SUNY New Paltz helping New York Air National Guard members fulfill education requirements

New York Air National Guard Security Forces Airmen load a bus at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York, as they deploy to Washington, D.C., on Jan. 8, 2021, to support the District of Columbia National Guard during the Inauguration of President Biden. Photo by Eric Durr.

The Office of Veteran & Military Services at SUNY New Paltz is collaborating with the New York Air National Guard to bring academic courses to their members.

Beginning in fall 2021, NY Air National Guard members will be eligible to enroll in courses at New Paltz and apply this work toward their Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) associate degree programs.

“We at SUNY New Paltz are excited to be able to support the academic careers of airmen in the Hudson Valley and throughout New York State,” said Jason Gilliland, director of veteran & military services. “This program is designed not only to help them complete their Community College of the Air Force degree requirements and achieve an accredited associate’s degree, but also as a way for them to meet requirements to be promoted to Senior Master Sergeant and advance professionally within the Air National Guard.”

All Air Force enlisted members are automatically enrolled into the CCAF when they join, and while most credits are earned through their military training, some courses must be completed at a civilian college.

“This is a specialized educational program, featuring required courses, structure and convenience for our Airman’s success. It’s a complete package!” said Technical Sergeant James Hokkanen, Retention Office Manager at the 105th Airlift Wing, who assisted with the layout of Airman’s needs in developing this program.

Members who enroll at New Paltz will take courses in areas including mathematics, written & oral communication, social science and management. Courses will be offered in a fully online format every fall and spring semester beginning in fall 2021.

View the full list of New Paltz courses that satisfy CCAF requirements here.

The College has established a streamlined application process for New York Air National Guard members who are interested in this program. The online application form can be found here.

Applications are due by July 15 for fall enrollment, and Nov. 15 for spring enrollment.

The Office of Veteran & Military Services is available to assist applicants with the process and help ensure they receive educational benefits for which they are eligible. Contact the office at OVMS@newpaltz.edu or (845) 257-3074 for more info.

About the Office of Veteran & Military Services
SUNY New Paltz is a Military Friendly® Top 10 school, recognized year after year for its service to active members of the military, veterans and dependents.

The College’s Office of Veteran & Military Services (OVMS) has overseen these efforts, supporting a military-affiliated student population that has grown from less than 100 in 2014, to many hundreds of students today.

OVMS provides military-affiliated students with resources like early course registration, free parking permits, smooth credit transfer and assistance with GI Bill® and other benefits processes. They also work closely with civilian students, faculty and staff, providing trainings on unique challenges faced by veterans and service members in their pursuit of higher education.

Visit the Office of Veteran & Military Services online to learn more.