Air University now offers Airmen 4-year degree after completing CCAF

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Eydie Sakura
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  The new Air University Associate-to-Baccalaureate Cooperative, or AU-ABC, Program is yet another means for enlisted Airmen to receive a bachelor's degree through the Community College of the Air Force and Air University. 

The CCAF offers an associate in applied science degree in an Airman's Air Force Specialty Code and the new AU-ABC Program is an initiative between the Air University and civilian higher education institutions to offer a baccalaureate degree for each Airman who is willing to put in the time and energy to earn it. 

"The AU-ABC Program Web site [directs] Airmen with completed associate degrees to a collection of accredited 'Air Force friendly' colleges and universities," said Melissa Laferriere, 341st Mission Support Squadron education advisor. "I really want people to understand that the CCAF degree is a real college degree. It is accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools which means it's regionally accredited." 

To apply for a special duty assignment, Airmen are finding they often have to be within one year of graduation with their CCAF to even be eligible for an assignment. 

"I completed my two CCAF degrees [so I could] qualify to apply to be a Professional Military Education instructor at the Peterson Air Force Base NCO Academy in Colorado Springs," said Tech. Sgt. Kirk McManious, 341st MSS promotions NCOIC. "I am also at a point in my career where I need to look toward my future. I earned two associate degrees because I was forced to cross-train into my current career field after I was injured in my previous AFSC." 

Sergeant McManious will graduate Oct. 24 at the CCAF graduation ceremony along with 68 Malmstrom Airmen. He hopes to use his associate degrees as stepping stones toward furthering his higher education pursuits and use them to begin the process of completing his bachelor's degree. And that is where the AU-ABC Program steps up and guides Airmen toward earning specific degrees. 

To learn more about the AU-ABC Program or earning a CCAF degree, visit www.maxwell.af.mil/au/ccaf/ or call the education center at 731-4222.