A matter of degrees: Reservists fall guide to educational benefits

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Steve Germann
  • 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  For many individuals who are in pursuit of a college education, fall can mean mid-semester exams and student loan bills. The crisp cool air can also conjure thoughts of a quickly approaching winter session. 

It's also a time for reservists to take advantage of the many educational benefits for the upcoming semesters before January leaves them in the cold. To prevent this, the 512th Education and Training Office offers the following list of tools to keep the fire burning.

Community College of the Air Force
The Community College of the Air Force is a great way to earn an associate's degree from an accredited school without even leaving the squadron or home to attend a single class, said Senior Master Sgt. Randall Anderson, chief of the 512th Education and Training Office. 

"Most credits are earned through technical and on-the-job training," said Sergeant Anderson. "The best thing is you're already enrolled. From the moment you left basic training, you began accumulating credits toward a career degree; imagine getting paid to get college credits," he said.

Tuition Assistance
The Air Force Reserve Tuition Assistance program is a benefit available to all participating reservists. TA can be used for courses leading toward an associate, bachelor or master degree; however, TA can't be used for certification programs, except teacher certification, said Sergeant Anderson. 

Currently, the benefit offers 100 percent tuition reimbursement toward a bachelor's degree and 75 percent reimbursement toward a master's degree. In order to take advantage of the program, reservists will have to figure out a degree plan and obtain a registration form from the accredited school of choice, he said. 

MGIB-SR and MGIB-SR Kicker
The Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve program provides financial assistance to qualified members for a variety of training options. Any path of study must be approved by the Veterans Affairs office before the member can receive any educational benefits, said Sergeant Anderson. The amount of financial assistance depends on the route of training or institution of higher learning that the member chooses. 

The MGIB-SR Kicker is a supplement educational assistance benefit which can be used in conjunction with the MGIB-SR if a member fits certain eligibility requirements. 

For more information about this program, check out the VA's Web site at www.gibill.va.gov.

CLEP
The College Level Exam Program is a another great way to earn college credit without having to attend a single class, said Sergeant Anderson. 

"Members and their spouses can take CLEP exams free of charge right here at the 512th when they're scheduled during UTA weekends," he added. 

Many 512th AW reservists are reaping the educational benefits the Air Force Reserve has to offer. Staff Sgt. Gary Bouie, 46th Aerial Port Squadron, is one of these reservists.
After using the Tuition Assistance program to complete two courses toward an online degree program with St. Leo University, Sergeant Bouie said he feels he made a smart choice. 

"It makes no sense to not take advantage of educational programs," said Sergeant Bouie. "You literally get your education paid for." 

For more information about these benefits and other educational programs, visit the 512th Education and Training Office in Building 202, or call (302) 677-3516.