Air Force suspends military tuition assistance

  • Published
  • By 944th Public Affairs
  • 944th Fighter Wing
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The Air Force announced this week that military tuition assistance will be suspended as of March 11.

Due to Fiscal Year 2013 sequestration guidance, the suspension of tuition assistance applies to active duty and Reserve Airmen and will be in effect until the end of the fiscal year.

According to the Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force in an email to Airmen, the program will continue to be evaluated for FY 2014 although there may be changes to the eligibility requirements.

"Believe me, this was a tough decision because our Air Force truly values education," said Chief Master Sgt. James Cody, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force. "We understand suspension of TA benefits makes things tougher, but there are other ways for Airmen to complete CCAF degrees. CLEP exams, the G.I. Bill, scholarships, and federal grants are some options."

The Army and Marine Corps canceled their TA programs March 8.

"The Air Force has reached a turning point after a decade of war and substantial growth in its operations and resources Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley said as he announced the suspension of benefits. He also added that the Air Force has had to make difficult choices to preserve readiness, to include: deep cuts to flying hour programs, cancellation of Air Force training and education programs and civilian furloughs. "This is an additional step the Air Force unfortunately had to take to operate within mandated budget limitations."

Airmen currently enrolled with an approved Tuition Assistance form will not be affected and will be allowed to complete current course enrollment.

Members of the 944th Fighter Wing currently enrolled, or considering enrollment in educational courses, are encouraged to contact the 944th FW Education and Training Office, 623-856-8055, for assistance finding alternate funding sources.

More information on the tuition assistance suspension and alternative funding sources can be found on the Air Force Virtual Education Center site through the AF Portal at https://www.my.af.mil/afvecprod/afvec/Home.aspx.