Sheppard values education through CCAF inspection

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jelani Gibson
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Sheppard went through a Community College of the Air Force inspection during the Aug. 1, 2014 week.

The inspection, part of an internal compliance requirement visit, evaluates the CCAF program on base and ensures validation and improvements are made.

The compliance review is scheduled every three years to ensure criteria are met for CCAF accreditation.

The CCAF program is required to be in compliance with the conditions of accreditation derived from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The CCAF is a federally chartered degree-granting institution that serves the United States Air Force's enlisted total force.

Statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor showed that in 2013, those with college credits could increase their earning potential and lower chances of unemployment to 4 percent with a bachelor's degree, compared to 7.5 percent for those with only a high school diploma.

"It sets the tone for the rest of their careers...learning is important at all levels," said Bobbie Merrifield, 82nd Training Wing chief of faculty development training operations.

According to official Air University statistics, the CCAF program has over 106 affiliated Air Force schools, 82 Education Service Offices located worldwide, and more than 1,500 civilian academic institutions to serve more than 305,000 active, guard, and reserve enlisted personnel, making it the world's largest community college system.

The ability to obtain college credits remains one of the top recruiting factors," Merrifield said. "Our opportunity to support that in tech training is a unique one, one to be treasured. It's something that sets us apart."