New opportunities for Airmen to continue education Published Dec. 19, 2016 By Senior Airman Ramon A. Adelan 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Beale's Education Office recently joined with Yuba College to create an opportunity for Airmen to attend a college course during the duty day. Educational benefits may be the most common reason why people join the military, outside of serving their country. It's encouraged for Airmen to seek further education or to work toward a Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) degree, but making the time to enroll and attend a class can be the most challenging step. "This program has opened a path for Airmen who work extended hours, swing shift and normal operations the ability to continue their education,” said Senior Master Sgt. Michael Condon, 9th Maintenance Squadron first sergeant. The program was cultivated from an Airman speaking out on how difficult it is to fulfill the Whole Airman Concept while still meeting mission requirements during an Airman/ Non-Commissioned Officer breakfast with the 9th Maintenance Squadron commander, Maj. Ray Norton. “The commander let me run with the idea to alleviate the issue,” said Tech. Sgt. Larry Williams 5th Reconnaissance Squadron Aircraft Fuel Systems Repair. “With guidance from the 9th MXS first sergeant and other first sergeants, I was able to overcome minor roadblocks to ensure this was something possible to make happen for our squadron, but also happen on the flightline.” Yuba College has provided one course at Beale so far, but it’s scheduled to begin another course in January 2017. To enroll in the courses offered here, one will have to be registered as a student at Yuba College and have their leadership's approval to attend during the duty day. “Education is very important both in the military and in the civilian sector,” Condon said. “With recent changes to the evaluation system, a CCAF is required for promotion to E-8 and E-9. In the civilian sector, companies value not only experience, but also degrees and credentials when looking for new hires.” For more information, please contact the Beale Education Office at (530)634-2828.