New TA requirements for fiscal 2014

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Tuition assistance is receiving several administrative changes and new eligibility requirements for fiscal 2014.

Airmen now must have the approval of their direct supervisor to apply for TA. Supervisors may deny the request if their Airman will be undergo a temporary duty assignment or a permanent change of station during the academic term.

"It's to make sure that Airmen do not have anything hindering them academically or professionally," said Jamie Hembrough, 22nd Force Support Squadron education counselor. "As a supervisor, you should know what's going on with your troop in order to make a sound judgment."

Supervisors will also be notified if an Airman receives an unsatisfactory completion in a course, resulting in a TA debt.

TA cannot be used for degree levels an Airman currently holds. Exceptions may be made for Airmen with multiple specialty codes.

Foreign language courses can only be approved if they are part of a degree or if they are on the approved DOD shortage list.

"Air Force leaders worked very hard to develop a TA program that provides the best opportunities for Airmen and meets Air Force needs," said Kimberly Yates, the Air Force Voluntary Education chief. "Higher education continues to be a cornerstone of Airmen's development at all levels."

Airmen with unfavorable information files, failed physical training tests, referral enlisted/officer performance reports or on a control roster will will automatically be denied for TA.

"The changes are holding people to higher standards," said Hembrough. "I think this is one more notch in the belt to encourage people to do things correctly."

Financial benefits will remain the same for Airmen who meet the new criteria. Beneficiaries may receive up to $4,500 per fiscal year and a maximum of $250 per semester hour including tuition and allowable fees.

The education office is currently hosting a TA brief every Wednesday at 11 a.m.

"For people who haven't had the briefing, I encourage them to attend," said Hembrough. "All you have to do is show up at the education center front office and we'll take everyone to a classroom and go over the TA process."

For more information about TA, contact the base education center at (316) 759-4240.

Editor's note: Information from an Air Force press release was used in this article.