AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF EDUCATIONAL PARTICIPATION ISSUES CONFRONTING ACTIVE DUTY AIR FORCE PERSONNEL ASSIGNED TO MCCONNELL

Serving in the military today is a very specialized and intense experience, with the use of technology requiring dedicated training and education. The military provides much of this specialized training, but also recognizes the value of higher education for its personnel. Our military personnel are supporting our country daily and their increased time away from their home station diminishes time for their personal pursuits which, for many of them, is off-duty education. This exploratory study sought to understand the perceived barriers and goals influencing participation in postsecondary education by active duty Air Force personnel, in particular those that have served in austere, remote locations. This study used a modified version of Finks ’ survey design to develop a questionnaire. The survey was administered to airmen, non-commissioned officers, and officers who were stationed at McConnell Air Force Base. Data examining motivational factors and barriers to participation in postsecondary education were analyzed using descriptive and nonparametric statistical tests. Comparative analyses were conducted based on data from the demographic portion of the survey