, working on her masters degree with a husband and a daughter of her own (who is very bright, and loves learning). Our son is an Air Force air traffic controller and father, an honor graduate from basic training and technical school. He is excelling on his own CCAF journey and, when he graduates, Kim and I will be there because we know how important that degree is.

The things you do today will affect so many others, especially the ones you love. So get involved, sign up, show up and get ready for a great ride. All it takes is some willpower and faith, and that's where all great stories are born. Your story is waiting just ahead.

Comments

2/14/2011 2:45:55 PM ET
Back @ Mo MidSouth. Sounds like you have a problem with certain leadership and supervisors. Completely separate issue from the article at hand but I understand what youre saying. Once again look at the flip side of things. Certain AFSCs do have slower Ops tempo which allows for individuals to pursue their education. Then again maybe some people are just that dedicated to learning and have the ambition and drive to earn multiple degrees. Im sure if you had the time and opportunity to do you would be doing the same. I wholeheartedly agree education should be done during personal time and not during the duty day but that is up to individual supervisors and commanders.

Steve, Tampa

2/12/2011 8:15:27 AM ET
@ Steve from Tampa. I wasn't saying that getting a degree while your in is wrong. But when people get numerous degrees at the expense of others and it being a higher priority than doing the mission. That's when I have a problem with it. When I have had to deploy numerous times in a short period of time because some professional student is taking classes again. And the chain of command allowed it again. And while I'm down range I'm being made to wait to conduct business because the person behind the deskcounter is doing their college homework on duty time. That's when education becomes a problem.

Mo, MidSouth

2/11/2011 12:53:33 PM ET
I accepted a No from an Officers wife who was teaching Collage Math for the University of Maryland back in the 1970s, and I always regreted accepting that No that I had to have more high school math before progressing, which lead to me droping out of higher education. However I dove into my USAF job as a jet engine mechanic and focused on the model engine I supported to learn all I could about it and how it was operated and was manufactured, taking note of all the problems experienced. Becoming one of the known experts on the bases I was stationed at supported the mission well and led me into a rewarding career with a well known engine manufacturer. Today I help manage as the expert and consultant for those engines around the World in the Countries that continue to power their aircraft with these Turbo Jet engines. I have no paper degree but I do have a Masters in life and working on my Phd in life now at 62 plus. Yes I was Blessed and I know it.

Mike in Cincinnati, Ohio

2/11/2011 9:48:41 AM ET
Mo MidSouth You make some very valid arguments. Achieving a professional degree is secondary to the military mission and I agree on that point. However look at the flip side of your argument. When you leave the military will the civilian sector care about your promotions decorations awards? That is also an emphatic no. It is a balancing act that members must strive to achieve. The military wants to ensure that each and every member has something to fall back on when they transition from military to civilian and that you have the opportunities for pursuing education. Besides its practically FREE when you combine tuition assistance programs along with the GI Bill. Why wouldnt you want to take advantage of that? With todays economy, it would be foolish to think that youre competitive in the job market without some type of degree or certification.

Steve, Tampa

2/10/2011 8:24:41 AM ET
The professional students that are posting on here are are mad because you aren't getting promoted higher. That's too bad your job in the AF is not to go to school but to do the mission. The guy who has 2 BS's and 2 Masters, your mad because a guy with a CCAF is getting promoted ahead of you. Maybe it's because your promotion package is lacking the basic tenants of a SNCO. Having a degree alone doesn't make you a better manager or leader. Some of the best leaders I have seen throughout my career were people that had little or no college education. Does advanced civilian education have a place in AF promotions? No. Is AF enlisted PME effective? No it's not. Frankly it's a joke and should be stripped down and reworked to fit today's mission. Get out of the classroom and learn some real leadership skill under austere conditions. That would make more sense instead of having people stabbing each other in the back and kissing up to the PME staff for an award ...

Mo, MidSouth

2/9/2011 6:31:11 PM ET
Fair and Consistent. Sometimes people just need to wipe their upper lip. You would think someone who is so much smarter with the ability to outperform peers except for doing a CCAF would just knock out an exam unless of course you cant pass it. Humm. Five more long years to retirement sounds ROAD to me.

Doesit, Matter

2/9/2011 11:24:09 AM ET
Props to everyone getting those degrees. I did see a lot of PhD this and PhD that. Some get so wrapped up in education I have seen some that think their AFSC is professional student. They are doing homework and taking classes during the duty day. If you have one of those types of jobs...congrats. You might also have the time to be Top 3 president. Definite promotion potential.

John G, Langley

2/8/2011 8:20:54 PM ET
MSgt Nothing Personal Luke-ism AFB I SO agree with you You are punished for being smarter and they twist it to make it seem you are not performing your military duties as a result. I have outperformed my peers both militarily and civilian for as long as remember. I made all my ranks first time with the exception of MSGT. My military career is stifled because Chiefs with barely an associates judge my package as I am preparing to get out. Can you believe the nonsense in that It went way over their heads that I am a more productive leader as a result. Ungh five more long years to retirement dealing with inadequacies on their part.

Fair and Consistent SNCO, Worldwide

2/8/2011 7:18:20 AM ET
I agree the CCAF is not worth much but is a stepping stone for obtaining a higher education. Some schools will also give you a concurrent A.s degree as long as you complete your CCAF requirements with them. Make sure to check with your Education Office for help. I to started a little late but I will retire next year and if all goes well will be on the downside of my PhD.

18 months to go, OS

2/8/2011 6:46:01 AM ET
This story highlights one of the most important take-aways from an Air Force careera degree you get paid to earn. I entered the AF as a high school drop out and finished as an O-2 with 2 associates degrees one bachelors and a masters in nurse anesthesia that pays 150k per year, all in 12 short Air Force years. If you are a jr enlisted person saying to yourself you will eventually get around to doing this your time is now-don't let it pass you by.

Brad, Virginia

2/8/2011 3:40:21 AM ET
I can echo some sentiments about the pursuit of a CCAF with a few people here as well. I was in the same boat a few classes here a few CLEPs there and POW, I completed my undergrad degree and somehow recieved my CCAF the same week almost by accident. I'm now in grad school pulling a 4.0 GPA. Learning is very addictive, the AF will give you the tools to achieve but in the end only the individual can come up with the right reasons to further their education. I for one am for any military member getting their school on. Take the first step it's easier than you think.

MSgt Henry Thomas, Southwest Asia

2/7/2011 11:35:49 PM ET
Why is it a 17 year MSgt with 2 Bachelors degrees and 2 Masters degrees not add up to someone with just a CCAF degree. The CCAF has no more bearing to the Air Force Career Job than any other degree. Its merely completing 5 BASIC components which most of do not satisfy a real associate degree requirement in civilian education. Hats off to those who only want to achieve such a useless degree at that level alone, but why hold back those that have accomplished much more in their endeavor to achieve. An associate is an associate, whether its from CCAF, Local Community College, Online. Add a bachelors and Masters to the game now we should be talking real level of leadershipmanagement requirements E-9s with barely an associate degree need not say much to SNCOsNCOs with 3-4 times the education about achievement and self development. Oh but Unfortunately they are the ones to judge your have have-nots for promotion to SMSgt and CMSgt. Funny, Huh? Nothing Personal.

MSgt Nothing Personal, Luke-ism AFB

2/7/2011 11:59:07 AM ET
Great commentary. Getting that CCAF degree definitely jump starts that desire to want more, at least it did for me. After receiving that CCAF certificate education has become an addiction and six years later I'm still in school working on a PhD. Not bad for a 13 yr AD enlisted guy. I agree with Steve's response and to add to that too often we see SNCOs put-off school until its too late. They would rush at the last minute to go to school and end up retiring with just a CCAF degree. I don't think the Air Force fool its members about the value of a CCAF degree. I think some people lack the information to talk intelligently about the value of a CCAF degree. The article mentions about how high one aims, well I'm glad that I'll be leaving the Air Force with more then just a CCAF degree. Encourage your airmen to invest their time towards education finances are taken care off by Uncle Sam. I'm in a PhD program and its still free for the most part.

ddub, Texas

2/7/2011 11:46:27 AM ET
Furthering your education while in the Air Force is an individual goal and does play a role in the promotion process for those desiring to reach SNCO status. But don't think the degree will guarantee you a good paying job when you retire. NETWORKING is how you will get your foot in the door.

CMSgt Ret, VA

2/7/2011 11:34:09 AM ET
I saw more than a few Airmen bloom academically and professionally during many years as a first sergeant. Each and every one of them became better people for their efforts. You can berate PME or CCAF and any other personal-growth experience, but when your employer will pay your salary to go 'there' instead of the flighline or wherever you work then you only sell yourself short by failing to fully engage in the experience.

The Old Retired Guy, San Antonio

2/7/2011 10:21:54 AM ET
A CCAF degree is equivalent to a associates degree in the civilian sector. CCAF is a requirement for senior endorsements for those that plan on staying in.

educator, europe

2/7/2011 1:34:39 AM ET
Upon leaving AD in '96 to pursue a BS degree, I learned quickly that not all CCAF degrees are created equal. After CLEPing my way to a CCAF degree it was a rude awakening to learn that my four-year university would only give me a total of 6 credits for my CCAF degree. I was also slightly embarrassed during some job interviews as I tried to explain that my CCAF was a real degree even though it doesn't really have a campus. If you want a CCAF degree then great. However my advice for anyone pursuing their CCAF degree is to TAKE REAL COLLEGE CLASSES and to also not believe for a second that anyone in the civ world will take this degree seriously.

Maj, overseas

2/4/2011 1:34:38 PM ET
I wholly agree with the author. I only wish I had started my education earlier. I was in the AF for 9 yrs before I began my CCAF and BS concurrently. Just taking one at a time and signing up for every CLEP and DANTES exam I could, I knocked them out in less than 6 yrs. Doable for every Airman in one or two enlistments. I added it up and the AF gave me almost 10k for my undergrad courses. You just can't throw that money away. I also agree that learning can be addictive as I knocked out one more CCAF and a second civilian associates degree. I'm now 12 through a Masters as well. And I was a straght C student in High School... S o if I can do it, anybody can. Always opt for more education. You never know when or how you will use it. Good Luck!

TSgt Thompson, Scott AFB

2/4/2011 12:01:53 PM ET
The CCAF holds water in the AF regarless of what it means in civilian life. I used the CCAF program as a stepping stone to earn a bachelors degree - something I never thought I could do or even want to do - so stop knocking the CCAF. A shout out to the Kirtland AFB Education office - those guys were the best when I was stationed there 3 yrs ago.

b_s, fbnc

2/4/2011 10:59:59 AM ET
Retired SNCO - while competition for employment is at an all time high I wouldn't sell ANY Associates Degree as falling short. The whole push for Airmen to attain their CCAF degree is on the premise that it will bolster their desire to CONTINUE FURTHERING their education for better opportunities in their military or civilian careers. Granted education for active duty is secondary to mission requirements. ANY degree even the CCAF is worth money on the outside and should be encouraged by supervisors to obtain. By the way, I was able to obtain employment with my CCAF degree and am currently working toward my Bachelors.

Steve, Tampa

2/4/2011 9:21:31 AM ET
Don't be fooled by the CCAF. In the civilian world they don't hold any clout. The majority of private sector jobs will assume that a CCAF is just some extra training you received while in the AF. Focus your attention on getting that Bachelors degree instead. As you complete the blocks for that you will fill in the blocks for the CCAF which you will obviously need for promotion within the AF. The AF wants you to believe the CCAF is the goal to have. It should be a goal but the last goal on your educational list. I have seen too many members get their CCAF and then stop school thinking they are now employable in the real world. Stop at a CCAF and get a GS-11 job. Great if you only want to make 50-65k a year. Dont sell yourself short.

Retired SNCO, Ohio

2/4/2011 7:11:07 AM ET
While PME can be a bit inflated, it does have some positives and yes, you should be able to receive college credit by going to ALS, NCOA, etc... You're sitting in these courses 8-9 hours, 5 days a week, for 6 weeks or so, same as if you were in college.

Lowcountry Dawg, Charleston SC

2/4/2011 6:19:54 AM ET
Great story As a young Airman I remember folks saying the CCAF degree did not mean anything. They could not have been more wrong. What began as a mundane mission to 'check a box' ended up rekindling my love of education. I highly encourage all Airmen to complete their CCAF degree. Even if it is the only degree they earn it is well worth it

Capt J, SWA

2/3/2011 5:07:58 PM ET
A CCAF degree is worth more than a Starbucks Mr. Straight Shooter. The experience I received on active duty plus the CCAF degree allowed me to land a GS-11 job.

MSgt Retired, Wy

2/3/2011 1:52:48 AM ET
I couldnt agree more the opportunities that the Air Force offers through CCAF and the base education programs are endless and can provide any Airmen the extra tools they will need for successful civilian careers after their service. In my own case it was the staffs at RAF Lakenheath and then Seymour Johnson AFB base education office that showed me the advantages of continuing my education and assisted me in getting the courses I needed. My CCAF degree and BS from Embry - Riddle both completed because of these opportunities directly contributed to my easy transition to a second career as a cell leader with a major jet engine manufacture. My advise to all Airmen is check out your local Education Center and give it a try I guarantee it can change your life.

William Milligan MSgt retired, Wilmington NC

2/3/2011 12:28:32 AM ET
I appreciate this well written commentary and applaud the author for his academic and career success. It is certainly true that You don't know what you don't know. I take issue with the credit given to enlisted PME. I also received the Levitow and have three CCAF degrees. All that and two dollars will get me a doppio at Starbucks. Enlisted PME is a waste of time and merely a condition of employment while on active duty. As the author mentions a CCAF is certainly a good foothold back into the academic arena. Eight more classes and I will finish my first B.S.B.A Wish me luck.

Straight Shooter, OCONUS

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