OFFICER OPPORTUNITIES

The US Air Force values education. Indeed, most of our officers participate in continuing education or ongoing training. In some cases, officers are sent to school full-time as an active duty assignment to the Air Force’s own Graduate School for Engineering and Management located at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Through this program, part of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), officers can advance their careers with a Master’s degree or Ph.D. in one of more than 20 areas of specialization. For specializations not available at AFIT, officers may be sent to pursue a degree at civilian institutions of higher learning including world-renowned universities and state colleges.

AFIT provides graduate education opportunities at its resident graduate school and supervises Air Force officers enrolled elsewhere through its Civilian Institutions Program. The Graduate School of Engineering and Management is among the nation’s top engineering schools and provides advanced education, research, and consultation focused on defense technology. AFIT’s Civilian Institution Program places students in more than 400 civilian universities, research centers, hospitals, and industrial organizations throughout the United States and in several other countries.

The AFIT Center for Cyberspace Research (CCR) conducts defense-focused research at the graduate level. The Center is forward-looking and responsive to the changing educational and research needs of the Air Force, the Department of Defense and the federal government. CCR is helping to train and equip the warriors of the future for the cyber domain.

To learn more about joining the AFIT, contact an adviser today or visit the AFIT website.

Download the AFIT and CCR press release.

The Air & Space Basic Course (ASBC) instills in every graduate the heart, body and mind of an air and space warrior. With a strong emphasis on the history and Core Values of the United States Air Force, you will gain a thorough understanding of air, space and information operations as the primary means for effectively employing air and space power as a part of the joint war-fighting team.

Step out of your specialty and focus on becoming a more effective leader with Squadron Officer School (SOS). Gain a deeper understanding of the Air Force’s Core Values and a stronger appreciation for the Air Force as an institution in the profession of arms. Then develop your leadership skills through class and field exercises as you experience firsthand how your skills as a leader directly influence the success of an entire group of Airmen.

Receive continuing technical education throughout your career with the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT). AFIT offers professional continuing education in technical fields. AFIT’s School of Systems and Logistics offers more than 40 courses in the fields of acquisition, logistics and software engineering. Similarly, The Civil Engineer and Services School component of AFIT provides continuing education in the areas of engineering, environmental and management subjects through more than 50 courses.

Helping You Get Your Education

The Air Force Tuition Assistance (TA) program is designed to help active-duty personnel pursue voluntary off-duty educational opportunities. The program pays 100% (up to $250 per semester hour or equivalent) of the cost of college courses with a limit of $4500 per fiscal year. Courses and degree programs may be academic or technical and can be taken from two- or four-year institutions on base, off base or by correspondence.

The Post-9/11 Bill is an educational assistance program that provides up to 36 months of benefits to eligible persons for education and training opportunities pursued after August 1, 2009. These benefits may be used for undergraduate and graduate degree programs, vocational and technical training, tutorial assistance, books, supplies and monthly housing. Generally, benefits are payable for 15 years following release from active duty, and may be transferred to spouses or dependent children.

The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) is an assistance program created to attract high-quality men and women to the Armed Forces. The MGIB program provides up to 36 months of benefits to eligible persons for education and training opportunities. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following your release from active duty.

TDSP
If you’re working on an engineering or meteorological degree, the Air Force Technical Degree Sponsorship Program (TDSP) can help you earn money while you finish your college education. Engineering and meteorological students within 24 months of graduation can enter the TDSP program. Each candidate must successfully meet and complete an evaluation by an Officer Training School (OTS) board. Once selected, each candidate receives an active-duty E-3 (Airman 1st Class) enlisted pay stipend while attending school. You’ll have peace of mind receiving a regular paycheck, so you can concentrate on your studies. Upon graduation you’ll be commissioned as an officer and get started in an Air Force job that utilizes your technical skills.

Becoming a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force means you will be trusted with the lives of the men and women under your command. It is an awesome responsibility and one that requires rigorous training and exceptional mettle.

The Air Force offers several opportunities for achieving your commission.

Air Force Academy

An Education Like No Other

In order to attend the Air Force Academy, you must be nominated for appointment by a U.S. Congressman, Senator or the Vice President of the United States. The Academy will give you instructions to help you with the nomination process when the time comes.

But your first step is to start early. The best time is when you're still attending JUNIOR high school. That's when you should begin planning and preparing for your high school academic course choices, as well as starting your physical fitness training. Both activities can put you a step ahead of other applicants.

To further improve your admission chances, take the following high school courses and aim for above-average grades:

• English — Four years, including a college-prep course on composition.
• Mathematics — Four years, including algebra, geometry, trig and calculus.
• Basic Sciences — Four years, including chemistry, physics, computers and additional courses in the sciences.
• Social Science — Two years including history, economics and government.
• Foreign Language — Two years of a foreign language.

There are more guidelines regarding admissions and physical fitness requirements, all detailed in the Air Force Academy application package available from your high school guidance counselor. The admissions process is lengthy, so start at least a year or more before the date you'd like to enter the Academy.

To learn more about joining the Air Force, or entering the Academy, contact an Adviser today or visit the Air Force Academy Admissions website.

Air Force ROTC

Earn Money for College

The Air Force ROTC program is available at nearly 1000 colleges and universities across the country and offers scholarships to high school and college students with outstanding academic and leadership qualities.

Air Force ROTC offers one- to four-year scholarships on a competitive basis to both high school and college students. Scholarship recipients will receive partial or full tuition, as well as a nontaxable monthly stipend. Many colleges also offer an additional subsidy for tuition, fees and books to ROTC cadets.

Through the ROTC experience, you'll be able to complete your bachelor's degree and receive outstanding leadership training that will prepare you to succeed in the 21st century.

To learn more about how the Air Force can help with your college education, contact an Adviser or visit the Official Air Force ROTC website.

Download: ROTC Engineering Internship Information.

Officer Training School

Leading the Way

Your journey toward a great career begins in Officer Training School. It's a rigorous program designed to challenge you both mentally and physically. You'll develop the skills you need to lead the men and women of the United States Air Force. When you're done, you'll have the confidence you need to do whatever is necessary to fulfill the mission of the United States Air Force.

Officer Training

This rigorous, twelve-week program is designed to challenge you both mentally and physically. During Officer Training you'll develop the skills and confidence you need to lead the men and women of the United States Air Force. You'll learn exactly what you're made of and how committed you are to becoming the best.

Healthcare, legal and religion professionals will instead attend the Commissioned Officer Training program. Learn more about Commissioned Officer Training.

Typical schedule:

5:15-6:00 a.m.: Three days per week, you'll begin the day with physical conditioning.
6:30-7:15 a.m.: breakfast
7:15-11:00 a.m.: Get acquainted with military life with classes covering military law, dress and grooming, etc.
12:00 noon-1:30 p.m.: lunch
Afternoon: Learn about the Air Force in classes such as air and space functions, pay, allowance and leave and motivation.
5:30-6:30 p.m.: dinner
Evenings: Prepare for the coming day by studying, cleaning your uniform or organizing your dorm room.