JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Are you an Airman that would like to begin or continue your college education?
"The Joint Base Andrews Education Office provides general educational counseling to all servicemembers, spouses and retirees, but primarily their services are geared toward active duty Air Force servicemembers," said Donna Artley, 11th Force Support Squadron, Education and Training chief.
There is a three-step process for most active duty Airmen to begin taking classes and start their educational journey, explained Ms. Artley.
"The first step is to contact the Education Office and schedule an initial counseling. In this particular briefing, the member will learn about the GI bill, the Community College of the Air Force, and a number of colleges that fit the desired educational needs of the individual," said Ms. Artley.
According to AFI- 36-2306, every Airman is to receive an initial education counseling brief in addition to the First Time Airmen's Center course, said Ms. Artley.
Bi-weekly Post 9/11 and Montgomery GI bill briefings are held in the education office as well. This briefing allows active duty servicemembers to receive all the information about both the Post 9/11 and the MGIB in order to make an informed decision and choose which would best cater to their personal needs.
Next, the individual would contact the college of choice's counselor, map out a degree plan with them and register for classes, said Ms. Artley.
The Education Office offers classes here on base from Central Michigan University, Webster University, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Prince George's Community College, and the University of Maryland. Though these are the colleges available here, the Education Office provides services to any national or regionally accredited college or university, said Ms. Artley.
Finally, the individual has to log into the portal and apply for tuition assistance. After approval, they can begin class, said Ms. Artley.
The Air Force encourages its members to further their education and take advantage of all of the resources made available.
Every year, the unit with the most Community College of the Air Force graduates is awarded the CCAF excellence award and the unit receives a monetary donation to their booster club, said Ms. Artley.
The Joint Base Andrews Education Office is located at 1413 Arkansas Drive in the Education and Training Building. In the National Capital Region, there are also two alternate locations for educational services, one at the Pentagon and the other on Joint Base Anacostia Bolling.
The Education Office welcomes walk-ins, but appointments are suggested to expedite the visit. To schedule an appointment, call 301-981-6377.