Ways To Become An Officer In The Us Air Force
The ranks in the U.S. Air Force are divided among enlisted grades such as airman and sergeant and officer ranks like lieutenant, captain, colonel and general. Officers represent the leaders and managers in the Air Force. If you want to be an Air Force pilot, you first must be a commissioned officer. Three different ways exist for how to earn a commission and pin on the gold bars as a new Air Force second lieutenant.
In Return The Country Gets A Leader
Attending the Academy is a commitment to serve your country, and an education at the U.S. Air Force Academy is provided at no cost to cadets. All that is required in return is your commitment to serve as an officer in the U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force.
The length of your commitment depends on your career path and other factors, but with your future secured, it will allow for focused ambition, purposeful self-discovery and impactful study during your college years.
Our investment in developing well-rounded leaders at the Academy pays untold dividends to our nation. You get a free, world-class education, free room and board, free medical and dental benefits and the opportunity for a rewarding career in your chosen field upon graduation.
How Do I Apply As A Rated Traditional Reservist
- Have your AFROTC Detachment confirm you are potentially pilot, CSO, or RPA qualified medically.
- Complete the Test of Basic Aviation Skills .
- Contact your local Air Force Reserve recruiter or call 800-257-1212.
- Work to submit an Undergraduate Flying Training application to Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command by the suspense of the Fall FY board.
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What Obstacles Do Active
Active duty servicemembers always face the chance of deployment. What if a student starts classes and then gets deployment orders, orders to go to training, or are temporarily assigned elsewhere? Spittler says NU has military-friendly policies in place to help their students navigate such issues.
Active-duty servicemembers also may have irregular schedules that make even online education difficult to sustain, such as 24-hour shifts, followed by an immediate call back to work.
Not all military work is from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., which are typical military hours, she says. Advisors are available when these students need options and solutions. Sometimes military students need to drop a class, but again, the four-week monthly start format of National classes provides many opportunities for students to jump back in when they are ready. Other students may need to drop classes for a period of time when their annual Tuition Assistance runs out or when they cant afford the books required for a class.
Spittler says that advisors will tell students in this situation, Thats OK, well check in with you in a couple of months. You can let me know where youre at.
The Community College Of The Air Force
CCAF is the only degree-granting institution of higher learning in the world dedicated exclusively to enlisted people. If you are a motivated, career-oriented airmen or NCO, CCAF can offer you a unique opportunity to earn a job-related, two-year Associate in Applied Science degree. CCAF is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools/Commission on Colleges.
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Prepare For The Asvab Test
Be prepared to study for the ASVAB test. Studying for the ASVAB is crucial to qualify for more military branch options and careers. Dont stress out too much though, if you take the test and wished you had scored higher, you are able to take the test again. Also, if you have a college degree, you may be able to enlist at a higher rank.
If you have children, you will need a guardian who is willing to provide care while you are away. You will attend basic training and your schooling, on a full-time basis, away from your family. Even if joining the reserves, you have to complete basic training and your tech school. Each military branch basic training length varies and tech school length depends on your career choice. Some schools are as quick as eight weeks, while others are one year long.
The Post 9/11 Gi Bill
The Post 9/11 Bill is available to all vets who served after September 10, 2001, with at least 90 days of continuous service. For most vets, this is the preferred way to pay for college, with more than 80 percent of those taking advantage of their GI Bill benefits doing so through the Post 9/11 Bill.
The Post 9/11 Bill pays all public school in-state tuition and fees, and the maximum benefit that a person can receive will cover the following:
- Tuition and fees
- Living stipend
- Allowance for books and supplies
The actual benefit amount received will vary based on how long the military vet has been in service. For example, if you rendered more than 90 days but less than six months of service, youll receive only half of the maximum benefit.
However, if youve served at least 36 months or 30 continuous days prior to discharge for a service-related disability, youll get the maximum tuition and fees, a monthly housing stipend, and an annual stipend for books and supplies.
Under the Post 9/11 GI Bill, you can also apply for the Yellow Ribbon Program to supplement the funding you need to attend a private institution, go to college out-of-state, or enroll in graduate school.
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The Air Force Academy
However, the Air Force has several programs enlisted members can use to become commissioned officers. Unmarried enlisted members can apply to attend the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. However, the selection process to any of the service academies is very rigid, and only the very best are accepted . There are slots for enlisted members to become members of the future class. They may have to attend a preparatory school prior to joining the Service Academy if they have been out of school for several years and need a refresher course on the typical course load of a college student.
What Are The Qualifications To Join The Reserves And National Guard
The following are the basic requirements for joining. You must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or nationalized to be a Reserve or National Guard officer.
- To enlist, you must be a U.S. citizen or a resident alien.
- Age requirements differ between branches of service, but in general, you must be between the ages of 17-35 with no prior service . The Guard experimented with raising the age to 42 but reverted to the lower age in 2011. Note: Seventeen-year-olds need parental consent. Or between the ages of 17 and 59 for those with prior service and are able to complete 20 years of creditable service for retirement by age 60.
- Take and pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test.
- Pass an Armed Forces physical examination.
- Must be available for initial active duty training.
- Must agree to participate in an initial tour of active duty training of at least 12 weeks.
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Decide Which Branch Of The Military Fits Your Interests And Abilities
Each military branch offers different roles within the armed forces. Depending on your talents and interests, you may be better suited to certain branches of the military. Talk with recruitment advisors online or in-person as you research each section of the United States military.
Choose from the following branches of the armed forces:
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Army
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Space Force
Programs For Indigenous Peoples
Aboriginal Leadership Opportunities Year
A one-year educational program offered to Indigenous peoples through the Royal Military College of Canada
Summer training programs
Summer Indigenous programs provide an opportunity to discover Military culture and training.
Canadian Forces Aboriginal Entry Program
A special three-week program for Indigenous peoples who are considering a career in the CAF.
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How Can Army Enlisted Personnel Apply For Ocs
You can join the Air Force right after leaving high school. You can also go to college instead, or find a job first and take six months to a year to figure out what you want to do in life. There are advantages to all of these options. What works for you depends on where you want to be. Speak with recruiters and college counselors and do your research to make the right choice.
Are There Any Restrictions As To What Students Select As Their Academic Major
None at all. In fact, we encourage you to take a curriculum you are interested in and in which you have the capability to do well. Our main academic concern is that you maintain a Grade Point Average above 2.0 and attain your degree in the time period planned. The GPA requirements are different if you are applying for a scholarship and once you are on scholarship.
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Additional Resources For Military Education Support
If youre considering attending school during or after your service, plenty of questions will come up along the way, even beyond how the military pays for college. Your main source of information for all things related to military education is the US Department of Veterans Affairs. These links to the military branches and other sources regarding the military may also be helpful:
It can be challenging to reintegrate into civilian life after service, and the military pays for college as a way to help with the adjustment. The decision to enlist comes with loads of responsibility and life changes, but if you are absolutely sure the military is for you, rest assured that your academic dreams are possible too!
If you want to get a college degree but remain unsure about joining the military, consider going for other affordable options in higher education: you can look into community colleges, public colleges, trade schools, or cheap universities around the country.
Apply For Your Chosen Branch
The application process for each branch varies, however, all branches adhere to a similar starting process. As a candidate, you’ll spend time at a military entrance processing station where you will meet with an advisor to discuss your decision, screen for physical and mental health and take the Armed Services Vocational Battery Test to help determine which branches and jobs you can pursue. You may also need to pass a qualifying exam and participate in further interviews for your chosen branch of the military after you complete the ASVAB.
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Should I Enlist In The Military To Pay For College
Enlisting in the military is a life-defining decision that only you can decide for yourself. Youll need to go through strenuous training as a recruit before you become a soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine. After that, you may find yourself enlisted in new locations that are far from home.
Although the military does pay for college, thats certainly not reason enough to join. You can also consider other affordable options for your education. From finding grants and scholarships to minimizing your college expenses, there are plenty of alternative ways to pay for college.
Dropping Out Of College To Join The Air Force
College for me started off great. But as time went on i ran into issues being away from home and not having that support system for the first time. So i got an overnight job that paid a lot of money which did well for me financially but my grades took a huge hit. Now im down to a 2.2 gpa in my second year in a junior college and im slowly feeling demotivated, because i know a university wont accept me with a gpa that low. so i was thinking about enlisting in the air force to get a ccaf degree and transferring to a uni. A second start?
Are you ready to go to war?
How about if you take time off and work for awhile and try CC again? You can try and try and try as often as you like. This is not a race.
My nephew is in the Air Force so that he can take advantage of the GI Bill. If you are having trouble being away from home now, thats not going to change in the AF, and in fact, youll likely get home even less often, since youll have no say in when or for how long you can go. If you have trouble staying motivated now, how do you figure youll do when being ordered to perform tasks youve no interest in doing , but must or be disciplined. Are you ready to end up with a job you dont want, on a shift you dont want, eating only when youre told, taking breaks, if at all, only when youre told, etc.? And lets not minimize the fact you could be sent to war.
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Does My Wife Get Bah While Im At Basic
If you are married and living with your spouse or minor dependents, you will either live in on-base housing or be given a monetary allowance called Basic Allowance for Housing to live off-base. The amount of BAH depends on your duty station zip code, your rank, and whether or not you have dependents.
Becoming An Officer In The Military After College
While its common knowledge that basic training sets recruits on the pathway toward becoming an enlisted service member, those with a desire for leadership opportunities and a bachelors degree can take another route into a military career as a commissioned officer.
The Reserve Officers Training Corps program for college students and Officer Candidate School or Officer Training School for graduates are great options for those who want to earn a four-year college degree before joining the military. Each service branch offers both ROTC and officer schools as entry points to an officer commission.
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Join The Us Air Force Academy
Dont just be the best in your class, become one of the best your country has to offer by joining the U.S. Air Force Academy. Admissions are extremely competitive and the process is intensivein addition to academic and physical screenings, a U.S. Congressman, Senator or the Vice President of the United States must nominate you for appointment. To place yourself a step ahead, you must excel in academic performance, extracurricular leadership and physical fitness. While the process is very comprehensive, The Admissions Office at the Air Force Academy is ready to help walk you through any questions you might have. For the most complete information, visit the official Air Force Academy admissions website.
What Jobs In The Air Force Reserve Have Bonuses
Active duty airmen who agree to serve six years in the reserve can get that maximum $20,000 bonus if they are 1A1X1 flight engineers, 1A4X1 airborne battle managers, 1T2X1 pararescue airmen, 2A2X2 special operations forces/personnel recovery airmen, 2A5X2 helicopter maintainers, 2A6X4 aircraft fuel systems, and 3E8X1
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How Long Do You Have To Be In The Military To Have Your College Paid For
The amount of time you need to serve before the military can pay for college depends on the program that youve signed up for. Under the Post 9/11 GI Bill, you will need to serve at least 90 days of continuous service before you can make use of the benefits.
With the MGIB-AD, youll need to render two years of active duty while in the MGIB-SR, youll have to finish six years in the Selected Reserve or Guard.
Why Get A Degree When You Are Active Duty
Going for your degree as an active duty service member is a good idea.
Not only will you be taking advantage of the VA benefits you receive from joining the military but you can be working towards a successful future at the same time.
For some, going to school is the road they have to take to become an officer. For others, going to school will help them after they ETS and start a new career.
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Can I Pursue Graduate Education After I Am Commissioned
The Air Force and Space Force is education-oriented and financially supports graduate studies. You can apply for the Air Force Institute of Technology to earn an advanced degree on full scholarship. Additionally, most bases have graduate college programs, and you may apply for the tuition assistance program that pays 100% of the tuition cost.
What If I Have Problems Getting Time Off From My Employer To Fulfill My Military Service Obligations
By law, as a member of the Reserve, you, upon request, must be granted a leave of absence to satisfy a requirement for military training. The Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act requires employers to provide Reservists with time away from their jobs to perform military duty. However, you must notify your employer that you intend to take military leave. You must be reemployed after completion of your military duty and return to your job within a reasonable time. You must be treated as though you had never left employment, including schedule pay raises, promotions or credit for longevity or vacation. Your employer only has to hold a job open for 60 months if you accept voluntary orders. For additional information, see the USAF home page.
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Pros Of Joining The Air Force
#1. It Is a Prestigious Branch of the Military
The Air Force gets a lot of admiration from its sister branches because of the many luxuries they have.
For one, they have the biggest budget per person in the military .
Also, by enlisting in the Air Force, you get halfway to a 2-year degree.
The Air Force has an accredited community college that offers basic training as PE credits and puts your Tech School training en route for an Associate Degree.
They are envied by other branches of the armed services.
#2. Living Accommodations Are Better
The Air Force has a reputation of having some of the best programs when it comes to quality of life.
They have the best dormitories for their officers, family housing, recreation, and on-base shopping and services.
This is possibly because they have a bigger budget and a head start in using some of it to fund, establish, and maintain the quality of life programs.
The Air Force offers all its Airmen and their families world-class insurance plans.
They receive low cost, full medical and dental care at military and civilian facilities.
Airmen also get full pay and allowances even during sick days, and they are also given low-cost life insurance.
When it comes to housing, members who have dependents can live on-base in the military family housing offered for free or off-base where they receive a significant monthly housing allowance.
#4. Career Opportunities after Service
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