Welcome to the Community College of the Air Force Public Affairs page. Here you will find a variety pages that contain general information about CCAF and some of its programs and affiliations.

The CCAF concept evolved in the early 1970s as a means of gaining accreditation and recognition for Air Force training. Led by Lt Gen George B. Simler, Commander of Air Training Command (ATC), Air Force visionaries recognized the need to enhance the skills of noncommissioned officers (NCOs) as technicians, leaders, and citizens. Representatives of Air Training Command, Air University (AU), and the Air Force Academy held a series of conferences in 1971 to discuss the need for increased development of noncommissioned officers as managers of Air Force resources. The conferees recommended the founding of an Air Force community college, and on 9 November 1971, Gen John D. Ryan, Air Force Chief of Staff, approved the establishment of the Community College of the Air Force. The Secretary of the Air Force approved the activation plan 25 January 1972, and the college was established 1 April 1972 at Randolph AFB, Texas.

The seven major Air Force training schools--the five Air Force Schools of Applied Aerospace Sciences, the USAF School of Health Care Sciences, and the USAF Security Service School--provided the technical portion of CCAF's credential when the college was activated. The program model combined the technical education offered by Air Force schools, a core of general education from regionally accredited civilian institutions of higher education, and management education from Air Force or civilian sources.

The college mailed its first official transcript 9 November 1972 and issued its first credential, the Career Education Certificate, 23 August 1973. As the college gained prestige, increasing numbers of enlisted people registered, and more Air Force technical, special, and professional schools joined the CCAF system. As a result as many as 143 such schools have been affiliated with the college after meeting rigorous standards for participation. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Occupational Education Institutions accredited the college on 12 December 1973.

By the mid-1970s many civilian consultants were reporting that CCAF standards exceeded the minimum requirements of associate degree programs in civilian community colleges, and in 1975 the Air Force sought degree-granting authority for the college from Congress. President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-361 on 14 July 1976 authorizing the ATC commander to confer the associate degree.

A site review committee, composed of nationally recognized educators appointed by the US Office of Education, evaluated the college in October 1976. After favorable recommendations by the committee and successful public hearings in Washington DC, the Commissioner of Education certified degree-granting authority in January 1977. The college awarded its first associate in applied science degree in April 1977.

Since charter clarification in 1975 limited the Commission on Occupational Education Institutions to non degree-granting institutions, the college immediately began the transition to the SACS Commission on Colleges. The Commission on Colleges accredited the college on 12 December 1980 and reaffirmed its accreditation in 1986 and again in 1997. The Air University became accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097: Telephone number 404-679-4501) to award associate and master’s degrees in 2004. CCAF shares in Air University’s regional accreditation. CCAF was separately accredited by SACS from 1980-2004.

Over the years the college has grown both in numbers and recognition. With more than registered students, the college is the largest multi-campus community college in the world. Its affiliated schools are located in 37 states, and 9 foreign locations. More than CCAF faculty members provide quality instruction for the personal and professional development of enlisted personnel. More than a million transcripts have been issued in the last 10 years, and each year CCAF students earn more than 1.6 million hours of college credit.

Since issuing its first degree in 1977, the college has awarded more than 335,000 associate in applied science degrees.

Mission Statement

Offer and award job-related associate in applied science degrees and other academic credentials that enhance mission readiness, contribute to recruiting, assist in retention and support the career transitions of Air Force enlisted members.

Philosophy

The United States Air Force requires well-trained, educated and professional noncommissioned officers prepared to meet current and future leadership, managerial and technological challenges of an increasingly sophisticated, complex and expeditionary Air Force.  We believe personal and professional growth through collegiate programs is essential and beneficial to the Air Force mission, enlisted force development and the nation.

Vision

CCAF:   The Airman’s College.  We Educate Airmen for Life.

Core Values

General Information

Fact Sheet

Point Paper

Air Force Reserve

Air National Guard