AU now offers a new degree program to Air Force Civilians Published March 1, 2017 JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- The Air Force is expanding development opportunities for the civilian workforce by offering a little to no-cost associate degree. Graduates of the program will be awarded an Associate of Applied Science degree in Air Force Leadership and Management studies. Accredited by the Southern Assn of Colleges and Schools, the 60 credit hour program is designed to be accomplished in two years in an online and credit by exam format or transfer credit. "Development of our workforce is critical to mission success in this complex global community. This new accredited degree will open the pathway towards a bachelor's degree and opportunities to attend higher levels of developmental education, such as Squadron Officer School, Air War College, etc. We continue to value education as a force multiplier and this degree will assist civilians in their academic journey," said Director of Force Development Russell Frasz. Prospects should look for specific details about applying for this opportunity during March’s Civilian Development Education call. This program is specifically for Air Force civilians who desire to enhance their career, those eligible to apply for the program are: full-time permanent appropriated fund employees in any grade who do not currently possess an associate or bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, have an acceptable performance appraisal rating, two-year federal civil service by the application deadline, with a high school diploma, GED or equivalent, supervisor’s must sign a learning agreement and have local union I&I completed. Applicants must submit their package through the myPers website under Force Development between March 1 to May 1, 2017; with first term beginning in early 2018. The selection for the initial class will be a maximum of 90 enrollees. Notifications will be announced no later than November 2017 and will come through official channels. “We must develop our civilian workforce into future leadership roles to meet the needs of the Air Force. This is a great opportunity for Air Force civilians seeking to reach their full leadership potential through an easily accessible degree. The Air Force will fund the online classes provided by Air University and the first attempt credit by exam, in essence a little to no-cost associate degree, said Loretta Brown, Air Force Personnel Center civilian leadership development program administrator. “Nothing like this program has ever been offered to Air Force civilians before, I highly encourage those who qualify to apply! Graduates will not only receive skills to meet emerging work challenges with leadership solutions, but it is also serves to expand professional development opportunities for our civilian workforce,” added Brown For more information on the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Air Force Leadership and Management log on to the Civilian Force Development page, with your Common Access Card, on myPers here.