The Secretary of the Air Force has signed off on language offered by Congressman Mike Turner (OH-3) in the FY11 National Defense Authorization Act that will expand the Air Force Institute of Technology’s (AFIT) authority to enroll government and non-government civilian personnel in its programs. This is a major advance for the institution and many civilian employers and employees who work in conjunction with the Air Force.
“I am committed to finding new investment opportunities at Wright-Patt and AFIT is an obvious place to begin. This is the kind of public/private sector partnership that makes sense in our changing economy and will build on assets already in place,” said Turner.
For several years, the regional business community has advocated for an opening of AFIT educational programs to non-government civilian personnel. Allowing AFIT to expand its offerings beyond military personnel would produce benefits within a larger student body and within the institution itself.
“We must continue to find effective economic development strategies like this which will provide opportunities for our local workforce. I look forward to continuing to work with regional leaders and those in government to find ways we can continue to partner together,” added Turner.
AFIT is a graduate school of engineering and management institution for technical professional continuing education. A component of Air University and Air Education and Training Command, AFIT is committed to providing defense-focused graduate and professional continuing education and research to sustain the technological supremacy of America’s air and space forces.
NOTE: A memo from the Secretary of the Air Force’s office is here.
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