Latest enlisted AFIT nominations due Published Oct. 29, 2003 WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- Air Force Institute of Technology officials are again offering noncommissioned officers the opportunity to pursue an advanced science, engineering or management degree at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.Eight NCOs from around the Air Force will be selected in early 2004 to attend the Enlisted-to-AFIT program. The program is designed to provide commanders with a diverse and renewable source of highly proficient and educated career NCOs, said Chief Master Sgt. Robert Hale, chief of Air Force enlisted professional military education at the Pentagon. Nominations are due to the Pentagon by Jan. 5.The opportunity to attend AFIT is a direct reflection on the increasing role enlisted airmen will be expected to play in future operations, said Lt. Gen. Richard E. "Tex" Brown III, deputy chief of staff for personnel at the Pentagon.“This advanced degree opportunity will further develop our NCOs' highly technical education and skills, leading to greater innovation and improved readiness," Brown said “In conjunction with other professional training and education programs, it will help give our commanders the tools they need to get the mission done.”People interested in applying for the 18-month program must be at least a technical sergeant with a minimum of eight years time in service, 12 months time on station and have three years retainability upon graduation. They must have completed the appropriate skill-level upgrade and resident professional military education schooling for their rank, officials said.Applicants must also possess a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, Hale said.Besides academic transcripts, applicants have to provide test scores from either the Graduate Record Examination or Graduate Management Admission Test, depending upon the specific AFIT degree-program requirements.Although not everyone can participate in this program, Hale said he strongly encourages enlisted airmen not to give up on pursuing advanced education."There are many opportunities available for enlisted (airmen) to continue their education, and they should take advantage of them all," he said. "By becoming experts in our career fields, our contributions become more significant, and it enhances the professionalism of the enlisted corps as well."AFIT is the Air Force's graduate school of engineering and management and its institution for technical professional continuing education. Since residence degrees were first granted in 1956, more than 15,000 graduate and 300 doctorate of philosophy degrees have been awarded.Prospective students can review program requirements and nomination procedures on the Air Force Virtual Education Center Web site at https://afvec.langley.af.mil/afvec/. They can also e-mail Hale at robert.hale@pentagon.af.mil for more information.