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Air Force restarts tuition assistance

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. David Salanitri
  • Air Force Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash --  The Air Force has officially restarted military tuition assistance, effective immediately. Active-duty service members at Fairchild are now able to again utilize TA and resume classes during their off-time.

"This is very good news for our military members here," said Rosanne M. Pruitt, senior guidance counselor for the 92nd Force Support Squadron. "Many are actively using the tuition assistance program for their professional development in military service and to academically prepare for careers in the future. Students can submit TA requests on-line for processing and approval."

The service restarted the program as a result of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2013, where Congress called for the MTA program to continue in the current fiscal year.

As a result of the restart, the program will resume the same benefits as before.

"Military tuition assistance will be the same program Airmen are used to," said Mr. Russell Frasz, Director of Force Development. "The same policies and procedures will be in place."
With this change, current and future Airmen will be given another tool to develop professionally through advanced education, according to Mr. Frasz.

"Voluntary education and military tuition assistance programs continue to be integral to the recruiting, retention and readiness of Airmen and contribute to institutional competencies," said Kim Yates, Air Force Voluntary Education Chief. "In the long term, the Air Force will still be able to leverage the learning achieved by Airmen to ensure a dynamic, flexible force able to work in uncertain environments around the world. The will have the ability to think critically."

Looking to the future, Mr. Frasz notes that they are trying to maintain the balance of the military tuition assistance benefits while also ensuring the force is ready and equipped for operations.

"We are working with senior leaders to develop a way ahead for fiscal year 2014 that takes into account both the value of the MilTA program as well maintaining the financial health of the program within funding constraints."

Though times may seem uncertain, Mr. Frasz wants to reassure Airmen of senior leadership's commitment to Airmen and their education.

"Reinstating TA ensures a great asset will remain available to our Airmen here," said Col. Brian Newberry, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander. "TA is one of many important opportunities that help our service members better themselves and their career."

The Air Force continues to value education as a force multiplier and Airmen should take advantage of educational opportunities while they're available.

Like all organizations going through sequestration and budgetary struggles, Mr. Frasz is committed to fighting for the best Air Force possible.

"Fiscal constraints create a challenge that Air Force leadership continues to work through," he said. "We strive to meet the needs of Airmen and the Air Force."

(Senior Airman Taylor Curry contributed to this story)