Community College of the Air Force

The Community College of the Air Force is the result of efforts by the Air Force to regain accreditation for its training programs. In the early 1970s, the Air Force held conferences on how best to increase training options for non-commissioned officers (or NCOs). The CCAF was the result of those conferences, and since the mid-1970s the school has offered two-year and four-year programs.

Located on the Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama, the Community College of the Air Force is located in a picturesque part of the country. Those with an interest in the performing arts will enjoy Montgomery's enthusiasm for theater, with the Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts, the Capri Theater, and the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Montgomery also has a strong focus on history, with historic attractions such as the Civil Rights memorial and the Dexter Avenue Parsonage Museum.

Montgomery also has an excellent Parks & Recreation department with waterfront events and a variety of public parks to enjoy. Students of the CCAF can enjoy time spent outdoors, or walking around downtown Montgomery enjoying the storefronts and local restaurants.

The CCAF began seeking accreditation from the SACS Commission on Colleges in 1975 but wasn't awarded with it until five years later, on December 12, 1980. In January of 1977, the CCAF was awarded its certified degree-granting authority. In April of the same year, the college awarded its first AAS degree.

Air University, which comprises the training branch of the Air Force, was granted its accreditation to award associate and master's degrees in 2004. Because of its ties with Air University, CCAF shares in that regional accreditation.

The CCAF is currently only open to members of the Air Force, but recent developments indicate that this might not always be the case. In 2010, Congressman Joe Sestak, a former US Navy three-star Admiral, made amendments to the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act that opened admission to all branches.

The Community College of the Air Force offers a combination of Air-Force related technical education and general education courses. The CCAF offers Associates of Applied Science degrees in five career areas: Aircraft and Missile Maintenance, Allied Health, Electronics and Telecommunications, Logistics and Resources, and Public and Support Services. In addition, the CCAF currently offers 67 more specific degree programs within these broad categories.

It's easy to think that a CCAF degree would not benefit a person outside the Air Force. However, recent research proves this to be false. Credits earned at the CCAF are frequently applied to bachelor's degrees at civilian schools. 82% of CCAF alumni in 2009 reported success in transferring credits.

With a great history, accreditation, and a beautiful location, the CCAF is a great choice for continued education.