FY14 Changes to Military Tuition Assistance

  • Published
  • By Ingrid Callahan
  • 341st Force Support Squadron Force Development Flight chief
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Military Tuition Assistance is a valuable in-service benefit designed to support recruitment, retention and readiness while also contributing to active duty Airmen's educational goals. Based on current budgetary constraints, the Air Force modified the program to ensure continuation despite anticipated smaller budgets. While the monetary amount of TA will not change for each Airman ($4500/fiscal year, maximum $250/semester hour), many changes to the application and approval process are taking effect for all courses beginning on or after Oct. 1.

Two changes addressed are already standard practice. First, foreign language courses can be approved only if part of a degree plan or if on the approved language shortage list. Second, TA cannot be used for multiple degrees at the same level. In other words, Airmen can only receive one associate degree (on top of the Community College of the Air Force degree), one bachelor's degree and one master's degree.

A third change includes mandatory supervisor (rater) approval of TA requests. This change provides opportunity for mentoring and for professional growth, making sure goals are achievable without impacting the mission. Airmen will be responsible for keeping their supervisor's email address updated in the portal's Air Force Virtual Education Center, and the supervisor will have the ability to confirm or deny supervisory responsibility. Furthermore, approvals for CCAF degrees and certifications will remain with staff at the Education and Training Center but will still be routed through the supervisor. AFVEC has thorough training slides and step-by-steps for supervisors, but we are now offering a new course, College 101 for Supervisors, every Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Another major change is the automatic denial for Airmen with Unfavorable Information Files, failed Physical Training tests, referral Enlisted or Officer Performance Reports, or who are on a control roster. This information flows automatically from military systems, such as MilPDS, and will not allow applicable Airmen to apply. Supervisors may also deny TA based on prior knowledge of other information that could impede successful course/mission completion, such as pending deployment, Temporary Duty, Professional Military Education attendance or personal factors such as current financial debt. Important to note is that these denials are not waiverable, but once any of these situations improve (and are documented in the appropriate database), TA usage may resume.

Naturally, these changes forced many modifications to the TA application in AFVEC. Students are now responsible for loading their degree plans electronically, which then must be approved by the Education and Training Center staff. After the second class, they must have an approved, evaluated degree plan from their school in order to continue receiving TA. As with supervisors, Airmen seeking TA will find training slides and instructions in AFVEC. College 101 is held every Tuesday from 8 to 9 a.m. at the Education and Training Center and is mandatory for first-time users of TA; however, it is highly recommended that current users attend again to hear about the changes. Sign-up is not required.

The Air Force acknowledges that TA aids in the development of a highly educated force that can significantly contribute to occupational and institutional competencies. These changes will not deter from that. They were created to ensure education and training is not only fiscally responsible but also appropriate to Airmen's professional/personal goals. Contact the Education and Training Center at 731-3531 with any questions.