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Education

Education Level Updates

Officers: Officer Professional Military Education (PME) and education records are updated exclusively through the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT). To update Officer’s records, official transcripts need to be emailed to afit.coding@afit.edu. For detailed instructions and further information, please refer to AFI 36‐2670, paragraph 8.2.4 or visit http://www.afit.edu/coding.

Enlisted: Enlisted members need to send official transcripts to the Education & Training Office to update education level. The offical transcript must show the date the degree was conferred/completed and needs to be emailed to MisawaEducationOffice@us.af.mil.

Commissioning Programs

The Air Force offers a wide array of commissioning opportunities for enlisted members. There are several different paths to commission, including Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), Officer Training School (OTS), medical‐related schools, and more.

Information about commissioning programs, including eligibility and application requirements, can be found via MyFSS at https://myfss.us.af.mil/ and the AF Portal https://www.my.af.mil/.

Spouses’ Resources

Military spouses who are interested in learning about education benefits and other resources should contact Military One Source (https://www.militaryonesource.mil/education‐employment/seco/) and Spouse Education & Career Opportunities (SECO) (https://myseco.militaryonesource.mil/portal/scholarships).

The My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) (https://mycaa.militaryonesource.mil/mycaa/) Scholarship Program is a workforce development program that provides up to $4,000 of financial assistance to eligible military spouses who are pursuing a license, certification, or associate’s degree in a portable career field and occupation. Spouses of service members who are Active Duty on pay grades E‐1 through E‐5, W‐1 to W‐2, and O‐1 to O‐2 who have successfully completed high school and have a military sponsor that is on Title 10 military orders are eligible.

Military Tuition Assistance (MilTA)

Air Force provides Enlisted members and Officers up to $4,500 per fiscal year in Military Tuition Assistance (MilTA) (fiscal year is defined as 1 October–30 September). All Airmen must attend an initial or refresher MilTA Briefing before using MilTA (IAW AFI 36-2670).

Step 1. Verify you have an AFVEC account: Ensure you have an active AFVEC account at https://afvec.us.af.mil/. If you do not have an account, create one and update both your individual and your supervisor contact information (government email and DSN number). Incomplete or inaccurate information will prevent our staff from supporting you effectively.

Step 2. Register for MilTA Briefing: Register for MilTA Briefing by logging into AFVEC, selecting “Education Center Events,” choosing a Thursday date that fits your schedule and then selecting “RSVP” to register. You are able to “unregister” 24 hours before the briefing if the date no longer fits your schedule and choose a new date.

Step 3. Attend the briefing: The briefing location is BLDG. 653, second floor, RM. 204.

As you begin to explore careers and education programs, you may be interested in using the following interest inventory options. Any military member interested in a civilian associates, bachelors and masters are required to complete the Career Path Decide (CPD) inventory to use MilTA.

Career Path Decide (Required for MilTA)
http://careerpathdecide.org/

Kuder Journey
dantes.kuder.com/landing-page/

CareerOneStop
careeronestop.org/ExploreCareers/Assessments/interests.aspx

Managing Your Education Workshop

This two-day workshop is designed for anyone interested in earning an academic degree after separating from the military. Attending this workshop will assist you in identifying the education requirements for a specific career and provide information to guide you as you pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree.

Topics include:
• How to obtain credit for military training/experience
• Factors to consider when choosing a college/university
• The college admission process
• Financial aid
• GI Bill benefits

The Managing Your Education Workshop is offered quarterly through the Military & Family Readiness Center (M&FRC), under the Transition Assistance Program (TAP).

To request sign-up, please contact the M&FRC: 
Email: 35fss.fsc@us.af.mil
DSN: 226.4735 | CELL: 0176.77.4735

GI Bill Information

GI Bill Hotline 
888-442-4551
Monday–Friday | 8 a.m.–7 p.m. ET

Your Local VA Benefits Advisor
DSN: 315-243-3960 | Com: 0468-16-3960
Monday–Friday | 8 a.m.–5 p.m. JST
https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/manage/education

Career Path Decide

Are you a service member or veteran trying to make important decisions about your long-term career goals and options? Are you trying to understand what it takes to be successful and competitive in your future career field?

Visit https://www.careerpathdecide.org to explore careers and get connected to the information and resources you need!

Base Training Management

The Base Training Manager offers AFTC on a quarterly basis. Please contact your Unit Training Manager to sign up.

35fss.basetraining@us.af.mil

Skillbridge

The DOD SkillBridge program is an opportunity for service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during the last 180 days of service. Members can apply for this program up to one year before separation/retirement, but the allowed participation will be up to the commander’s final approval which will not exceed 180 days. DOD SkillBridge is a program aimed to transitioning service members with industry partners in real-world job experiences.

To obtain more information about career skills training opportunities, contact your local base Education & Training Office or visit https://skillbridge.osd.mil/.

Formal & Civilian Training

The Formal Training Manager can assist with in-residence Professional Military Education (PME) and other formal training courses. The Civilian Training Office provides assistance for GS and MLC Local National training.

35MSS.FormalTraining@us.af.mil

Testing

The National Testing Center (NTC) offers the following exams:

  • CLEP & DSST college‐level credit tests
    • If you have questions about which tests apply to CCAF degree credits, please contact or stop by the Education & Training Office.
  • Pearson Vue
  • Proctored college exams

CLEP and DSST require the individual to register on their respective websites prior to scheduling the test with the Misawa NTC. 

Step 1: Register on the CLEP or DSST website, depending on which test you intend to take:

Step 2: Schedule your testing appointment in the reservation system:

https://outlook.office365.com/book/MisawaABCLEPandDSSTTesting@umgc.edu/https://ntc.asia.umgc.edu/AsiaNTC/Web/

Or contact the NTC for more information:

National Testing Center
BLDG. 653, Room 207
DSN: 226‐8290
Email: Misawa‐NTC‐asia@umgc.edu
Website: https://asia.umgc.edu/locations/misawa

Study Resources:

Airmen must contact their unit WAPS monitor for questions related to WAPS testing. Responsibilities for examinees can be found in DAFMAN 36‐2664‐4.2.15.

Airmen Promotion Testing Guidelines:

Members eligible for promotion testing should refer to Catalog formally known as Enlisted Promotions References and Requirements Catalog (EPRRC) to verify study references, requirements and promotion cycle information.

Additionally, study materials for the Promotion Fitness Exam (PFE) and Special Knowledge Test (SKT) can be accessed via http://www.studyguides.af.mil.

Please refer all questions to your assigned Unit WAPS monitor.

Airmen Responsibilities Before Testing:

1. Update your vMPF duty email address prior to signing up for the test date. Pearson VUE pulls member information from vMPF. If your duty email address is not updated, you will not receive an email from Pearson VUE to create a WAPS test account.
2. Create a Pearson VUE WAPS account if you are eligible to test.
3. Be prepared to know your Pearson VUE WAPS username and password on test day, as well as the account recovery steps.
4. Understand your test requirements as outlined in the WAPS Catalog.
5. Verify your Control Air Force Specialty Code (CAFSC) on AF1566 (CAFSC Verification).
6. Review your personnel record data (EPRR).

On the Day of Testing, Airmen Must:

  • Arrive on time! Airmen who arrive after the starting time recorded on the AF Form 1566 will not be allowed in the testing room.
  • Bring a valid military ID card to the testing session.
  • Wear an authorized uniform when testing (AFOSI agents may wear civilian clothes). For Misawa AB, all members, except OSI, are required to wear their OCP uniform!
  • Bring the signed AF Form 1566 on testing day, as specified at Misawa AB.
  • If testing on base, remember your username and password for the Pearson VUE system. Failure to access your account means you will be treated as a “NO SHOW” because you are unable to confirm access to your test.
  • Know your promotion eligibility status and maintain your specialty and military qualifications to retain eligibility.
  • Utilize self-initiated individual study programs and efforts.
  • Obtain and study all current references specified for the promotion cycle.
  • Review the annual WAPS Catalog to ensure you have the correct study references.
  • Be prepared to test on the first day of the testing window.
  • Ensure you have at least 60 days to access study materials prior to testing.
  • Familiarize yourself with your promotion testing requirements before the test date.
  • Bring only the necessary personal items into the testing room (CAC Card and AF Form 1566). In addition to items prohibited in the testing room, avoid bringing purses, backpacks, gym bags, briefcases, or similar containers.
  • Follow all test compromise guidelines outlined in DAFMAN 36‐2664, Chapter 4.

Test Administration:

Test administration begins when the Test Control Officer (TCO) or Test Examiner (TE) closes the door to the testing room at the appointed start time.

Note:

When an Airman signs the promotion testing Report on Individual Person (RIP), they waive the right to 60 days of access to study materials. An Airman also waives this right if they have not initiated action to obtain study materials at least 60 days before the start of the testing cycle.

The Education & Training Section offers a variety of exams based on specific needs. If you need to take a test that is not on the list below, please email us at 35mss.educationtesting@us.af.mil to see if it is available.

Some of the tests offered include:

  • eAFOQT – Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (Computer Based Test)
  • eAFCT – Air Force Classification Test (Computer Based Test)
  • eASVAB* – Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (Computer Based Test)
  • AFRAT – Air Force Reading Abilities Test (Paper Based)
  • EDPT – Electronic Data Processing Test (Paper Based)
  • eDLAB – Defense Language Aptitude Battery (Computer Based Test)
  • eDLPT – Defense Language Proficiency Test (Computer Based Test)
  • OPI – Oral Proficiency Test (Phone Interview)

To schedule a test:

  1. Login to your AFVEC account at https://afvec.us.af.mil/afvec
  2. From the menu on the left, select “Scheduled Tests”
  3. Click the “Schedule Test” button
  4. Make sure your base is “Misawa”
  5. Choose your test
  6. Select the available month and day
  7. For DLPT, choose listening 0800 AND reading 1300 on the same day! Two need to be taken within 30 days as due to WAPS and other testing, it is only offered once a month.

After submitting your request, please wait for ITCM approval. If you have questions, please email 35mss.educationtesting@us.af.mil.

Please note: AFVEC does not allow you to schedule the following exams:

  • OPI
  • AFRAT
  • EDPT

Please schedule these test by submitting your request to 35mss.educationtesting@us.af.mil.

*The eASVAB must be initiated through a recruiter. If you are interested in joining the Air Force, please contact our current recruiter, MSgt. Nuvy. You may reach him via email at zackery.nuvy@us.af.mil.

Resources

Accessing Your Military Education Record

Log on to the Air Force Portal. Education / Training / Force Development is listed under the featured links.
The AFVEC is the eighth selection down.
Once logged on into the AFVEC, please verify under the “Personal Data” tab that all of the information reflects your current duty station.
If you do not have that option, then your information may not be current. A quick stop by our office will update your records! This gives you access to apply for Tuition Assistance, check CCAF Progress Reports, as well as access to study guides and officer commissioning information.

Community College of the Air Force (CCAF)

CCAF is the largest community college in the world, offering 69 degrees in five areas:

  • Aircraft/Missile Maintenance
  • Electronics/Telecommunications
  • Allied Health
  • Logistics/Resources
  • Public/Support Services

Visit CCAF’s website here.

CCAF Approved Academic Policy Changes

AU-ABC Program

AU-ABC is the Air University Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative Program. AU-ABC is an initiative between the Air Force and civilian higher education institutions to offer baccalaureate degree opportunities to every Air Force enlisted member. The program directs Airmen with an Associate in Applied Science degree to a collection of accredited military friendly colleges and universities to consider when completing a four year degree. (CAC access required)
Visit AU-ABC’s website here.

On-Site College Options

Opportunities to begin and complete secondary certificates, as well as associate, baccalaureate, and master degrees are available at various colleges and universities. Adult institutions represented on base are:

MYCAA Scholarship Program

The My Career Advancement Account (known as MyCAA) Scholarship Program is a workforce development program that provides up to $4,000 of financial assistance to eligible military spouses who are pursing a license, certification, or associate’s degree in a portable career field and occupation.
Who is eligible for the My Career Advancement Account Scholarship? Spouses of service members who are Active Duty on pay grades E-1 through E-5, W-1 to W-2, and O-1 to O-2 who have successfully completed high school and have a military sponsor that is on Title 10 military orders are eligible. Spouses married to members of the National Guard and Reserves in these same pay grades are also eligible.

Contact a certified career counselor at: 1.800.342.9647

Airman Leadership School (ALS)

Professional Military Education

Misawa Airman Leadership School (ALS) is a mandatory prerequisite for all Air Force personnel with a line number for SSgt. The ALS staff offers seven courses per fiscal year and these classes are open to all Department of Defense (DoD) personnel in the rank of E-4, E-5, or civilian equivalent. Classes provided throughout the course prepare the above mentioned individuals to be professional, warfighting leaders who can supervise and lead DoD work teams to support the employment of Air, Space and Cyberspace power.

Japanese Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) Leadership Seminars are provided to JGSDF junior enlisted personnel aimed at providing insight into leadership values and techniques, as well as team building concepts utilized in today’s United States Military. The ALS staff holds up to six JGSDF Bilateral Seminars throughout the year, welcoming host nation personnel from all over Japan. US Service members and JGSDF personnel are afforded to share career experiences, personal stories and career advice during the bilateral lunch to close out the seminar.

Progressive Discipline Process (PDP): The PDP course focuses on the proper implementation of discipline. The course focuses on the supervisor’s role throughout the process, the difference between corrective discipline and preventive discipline, as well as a road map as to how the PDP works. The course consists of a 30–40 minute presentation/discussion followed by a Q & A session, and can be tailored to any setting needed.

Leadership: The Leadership course focuses on all aspects of leadership. The instructor will cover multiple facets of leadership including followership traits, leadership traits and leadership behaviors. In addition to covering these topics a discussion will be held about leadership in general, and what those in attendance have seen throughout their careers. Discussions will focus on what has worked and what has not, in the end providing those in attendance with a variety of approaches to effectively lead people. The course consists of a 30–40 minutes of instruction followed by a 30–40 minute session focused on an open and honest discussion regarding leadership, and can be tailored to any setting needed.

Commandant: Msgt Chankrisna Chim
Instructors:
Tsgt Dieuchau Nguyen
Tsgt Kyle Greyshock
Tsgt Hannah Lynch

Misawa Airman Leadership School Vision

Provide junior enlisted members assigned to Misawa Air Base the tools needed to not only be successful military leaders, but to provide them with the tools needed to be better human beings.

USAF Airman Leadership School Mission

Prepare Senior Airmen to be professional, war fighting Airmen who can supervise and lead Air Force work teams to support the employment of Air, Space and Cyberspace power.

USAF Airman Leadership School Vision

Provide mission-ready, junior enlisted leaders with expeditionary and combat leadership mindsets to the commanders of Air Force, Army, Navy, and Allied Forces.

Professional Development Center

BLDG. 653, Floor 2, RM. 209
DSN 226-Stay (7829)

To register for the First Term Enlisted Course, access the PDC SharePoint using the link below. To access our monthly Wild Weasels University course offerings, go to the Wild Weasels University website. Click on the course for a brief synopsis, and select a date. Classes are free and fill up quickly!

Development Advisor
MSgt Kabria Nicholson

FTAC NCOIC
TSgt Erica Villagran

Location: BLDG. 653, Floor 2, RM. 209
DSN: 315.226.7829
E-Mail: kabria.nicholson@us.af.mil
PDC SharePoint: https://usaf.dps.mil/Sites/Misawa/Pdc/Pages/default.aspx
Wild Weasels’ University Courses: https://webmail.apps.mil/book/PDCCourseRegistration1@bookings.af.mil/

The Following Are for Military-Only Registrations:

First Term Enlisted Course (FTEC)

is a mandatory five-day course for first duty station Airmen to help them make the transition from a training mindset to a mission-oriented environment. It provides base orientation and in-processing, as well as reinforcing lessons learned in basic military and technical training. For FTEC information or to register, call 226-7829.

Joint Enlisted Foundations Course 300 (JEFC300)

is a course that bridges the gap between tech school and Airman Leadership School. This course provides students with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to conform to standards, customs and courtesies, and offers guidance to help enhance the students’ focus on becoming highly efficient in their career field and efficient 5-skill level agents. The JEFC300 empowers Airman to reflect on their behaviors in relation to the Airmen Leadership Qualities. It facilitates the journey to developing supervisory and leadership skills, developing the competency of leading individuals and teams, and understanding the guardrails and guidelines of supervision.

NCO Foundations Course 500 (NCOF500)

is a course that provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to lead by setting the example. It also enhances the students’ capacity to continually advance factors that shape organizational culture and offers guidance that empowers students to reflect on their behaviors in relation to the Airmen Leadership Qualities. The NCOF500 assists students in grasping the connection between attention to detail, establishing impactful communications and fostering a culture of trust. It promotes the realization that asking the appropriate questions involves understanding how to utilize the answers effectively.

SNCO Foundations Course 700 (SNCOFC700)

is a course that provides students with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to develop, advise and lead teams successfully, and facilitates technical expertise for transitioning from first-line supervisors and trainers to leaders of teams. The SNCOFC700 assists students in engaging in strategic leadership at the 9-skill level, offering a rich arsenal of influence tactics for changing people’s viewpoints and behaviors. It assist students in learning how to build and maintain social relationships to maximize their informal power and influence in an organization. The course goes beyond managing into a proactive stance that will take the organization forward.