Rise Above
Increasing Diversity in Aviation
Detachment 1 (also known as Det 1) is a group within the Air Force dedicated to increasing diversity in aviation by making more people aware of all the possibilities and opportunities available to them. Their mission is to inspire, influence and inform the future generation of aviators.
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The first challenge in earning your wings is believing it’s possible. We’re here to tell you it is and want to help you reach your goals.
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Meet some of our aviators and learn how they earned their wings by watching the videos in the gallery below.
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We’ll teach you about all the different ways you can become an aviator in the Air Force and what it takes to succeed.
“With the right instruction and the right support, anyone can be become an aviator.”
Meet Our Aviators
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aim high flight academy
Learn to fly in this three-week, fully covered scholarship program. In addition to classroom learning, students have the opportunity to gain flight hours while flying in aircraft alongside Air Force Pilots and instructors.
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u.s. air force academy
Many graduates of the Air Force Academy become pilots and astronauts. The Academy has some of the best aerospace and astronautical engineering programs in the country. Every student’s tuition is covered in return for a commitment to serve in the Air Force or Space Force upon graduation.
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air force
ROTCAir Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) is offered at thousands of universities. This program provides scholarships to help pay for tuition and opportunities to explore aviation. Upon graduating, members secure a career as an officer in the Air Force or Space Force.
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OFFICER TRAINING SCHOOL
If you have a bachelor’s degree, you can apply for Officer Training School (OTS) to join the Air Force as an officer. In this school, you’ll learn Air Force traditions as well as how to lead and succeed as a team. Once you graduate as an officer, you can explore aviation careers.
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AIR BATTLE MANAGER
In the same way coaches make decisions to determine victories, Air Battle Managers integrate different pieces of information to coordinate effective and efficient battle plans from the sky.
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Pilot
These Airmen fly a variety of aircraft from fighters to cargo planes to carry out missions. Different skills and strengths are needed depending on the type of aircraft they operate.
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Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Pilot
These Airmen operate their aircraft from a grounded location thousands of miles away. It requires a lot of technical expertise, focus and visualization to carry out their missions.
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Combat Systems Officer
These Airmen operate weapons systems while also providing leadership on navigation and environmental information to support pilots and the mission at hand.
Find your sky
FAQs
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There are four officer careers that can fly: Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) pilot, pilot, air battle manager and combat systems officer. Each of these Airmen operate and control different systems on aircraft to complete their missions. In addition to officers, there are many enlisted aviator careers to explore as well.
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Different schools provide AFROTC students with the ability to participate in flight orientation programs. You can also apply to participate in the Aim High Flight Academy where you’re taught to fly with real aircraft and Air Force Pilots. In general, AFROTC provides a strong pathway to flying in the Air Force. During your junior year of college, you can apply to be considered for an aviation career upon graduation.
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As a partner and auxiliary of the Air Force, Civil Air Patrol provides assistance during times of disaster and works to keep our communities safe. Its members selflessly serve others while promoting aviation and related fields through aerospace and STEM education. There are opportunities for youth and adults to join. To learn more about Civil Air Patrol, click here.
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The Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program (CAP) is a program within Civil Air Patrol for youth between the ages of 12 and 18. Members grow their leadership skills through activities like flying, hiking, camping and team building. Many of the nation’s astronauts, pilots, engineers and scientists first explored their careers through CAP. To learn more about CAP, click here.
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JROTC is offered to high school students who wish to explore Air Force traditions and grow as leaders and citizens. Many of the academics center around STEM subjects including aerospace science. Participating in JROTC provides college scholarships and opportunities to explore future careers in aviation through the Aim High Flight Academy. To learn more about JROTC, click here.
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Detachment 1, also known as Det 1, is a specialized group within the Air Force dedicated to increasing diversity in aviation. Their mission is to inspire, influence and inform the future generation of aviators by making more people aware of the possibilities and opportunities available to them in the Air Force.