Officer Process
The Officer Path

Turn your college degree into an officer career

Becoming an officer
Find your officer path

There are four ways to join the Air Force as an officer. While each way differs slightly, they all ultimately allow you to begin your career as a leader.

  1. 01

    Attend Officer Training School after earning college or postgraduate degree.

    Upon earning a college or postgraduate degree, you can take the steps to enter the Air Force as an officer.

    See Steps below for more information.

  2. 02

    Attend the U.S. Air Force Academy.

    Intensive and competitive, the prestigious United States Air Force Academy offers a world-class education with fully paid tuition, cost-free room and board, cost-free medical care and a monthly cash stipend in exchange for your commitment to serve.

    Find out more
  3. 03

    Join AFROTC in college.

    Available at colleges and universities all over the country, Air Force ROTC offers tuition assistance while you earn your degree and experience college life.

    Find out more
  4. 04

    Enlist and work toward becoming an officer.

    The Air Force has unprecedented growth opportunities, and any enlisted Airman can take the steps necessary to work toward officer status.

    Find out more
Pay & Benefits

We take care of the needs of every Airman

See pay & benefits

When you join the Air Force with a college degree, you can enter as an officer and a leader. We’ll provide you with training to develop the skills and character you need to become a world-class officer prepared to lead your fellow Airmen.

Officer
Basic requirements

To begin your career as an officer, you’ll either need to be a graduate of the Air Force Academy or AFROTC or go through additional training. Before you apply, take the time to make sure you meet all of the basic qualifications for the path that’s right for you.

Officer

For those joining with a college degree or enlisted Airmen who have worked toward becoming an officer, you must:

  • Be between 18 and 39 years of age.
  • Be a U.S. citizen.
  • Have at least a bachelor’s degree.
Specialty Careers

For healthcare, legal and ministry professionals only, you must:

  • Be between 18 and 48 years of age.*
  • Be a U.S. citizen.
  • Have a career-relevant degree or postgraduate degree.*
  • Be licensed and eligible to practice in your field.

*varies among fields

Process
Meet our standards

Air Force Officers are evaluated on their leadership potential, moral standards and academic strengths. Each candidate must go through a selective process to ensure they meet our requirements and have what it takes to become an officer.

  1. Requirement
    01

    Qualifying Test*

    Anyone striving to be an Air Force Officer must pass the Air Force Qualifying Test—a multiple choice test with topics ranging from verbal and math skills to questions covering specific fields of interest. This test can only be taken twice, so it’s essential to study and prepare wisely.

    *Does not apply to healthcare, legal and ministry professionals

  2. Requirement
    02

    Physical and Mental Screening

    Your recruiter will make an appointment for you at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) to have your physical and moral standards assessed to ensure they are in line with the specifications set by the Air Force, Department of Defense and federal law.

  3. Requirement
    03

    Passing the Selection Board

    Every officer application is reviewed by either the Officer Training School Selection Board or Air Force Recruiting Services, depending on your path and profession. Each committee evaluates on both objective and subjective factors to determine if a candidate is a proper fit. No one factor can cause selection or rejection.

    Selection boards are held biannually in February and August. Applications will be accepted through your local Line Officer recruiter. You must submit all application materials on or before the following dates to be considered.

    Board schedules 

    Winter Board Schedule:

    Active Duty* board application deadline: No later than midnight October 1, 2019
    Selection board review dates: November 4–15, 2019
    Estimated selection board decision date: December 13, 2019
    Estimated Total Force Officer Training start date: January–April 2021
    *The Active Duty application is open to current enlisted Airmen only.

    Civilian board application deadline: No later than midnight on January 23, 2020
    Selection board review dates: February 24–28, 2020
    Estimated selection board decision date: March 27, 2020
    Estimated Total Force Officer Training start date: January–April 2021

    Summer Board Schedule:

    Active Duty* board application deadline: No later than midnight April 7, 2020
    Selection board review dates: May 11–22, 2020
    Estimated selection board decision date: June 19, 2020
    Estimated Total Force Officer Training start date: May–August 20211
    *The Active Duty application is open to current enlisted Airmen only.

    Civilian board application deadline: No later than midnight on July 16, 2020
    Selection board review dates: August 17–21, 2020
    Estimated selection board decision date: September 18, 2020
    Estimated Total Force Officer Training start date: May–August 2021

    Critical Accessions Degrees (CAD)

    Applications for Critical Accessions Degrees (CAD) are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Please check with your local Line Officer recruiter to discuss which degrees are considered CAD.

    Please note that all dates are based on U.S. Air Force needs and are subject to change.

  4. Requirement
    04

    Preparing for Officer Training

    Once you’ve passed all the necessary requirements and are accepted into the Air Force, you’ll enter the Delayed Entry Program while you wait for your departure date to either Officer Training School or—for medical, legal and ministry professionals—Commissioned Officer Training.

App_Home_Screen.jpg Delayed Entry
Program App The USAF Delayed Entry Program App allows for self-improvement and preparation prior to entering the rigorous environment of Basic Military Training (BMT). Features
  • Daily Quizzes
  • Flash Cards
  • Packing Lists
  • Drills
  • Fitness/ Nutrition
  • Reporting Statements
Get A Head Start.
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Get the answers you need

Joining the Air Force is an important, life-changing decision, and you’ll likely have questions along the way. Connect with us for the information you need to make the choice that’s right for you.

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Want to learn more about how to become an officer?

There are several paths to becoming an officer. From joining ROTC in college to attending Officer Training School, the key is finding the path that’s right for you.

Take a minute to chat with an advisor and find out more.

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Want to learn more about pay & benefits?

In addition to a competitive salary and excellent healthcare, you’ll enjoy other benefits such as tuition assistance, 30 days of vacation with pay each year and more.

Take a minute to chat with an advisor and find out more.

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