AETC chief: CCAF degrees top priority for enlisted Airmen Published Dec. 4, 2008 By Scott Knuteson Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- "Education is essential to the force," Chief Master Sgt. Robert Tappana, command chief of Air Education and Training Command, said following his three-day visit here Nov. 20. The chief, who moved into his current post in August, came to familiarize himself with the base and the specific functions of Air University and the 42nd Air Base Wing. Air University conducts a majority of the education for all Air Force military personnel and is directly supported by the 42nd Air Base Wing. "We operate on the intelligence of our people," he added. "Better education means better options for our forces." Specifically, the chief addressed the urgent need for the enlisted corps to complete a Community College of the Air Force associate's degree. Subsequently, Airmen can take advantage of the Air University Associate-to-Baccalaureate program, known as AU-ABC, which allows an accelerated approach to earning a bachelor's degree, the chief said. By applying the credits from their CCAF degree, enlisted personnel can significantly reduce the time it takes to earn a bachelor's degree. "Get in and get started," Chief Tappana said, in reference to enlisted education. "Our world is more and more complex. More education means we will have better-informed leaders." The chief took in several mission briefs and orientations during his visit. He also addressed a gathering of senior NCOs and took the pulse of the base during a meeting with first sergeants from across the base. "I had an opportunity to meet with all ranks in large and small forums," he said. "The visit was phenomenal."