First-time CCAF graduates participate in Air Force-wide test Published Oct. 19, 2010 By Air University and Keesler Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- First-time Community College of the Air Force graduates will be receiving their degrees Nov. 9, but some may have one more exam to finish. Eight CCAF grads from Keesler will be chosen to participate in the Education and Testing Service's Proficiency Profile that began Oct. 1 and ends Nov. 15. The test will see how CCAF graduates compare to their counterparts in civilian institutions. "The test assesses the four core skill areas-- critical thinking, reading, writing and mathematics-- to see how we are doing compared to civilian associate degree programs," said Harry Reichner, an education counselor in Keesler's education office. As a college under theAir University, CCAF programs are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. By participating in the testing, Air University fulfills a biennial SACS requirement of identifying college-level general education competencies and the extent to which graduates have attained them. "Keesler is one of 60 Air Force and Air National Guard bases chosen to conduct the testing," said Mr. Reichner. "Eight of the 124 graduates will be contacted via phone and then will receive a follow-up letter of notification." Lt. Col. Timothy Albrecht, CCAF commandant, said the ETS proficiency Profile is a critical part of the CCAF's biennial plan to demonstrate the quality of the Air University's academic progress to SACS. "We need the help of education and training Sections at bases across the Air Force to ensure the necessary number of CCAF graduates take the profile," Colonel Albrecht said. "With their support and that of our graduates and their supervisors, we can ensure CCAF programs will continue to support the educational goals of more than 325,000 total force Airmen into the future."