Senior enlisted education goes through noteworthy changes Published July 23, 2008 By Brandice Armstrong Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- Changes have been made to the Senior Enlisted Professional Military Education Distance Learning Course. Airmen enrolled in the course now have an open enrollment and no more than 72 months to complete it. Prior to the change, Airmen had up to 12 months to finish the class. Additionally, as of Dec. 31, students will no longer be able to take the class via CD-ROM, which is better known as Course 12. They will be limited to an online class, or Course 14. "Like anything, change is good," said 72nd Air Base Wing Command Chief Master. Sgt. Eric Harmon. "But, I would caution people in the sense of 'Oh, wow I have a lot more time to get this done' is yes you do, but there could be unintended consequences that could take that length of time. Individuals could hamper their progression if they wait too long." The course, which covers three areas of curriculum: profession of arms, leadership and management, and communication skills, is a prerequisite for promotion to senior and chief master sergeant ranks. Airmen, who have completed the course and received a Community College of the Air Force degree, are considered for senior rater's endorsement, which is critical for promotion consideration. Chief Harmon said, "Taking your time to complete the course may set a member back for promotion opportunities. "It behooves those who are serious about their promotion opportunities, to complete Course 12 and 14, and a CCAF degree before they are promotion eligible for senior or chief master sergeant," the chief said. "Also, keep in mind, these requisites are for consideration; members enhance their chances for those ranks by consistently performing exceptionally well, demonstrating they are ready to lead and manage, and [are of] good military citizenship. If they wait until they become a master sergeant to put themselves in position, they have waited too long. Begin preparing as an Airman." If an Airman starts the course and is deployed or sent on a TDY and is forced to postpone the course, the open enrollment change may be of help. "The biggest problems we have seen in the past in regards to Course 12 and 14 are those individuals who do not get it completed within the year's time frame and forget to do an extension, or whose extension somehow gets missed," said Glenn Gardner, 72nd Force Support Squadron Education and Training acting section chief. "Then, they're un-enrolled from the course and they incurred a year penalty to re-enroll. If they had un-enrolled themselves, they still incurred a six-month penalty."