Operation CCAF Blitz targets technical sergeants

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFNS) -- With the implementation of a new initiative, 23rd Force Support Squadron education center officials here are making an effort to increase the number of Airmen eligible for senior-rater endorsement on enlisted performance reports.

Operation CCAF Blitz will be carried out in three phases and encourages all technical sergeants to earn their Community College of the Air Force associate's degree so they can have the endorsement.

"The Air Combat Command enlisted force development working group created Engage CCAF as a priority, but we took the initiative a step further," said Russell Mitchell, a 23rd FSS education center service specialist. "Through Operation CCAF Blitz, we hope to get the word out so all technical sergeants are aware by February 2011 of the requirement for the degree."

Phase one was completed through briefings that highlighted the requirements for earning a CCAF degree and how to accomplish it.

"There are about 450 technical sergeants we are looking at to help them finish their degrees," Mr. Mitchell said. "The CCAF requires 64 semester hours and many of the individuals only need five classes to accomplish the requirements."

A few of the individuals on the list may have a bachelor's or associate's degree, but not from the CCAF.

One technical sergeant from the 23rd Medical Support Squadron is only two classes away from achieving his degree.

"I plan on taking (College Level Examination Program) tests for the two remaining subjects, and then I'll have completed all the requirements," said Tech. Sgt. Joseph Ross, the 23rd Medical Support Squadron unit deployment manager. "It's good for noncommissioned officers to get their education so they can be an example to younger Airmen."

Phase two entails education center officials individually contacting each person on the list to set up an appointment to discuss their degree progress, part of which includes emphasizing resources, such as the CLEP for degree completion, officials said.

After the first two phases are complete, phase three will be implemented, education center officials will become even more involved.

"Successfully carrying out the final phase will require assistance from senior leadership," Mr. Mitchell said. "We understand it can be difficult for some people to leave their work centers to attend briefings, so phase three allows us to come into squadrons to conduct briefings and personalized interviews."

Currently, about 35 percent of technical sergeants within ACC have their CCAF degree, compared to 42 percent Air Force wide. ACC's goal is for 50 percent of them to have their degree before senior NCO promotion eligibility.