Despite personnel cuts, Education Center assists Airmen

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Roy Lynch
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  In order to meet congressionally mandated savings, the 2011 Resource Management Decision went into effect to improve the efficiency of Department of Defense enterprises.
One of the areas the Air Force reduced was the civilian force. This occurred by reorganizing, or eliminating programs no longer sustainable within the Voluntary Education Program.

"We lost four positions within the Education Center to include the base training manager, a counselor and two customer service representatives," said Rick Cain, 366th Force Support Squadron force development flight chief. "Despite these challenges, we have an email address and organizational box, ed.center@mountainhome.af.mil, students can send any educational questions or comments to it will go directly to one of our counselors."

Cain went on to explain the average response time is approximately four hours to address any questions or comments.

"With any manning challenge, some of the services we offer will naturally be slower," said Cain. "However, we have adapted and still set one-on-one counseling appointments to help our students."

Students can log onto the Air Force Portal and look at their education records at the Air Force Virtual Education Center site.

"I am in the process of earning my Community College of the Air Force degree," said Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton, 366th Fighter Wing photojournalist. "The education center is always helpful and professional when assisting me. Thanks to their support I will receive my degree soon."

Students can also visit the education center and meet with advisors from multiple colleges including Park University, Boise State University and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, in an effort to further their educational needs.

"The education center remains the cornerstone for quality education programs and guidance to our Gunfighters," said Cain. "Advising and counseling Gunfighters will remain a core function, and our staff wants to help every student succeed in becoming a better person by seeking educational opportunities."

The hours of operation for the MHAFB Education Center are Monday thru Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30p.m., and Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Education Center is closed on weekends, holidays and Air Combat Command down days.

For Career Development Course and Professional Military Education testing email, EdCenterTestProctor@mountainhome.af.mil and for Weighted Airman Promotion System Testing email, mark.wing@mountainhome.af.mil.