COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- All Airmen, service members and civilians are encouraged to use their educational benefits while they serve their country, yet some take for granted the opportunities offered to them.
The 14th Force Support Squadron Education Center is Team BLAZE’s educational compass, steering Airmen and their civilian counterparts in the right direction toward technical certifications, college degrees and professional military education.
“We encourage the personal and professional development of all Airmen,” said Larry Brooks, 14th FSS chief of education and training. “Primarily, we serve our active-duty force through academic degrees and make sure they understand their tuition assistance benefits.”
Anybody on Columbus Air Force Base can use the Education Center to further their education. Even career-status civilian Airmen now have specialized programs to help make the civilian sector more educated to keep the best and brightest minds performing the base’s mission. Spouses can also receive academic advising and find out about potential scholarships.
Among the many education opportunities offered to active-duty Airmen is the Air Force Credential Opportunities Online (AFCOOL) that opens up certification tuition assistance that is no longer covered by the Air Force Tuition Assistance program.
Another opportunity offered to Airmen is the College Level Examination Program. CLEP allows Airmen to take one free test to get credit for an entire class. For example, if an Airman passes an algebra CLEP, n most cases they won’t have to take the class, but will still get the credit. If an Airman does use this program, they are highly encouraged to study before the test because if they fail they have to pay to take it again.
AFCOOL and CLEP are just two of many programs available for furthering education. If an Airmen is interested in other opportunities, the Air Force Virtual Education Center is where the majority of their questions can be answered
“Everything takes place on the Air Force Virtual Education Center,” Brooks said. “That’s where your education records are maintained and your Air Force goal is approved.”
Between the 14th FSS Education Center and AFVEC, all Airmen should reach their educational goal and use the benefits they earned to their full advantage.