ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Since its inception, the Air Force has provided Airmen with opportunities and training needed to perform their duties and take on more responsibilities.

One way the Air Force helps its members improve themselves is with an educational institute known as the Community College of the Air Force.

Established April 1, 1972, the CCAF is a federally-charted, degree-granting institution that offers enlisted Airmen the opportunity to earn an associates degree in an applied science or professional certification certificate in one of several fields of study.

"Airmen have a unique opportunity in that the training they do within their careerfield can be credited towards a CCAF degree," said Dawn Hemming-Rich, 28th Force Support Squadron education services officer. "That means basic and technical training, on-the-job or upgrade training and even Airman Leadership School will apply to their associate degree."

Hemming-Rich explained that oftentimes after Airmen complete their initial and upgrade training, they only need their general education requirements to complete their degree.

"Having a CCAF degree is beneficial in many different ways," said Cheryl Holt, 28th FSS education guidance counselor. "With a degree, doors open for one's future endeavors."

Holt added that when an Airman has a CCAF degree, it shows leadership and future employers that they care about their career and strive to learn more.

The CCAF partners with more than 90 affiliated AF schools and 82 education service offices located worldwide to serve more than 320,000 active-duty, Guard and Reserve enlisted personnel, making CCAF the world's largest community college.

The CCAF has awarded more than 400,000 associate in applied science degrees. Every year, Airmen complete more than 1.5 million semester hours through CCAF affiliated schools.

For more information about the CCAF, call the base Education Office at (605) 385-6388.