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JBSA News
NEWS | June 1, 2012

Education center staff helps Airmen get college degrees

By Airman 1st Class Lincoln Korver Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

Along with housing and subsistence allowance, one of the most advantageous benefits the military offers to all of its members is free education continuation.

Through avenues like tuition assistance, College Level Examination Program testing, the GI Bill, night school and online classes, as long as service members have the drive to get a college degree, the military has the resources to help them get it done.

Whenever people have questions about the programs offered through the military, they can get information at the Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Education Center.

The Education Center offers formal, enlisted and civilian training, as well as promotion testing and academic counseling, Laurie Murphy, Randolph Education Center Chief of education and training, said.

"I like taking care of people," she said. "I like taking care of the Air Force, its mission, the Airman and all of my employees. I like doing things that help people develop their skills so when they are in the Air Force, they will be successful, or if they choose to get out, they'll be successful doing something else."

A lot of times, it can be easy for people to get in the mindset of thinking that furthering their education isn't something that is important.

For those planning on staying in the Air Force, they must have a Community College of the Air Force degree before they can make the senior board, Murphy said. The Air Force has really worked on tying education to promotion.

Regardless of that, education is something that helps develop people in their career, she said; that is what makes people well-rounded.

A lot of schools have shifted to more military-friendly programs that take into consideration moving to different locations, deployments and temporary-duty assignments, Gay Close, Randolph Education Center education specialist, said.

"When you're active duty, you get tuition assistance, so why wouldn't you want to take advantage of that?" she said. "Any way you look at it, with education, you can't go wrong."

Whether or not the military demands that people go to college, when service members get their degree, it is a testament - especially to young Airman - that it's possible and important.

"As an NCO, you want to set the example for your Airmen," Murphy said. "So if you're not developing yourself in your academics and education, then what does that say to your Airmen who you are supposed to be mentoring?"

It's important for service members to be educated so they can have a successful future when they get out of the military, Close said.

"Education is a huge advantage," she said. "It's a positive thing any way you look at it."