\u201cOne of the biggest changes you\u2019ll see, one that we\u2019re also working to codify in our other [Air Force Instructions<\/a>], comes in [paragraph] 3.1.3.1,\u201d Wright said. \u201cAn Associate\u2019s Degree from the [Community College of the Air Force<\/a>] is no longer a promotion requirement.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead, the requirement now says that \u201cMSgts must complete an Associate\u2019s Degree or higher from a regionally accredited academic institution, if not already earned, to become eligible for promotion to SMSgt,\u201d according to the revised Air Force Handbook 36-2618<\/a>, entitled “The Enlisted Force Structure.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Under the previous 2009 Air Force Instruction, or AFI, of the same name, master sergeants were required to complete the Community College of the Air Force\u2019s degree program for their unique Air Force Specialty Code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis is considerably different than the previous version \u2014 first, it\u2019s now a handbook, not an AFI. Also, it now includes our officer and civilian force structures,\u201d Wright said. \u201cIt\u2019s a quick read, but one we think is important.\u201d The change in degree requirements helps enlistees coming into the service with credits or completed degrees from the civilian world. It also helps those who want to pursue degree programs outside the Air Force during their time in the service.<\/p>\n\n\n\t![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/4388817-1.jpg.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n\n\n