how to become an officer in the Air Force

[gmacclark]

I'm currently in the Army but I am looking to getting out in 2010. I'm an E-6 in the army also. But my question is what steps do I need to take in order to become an officer in the air force? Or would it be easier to try and switch over to the air force while already enlisted and then try to go officer later. I have about a year and a half remaining before I have my bachelor's degree. Any information that you may have to help put me into the right direction would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[JHawkG33K]

You should talk to a recruiter...but to be honest they won't even look at you as an officer candidate until you have completed your degree.

[gmacclark]

So do you think it would beneficial to enlist in the air force reserve just while I finish my degree. Then I could try commission then...

[BRUWIN]

So do you think it would beneficial to enlist in the air force reserve just while I finish my degree. Then I could try commission then...

I wouldn't...I've always been told that it is easier to become an officer if you aren't already filling an enlisted position. Reason being is that if they approve you as an enlisted they are then stuck trying to fill and train for your now vacant enlisted position as well as train you to be an officer, where as if they just pull someone off the street for OTS they only have one training bill to pay for.. I had a buddy apply for OTS two years running and was turned down both times. Then he got out and on the very next attempt was appproved. He said it was much easier to be accepted once he simply got out. He is now a retired Major.

[AIRFORCEAGGIE]

So do you think it would beneficial to enlist in the air force reserve just while I finish my degree. Then I could try commission then...

I wouldn't. I'm former army myself prior to my obtaining a commission as an AF officer. The best route is to apply for a two year rotc scholarship. They will waive the first two years if you have already had basic training in the military. Also, don't worry about having less academic time left than the two years in rotc. Rotc will allow you to attend graduate school for the semester or two you have left in rotc. That was my case. I graduated in December and for my last semester in rotc, I was a senior cadet, but a first year graduate student.

[gmacclark]

So the best thing to do is apply for the two year rotc scholarship when I get out of the army? or could I do it if I'm still in the army? Who do I need to talk to in order to apply for this? I will be completed with 2 years of college coming this January and I will only have two years left.

[gmacclark]

My whole thing is I heard it is hard to get into the air force due to me being prior enlisted from the army. I don't want to end up getting out and getting stuck because I can't get into the air force. so How did you do it because I think your the best person to talk to because you were in the army before. You are also in the same position as an officer as I want to be. Thanks for your time

[THELADYKT]

My whole thing is I heard it is hard to get into the air force due to me being prior enlisted from the army. I don't want to end up getting out and getting stuck because I can't get into the air force. so How did you do it because I think your the best person to talk to because you were in the army before. You are also in the same position as an officer as I want to be. Thanks for your time

So long as your time in the Army was honorable (honorable discharge) AND your degree is in something the AF needs, then it shouldn't be a problem.

[AIRFORCEAGGIE]

So the best thing to do is apply for the two year rotc scholarship when I get out of the army? or could I do it if I'm still in the army? Who do I need to talk to in order to apply for this? I will be completed with 2 years of college coming this January and I will only have two years left.

You can apply for a scholarship
while in the army. If accepted, you will get a conditional disharge from enlisted status to being enlisted in the AF reserve as a cadet. Should you flunk out, you will go back to your enlisted grade to finish out your enlistment. Also, if you don't get a scholarship, but get an officer allocation, you can be a non-scholarship cadet and will get the same discharge from active status. You'll still get a stipend, but just no scholarship money. However, you will still get a commission after two years.

[AIRFORCEAGGIE]

My whole thing is I heard it is hard to get into the air force due to me being prior enlisted from the army. I don't want to end up getting out and getting stuck because I can't get into the air force. so How did you do it because I think your the best person to talk to because you were in the army before. You are also in the same position as an officer as I want to be. Thanks for your time

Quite simply, I did the following steps in sequence:

- applied to an university
- once accepted, I called the rotc detachment and stated my interest in becoming an AF officer
- went to the base education office and took the AFOQT test to be an AF officer
- recieved the application forms for rotc from the detachment. filled out the forms, submitted my scores from my sats and afoqt
- was accepted into the two year program with a waiver for the first two years
- attended afrotc field training for six weeks the summer prior to my junior year
-finished rotc and was commissioned as a missileer

[FEOS]

I'm currently in the Army but I am looking to getting out in 2010. I'm an E-6 in the army also. But my question is what steps do I need to take in order to become an officer in the air force? Or would it be easier to try and switch over to the air force while already enlisted and then try to go officer later. I have about a year and a half remaining before I have my bachelor's degree. Any information that you may have to help put me into the right direction would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Have you considered ROTC?

[FLAPS]

You should talk to a recruiter...but to be honest they won't even look at you as an officer candidate until you have completed your degree.

Not true. I did the following:

- left active duty after my second enlistment
- attended a community college for one year
- walked into an ROTC detachment at a four-year university close to the end of my first year of school (at a community college) and they told me I was too old to attend ROTC on scholarship, but could attend as a non-scholarship cadet. They asked me to check back with them following my transfer to ANY four year university that had a cross-town agreement with that detachment's host university. In other words, I did NOT have to attend the same university the detachment was assigned to.
- I transferred to a four year university starting my second year of school and also entered ROTC (non-scholarship)
- Following my sophomore year I attended a four-week Field Training session at Lackland AFB, then upon completion I signed a contract with ROTC. This contract not only committed me to finishing ROTC (and my degree), but also enabled me to start collecting a monthly ROTC stipend.
- After two more years of AFROTC I re-entered active duty


Note: if you are attending ROTC as a non-scholarship cadet AND still a freshman or sophomore you can also be a member of the Reserve or ANG....as I was.

I recommend you contact an admissions officer at ANY AFROTC detachment for the most current rules/restrictions.

[lebronrafy]

how could i be a officer what are the 3 ways to be and officer?

[ART]

how could i be a officer what are the 3 ways to be and officer?


Start by finishing school.

[Worm]

Like everyone is saying above, find out where your nearest ROTC detachment is at a university and talk to them. I've known a lot of people that have gone to Recruiting Centers and have just gotten the runaround. The recruiters don't know the steps for becoming an officer as well as recruiting someone to be enlisted. What people are saying is the best route.

I did ROTC and came out without having any student loans for my undergrad. With university life, the stipend covered a lot of my fun for the month. It even helped pay a couple of the bills, but didn't fully support me. Suggest you look into GI Bill if you don't have a degree yet. I'm going part-time for an MBA right now and they pay me $660 a month. Then become and officer and enroll for graduate school...tuition assistance will cover a few classes a year (but that's not really important to becoming an officer ... although you'll need a graduate degree to get past major).

[MrMiracle]

Your base education office (or army equivalent, not sure what exactly it will be called) should be able to inform you of all your options.

Regardless of your route, you're going to have to take the AFOQT. I'd suggest getting a copy of a study guide from your base library. They'll likely have several. There are some wierd tests in that series, so best be prepared than surprised.

If you choose the OTS route, you can submit your paperwork while you're still finishing up your last year of college. You'll attend a 12 week course at Maxwell. OTS is the hardest to get into, but the easiest commissioning source to finish.

And there were a few prior enlisted army in my graduating class, so don't think for a moment that they'll hold that against you.

[ROLEX]

I wouldn't...I've always been told that it is easier to become an officer if you aren't already filling an enlisted position. Reason being is that if they approve you as an enlisted they are then stuck trying to fill and train for your now vacant enlisted position as well as train you to be an officer, where as if they just pull someone off the street for OTS they only have one training bill to pay for.. I had a buddy apply for OTS two years running and was turned down both times. Then he got out and on the very next attempt was appproved. He said it was much easier to be accepted once he simply got out. He is now a retired Major.

True that!

A very young (fast burner) MSgt in the Command Post (27490 back then) about the YOUNGEST as well, (completing a Master's degree when I worked for him), applied while assigned at HQ TACOPS in the late 1980s. He even had the TAC/CC endorsement!!!

He had all the squares filled but our AFSC managers would NOT release him. Some folks at AFMPC in all their infinite wisdom and infallibility of decisions, decided that he contributed MORE to the USAF mission as a Master Sergeant (E-7) than he would as an officer.

Well duh! For the first three promotions till he made Captain and then could really do some work. But he could also have gone MUCH further as well. He separated in the early 1990s after trying till he was too old for the program.

[Lefty]

So the best thing to do is apply for the two year rotc scholarship when I get out of the army? or could I do it if I'm still in the army? Who do I need to talk to in order to apply for this? I will be completed with 2 years of college coming this January and I will only have two years left.

The best thing for you to do is not necessarily ROTC, but it could be a good option. If I were you, and the Army was paying for your degree already, then I would go to OTS. If you are paying out of your own pocket, I would try and to the ROTC route. Getting into ROTC is even harder now because they want you to have really good grades, as well as for OTS. I would wonder though, if the Army was paying for your bachelor's degree, if you owe them time afterward. The first route I would take is going to a recruiter, and seeing what options you have from there. Good luck.

[Cozmo]

Hey, gang.

It's been interesting reading the responses to this post. I'm in a similar boat. I was Army for 9 years and got out in 2004. Due to the economy over here being complete shite, and due to encouragement by some retired officers I've become acquainted with, I'm looking at joining the AF as an officer. I finished my degree (marketing) about two years ago, so school is no obstacle. I'd like to get into public affairs, since I think that'd be the best fit for my education background.

I know I can talk to a recruiter, and hopefully I can get them to give me the straight dope instead of feeding me a bunch of BS to get me to join, but I'd like to hear from anyone who currently is an officer. How often do PA units/personnel deploy, and where do you usually go? Do you have a decent pick of duty stations? How often do you transfer to new stations? I'm sure it's different for every field, but feel free to tell me about your experience.

What's the officer school like? I know it's 12 weeks, and I'm assuming that, after going through Army basic training, it's probably not that much tougher.

Thanks for your time, everyone!

[AIRFORCEAGGIE]

Hey, gang.

It's been interesting reading the responses to this post. I'm in a similar boat. I was Army for 9 years and got out in 2004. Due to the economy over here being complete shite, and due to encouragement by some retired officers I've become acquainted with, I'm looking at joining the AF as an officer. I finished my degree (marketing) about two years ago, so school is no obstacle. I'd like to get into public affairs, since I think that'd be the best fit for my education background.

I know I can talk to a recruiter, and hopefully I can get them to give me the straight dope instead of feeding me a bunch of BS to get me to join, but I'd like to hear from anyone who currently is an officer. How often do PA units/personnel deploy, and where do you usually go? Do you have a decent pick of duty stations? How often do you transfer to new stations? I'm sure it's different for every field, but feel free to tell me about your experience.

What's the officer school like? I know it's 12 weeks, and I'm assuming that, after going through Army basic training, it's probably not that much tougher.

Thanks for your time, everyone!


Just a word of caution, don't think that because you are prior enlisted that OTS will then be a cake walk for you. All being prior enlisted teaches you is how to be prior enlisted. It doesn't make you a better or poorer officer. It is the character within you that counts. At OTS, the emphasis is on leadership and not on learning how to follow as it is in basic training. As I stated before, I was an e-4 in the Army prior to being commissioned as an AF officer. Finally, your degree may not necessarily have anything to what you will do in the AF. The needs of the service comes first. In my case, I spoke four languages, lived abroad for half my life and had a degree in Political Science. So what did I end up doing? Missileer for the first 6 years and then communications/computers for the last two. Just be aware that the needs of the service comes first and more than likely, you will be placed in an operational career field for the first four years before you can cross train over to the PA field.

[Cozmo]

Thank you for that...that's exactly the kind of info I was hoping to get.

So it sounds like, since the focus is on leadership and all that goes along with that, it's very likely going to be a greater mental strain than physical...would you agree with that? How would you say your Army experience helped you in the AF, if at all? How quickly did you get promoted? I'm sure it's different for each career field...

I'm guessing by your profile that you've since left the service, correct?

[MACHINE666]

Dude if you can become an officer more power to you - but do one thing that 99% of the population hasn't done - don't sell out. I know alot of officers that are slimeballs who will do anything to get promoted, but the handful who haven't truly shine like diamonds or gold. Sure there is alot of politics in the game, but if you can treat that Airman Basic like he or she is just as important as that 4-Star General then you are being an outstanding leader and an officer to be admired. Put your people first despite the challenges you may face and you will win hearts and minds of those around you alike with ease. I can't stress that enough.

Best of luck with the commissioning.

[Cozmo]

I can do that, Machine. :) Believe me, in the 9 years I spent in the Army, I've served under six commanding officers. Two were outstanding for the very reasons you mentioned...they put others first and made everyone in the unit feel like a valued team member, from the platoon sergeants down to the supply guys and cooks. One was a great guy, and a great administrator, but not a very good leader. The other three were self-important blowhards who ended up losing the respect of everyone because they were, in the words of so many military types, "chicken-shit." I've been around enough officers to know how it feels to be treated well and to be treated poorly.

Example, when I was in field artillery my NG unit was invited to NTC in California to participate as OPFOR. One day we were getting "killed" in a US artillery attack, and one of the platoon sergeants found our commander asleep in his humvee at our previous position. I pray that, were I to get a commission, that's not the type of officer I would be.

Actually, part of what inspired me to even look at being an officer was listening to the Medal of Honor podcast series. An interview with Paul Bucha, who was a company commander in Vietnam, was really inspirational for me, and in it Paul laid out his 5 points of leadership. I'll probably post them in a separate thread, just because they're that good. But yes, I would definitely want to be able to retire after 11 years and be able to say I had no regrets regarding my leadership.

But again, that's assuming that I follow this path. ;)

[AIRFORCEAGGIE]

Thank you for that...that's exactly the kind of info I was hoping to get.

So it sounds like, since the focus is on leadership and all that goes along with that, it's very likely going to be a greater mental strain than physical...would you agree with that? How would you say your Army experience helped you in the AF, if at all? How quickly did you get promoted? I'm sure it's different for each career field...

I'm guessing by your profile that you've since left the service, correct?

Yes, most of the strain in officer training is more mental than physical. In basic, you learn to work as a team and so long as you worked in the team, you were okay. In OTS or ROTC summer training, the emphasis is on responsibility and attention to detail. You have to learn how to delegate and trust those who work for you. One of the pitfalls of priors is that they have a tendency to do the work themselves. You have to learn to delegate and supervise. Also, remember that you are not the buddy of those you lead. Be friendly, but don't be a friend. They want a leader and someone who can make the decisions. Once a decision is made, you have to trust your men to do the job. that is a hard thing to learn, especially if you are a high performer as an enlisted man. In terms of my Army experience helping my AF career, it helped me when I was in a joint environment because I knew about the culture and the operations of the Army, which some of my AF officer peers did not. However, it also hindered me at times because the AF operates in a different manner than the Army. The manner in which the army talks and treats its people can be viewed as harsh within the AF. The other thing you have to realize is that the AF is a more technical service. As such, you are dealing with some very bright individuals among the enlisted. As such, you need to give them more trust and independence than you would in the Army. Finally, in terms of promotion, I ended up as a major before I separated to go into the private sector. Up to captain, the promotions are basically automatic. For major, most officers get promoted at around the same time. however, realize that the AF is all about operations. The fastest career fields are pilot, navigator, and missiles (space ops). That is because there are more command slots available in those career fields. I had decided to get out because I knew that after I transitioned to comm/computers, the highest I would advance was lieutenant colonel and the private sector paid greatly more for my skill sets than I would have in the military. However, I do cherish my time in the service and realize that I wouldn't be where I am at without the training and experience I had as an officer.

[Cozmo]

RE: the way Army types communicate with lower Army types...

Yeah, I definitely noticed a difference when my Guard unit was deployed. We were sent to Aviano AB in Italy to augment the SF units there, and there was a stark difference between my unit and the rest of the AF. I think that's probably what initially made me consider the AF over the Army. I grew tired of guys in my unit complaining about how ate up the AF was, and how much better they thought THEY could do it. It made the rest of us look bad when our platoon sergeants would try to correct airmen and try to get the AF to be more like the Army.

I'm 31, and I've been in the private sector for quite a while. I really like the idea of NOT being a micro-managing manager, and being able to treat people who work with me as adults and professionals (I'd want to be treated the same way), so I definitely like the idea of the AF training their leaders in the same way.

Well I've mentioned all this to my wife, and she (surprisingly) has encouraged me to check it out in earnest. So I'm going to still hold off on contacting a recruiter yet, because I don't want to be hounded (I know they've got their goals and whatnot), but any recommendations of other people I could talk to?

[Capt Alfredo]

What's the officer school like? I know it's 12 weeks, and I'm assuming that, after going through Army basic training, it's probably not that much tougher.

Thanks for your time, everyone!

I went through OTS six years ago after 12 enlisted years. I found that OTS was pretty easy. It most definitely was NOT strenuous physically and it wasn't that bad mentally, either. The big thing is time management. They give you more to do than most can accomplish, with the thought that you'll have to prioritize. What will fail you out of OTS? Unshined boots or failing a test? Stuff like that. Prior enlisted service helps since you already know how to maintain a uniform, march, salute, and all that stuff. Play that game and you'll get through just fine. Our flight was about half prior and half off-the-street and they paired us up as roomates. No bay living for officer recruits...

[AIRFORCEAGGIE]

RE: the way Army types communicate with lower Army types...

Yeah, I definitely noticed a difference when my Guard unit was deployed. We were sent to Aviano AB in Italy to augment the SF units there, and there was a stark difference between my unit and the rest of the AF. I think that's probably what initially made me consider the AF over the Army. I grew tired of guys in my unit complaining about how ate up the AF was, and how much better they thought THEY could do it. It made the rest of us look bad when our platoon sergeants would try to correct airmen and try to get the AF to be more like the Army.

I'm 31, and I've been in the private sector for quite a while. I really like the idea of NOT being a micro-managing manager, and being able to treat people who work with me as adults and professionals (I'd want to be treated the same way), so I definitely like the idea of the AF training their leaders in the same way.

Well I've mentioned all this to my wife, and she (surprisingly) has encouraged me to check it out in earnest. So I'm going to still hold off on contacting a recruiter yet, because I don't want to be hounded (I know they've got their goals and whatnot), but any recommendations of other people I could talk to?


I would recommend talking with a ROTC detachment. the problem with enlisted recruiters is that they have a quota to fill. Sending someone to OTS or to rotc does not help them with their quota. Consequently, they will try to steer you to being enlisted.

[BRUWIN]

I went through OTS six years ago after 12 enlisted years. I found that OTS was pretty easy. It most definitely was NOT strenuous physically and it wasn't that bad mentally, either. The big thing is time management. They give you more to do than most can accomplish, with the thought that you'll have to prioritize. What will fail you out of OTS? Unshined boots or failing a test? Stuff like that. Prior enlisted service helps since you already know how to maintain a uniform, march, salute, and all that stuff. Play that game and you'll get through just fine. Our flight was about half prior and half off-the-street and they paired us up as roomates. No bay living for officer recruits...

Is the lobotomy accomplished before or after graduation? ;)

[mdpomerleau]

I have a question and it seems you guys are the ones to talk to!

My husband was in the USMC for 8 years. He has been out for 4 years and is completing his degree by August 2009. He is talking about going into the Air Force as an Officer.

Does he need to wait until the degree is completely finished to start the process, or are there some steps he should start taking now? Any help, advise or insight you have would be very much appreciated!

Thank You,

MDP

[AIRFORCEAGGIE]

I have a question and it seems you guys are the ones to talk to!

My husband was in the USMC for 8 years. He has been out for 4 years and is completing his degree by August 2009. He is talking about going into the Air Force as an Officer.

Does he need to wait until the degree is completely finished to start the process, or are there some steps he should start taking now? Any help, advise or insight you have would be very much appreciated!

Thank You,

MDP

there are two ways he can approach it. He can start the application process for OTS if he is within 6 months of graduation. The other way is to go rotc. He can apply for a two year scholarship. What that will mean is that he has to go to advance camp next summer for about four weeks. Since he is almost done with his degree, he can work on his graduate degree while he is finishing out his rotc classes. That is what happened with me. I graduated in december of 1988, but my commissioning date was may 1989. I ended up going to graduate school for that last semester of rotc. Also, while your husband is set on the AF, I would still recommend that he applies to the ocs programs for all four services. Just to cover his bets. Best of luck

[mdpomerleau]

Thank you for that information! Mostly I was hoping to get a straight answer on when he can start the process for OTC. He does work full time right now for a state prison and he does full time school. I don't think ROTC would quite be a fit...especially since I also work full time! Thank you VERY much for letting us know he can start the process within 6 months of graduating, and for the suggestion on applying to all branches. Great suggestion!

Thanks again,

MDP

[AIRFORCEAGGIE]

Thank you for that information! Mostly I was hoping to get a straight answer on when he can start the process for OTC. He does work full time right now for a state prison and he does full time school. I don't think ROTC would quite be a fit...especially since I also work full time! Thank you VERY much for letting us know he can start the process within 6 months of graduating, and for the suggestion on applying to all branches. Great suggestion!

Thanks again,

MDP


A third option I did not mention was the Air Guard. they also have OTS slots and once he has a commission, he can always ask for a transfer to Active duty.

[OIFCOMBATVETNYC]

You should talk to a recruiter...but to be honest they won't even look at you as an officer candidate until you have completed your degree.


unlike the Army OCS program that can take you with 90 credits.

[Worm]

Hey, gang.

It's been interesting reading the responses to this post. I'm in a similar boat. I was Army for 9 years and got out in 2004. Due to the economy over here being complete shite, and due to encouragement by some retired officers I've become acquainted with, I'm looking at joining the AF as an officer. I finished my degree (marketing) about two years ago, so school is no obstacle. I'd like to get into public affairs, since I think that'd be the best fit for my education background.

I know I can talk to a recruiter, and hopefully I can get them to give me the straight dope instead of feeding me a bunch of BS to get me to join, but I'd like to hear from anyone who currently is an officer. How often do PA units/personnel deploy, and where do you usually go? Do you have a decent pick of duty stations? How often do you transfer to new stations? I'm sure it's different for every field, but feel free to tell me about your experience.

What's the officer school like? I know it's 12 weeks, and I'm assuming that, after going through Army basic training, it's probably not that much tougher.

Thanks for your time, everyone!


Cosmo, you probably won't get into PA because it was recently axed during previouse force shaping and a RIF. The PA career field is really in shambles right now (I was a PA) and they are looking at moving all of the officer positions around drastically within the next few years. They are even looking to fill civilians in CONUS positions because they cut too deep and can't fill jobs with officers. You'll probably get placed into personnel should you ask for PA because it's a job they need people to fill (running deployments and such).

Otherwise, if you are one of the lucky ones that gets PA, you'll have a choice of about any AF base in the world. The only problem is that with PA being at bare-bones levels, they are all being deployed almost as frequent as SF and Contracting officers. You'll most-likely have two, maybe four good years at an assignment before deploying (they usually get you for the year-long tours first).

Best of luck.

[jetteraf]

A third option I did not mention was the Air Guard. they also have OTS slots and once he has a commission, he can always ask for a transfer to Active duty.

I think that's easier said than done. There are plenty of opportunities to get into the reserve component, including the ANG, from active duty, but precious few for going the other way.

If you know otherwise I'd love to here about it; I'd be interested in going active again.

[Smeghead]

Cosmo, you probably won't get into PA because it was recently axed during previouse force shaping and a RIF. The PA career field is really in shambles right now (I was a PA) and they are looking at moving all of the officer positions around drastically within the next few years. They are even looking to fill civilians in CONUS positions because they cut too deep and can't fill jobs with officers. You'll probably get placed into personnel should you ask for PA because it's a job they need people to fill (running deployments and such).

Otherwise, if you are one of the lucky ones that gets PA, you'll have a choice of about any AF base in the world. The only problem is that with PA being at bare-bones levels, they are all being deployed almost as frequent as SF and Contracting officers. You'll most-likely have two, maybe four good years at an assignment before deploying (they usually get you for the year-long tours first).

Best of luck.

Yup, exactly what Worm said. We slashed our officer side way too much. We're starting to plus up again but not to the same levels. A lot of the PAO billets are gone forever to be filled by a GS or SNCO.

[jetteraf]

Hello, I am a 31-year old Master's Degree holder and wanted to get into the Federal Gov't. Someone suggested joining the Airforce Part-time and then applying for one of their opened positions. So I contacted a recruiter who tells me that I will have to take the ASVAB and do a physical. I can come in as an E-4 and so I'll be enlisted. So I proceeded to ask him about being an officer and doing an officer training etc. He said there's nothing like that. I would go in as an E4 with the potential to become commissioned. I asked him to explain and he really didn't clarify much for me. Although my ultimate goal is to be employed by the Fed, I don't want to be short-changed on my potential. Is this recruiter correct? Is my only option as a part-time person in the AF to be an enlisted? Why can't I be an officer and go to candidate school? If I'm going to do this thing I need to know what ALL of my options are (and that's what I told that character). Any insight (in plain english b/c I really don't know the military jargon) knowledge would be great.

Thanks!

You need to talk to an officer recruiter. Enlisted recruiters have little to no incentive to get you set up to be an officer, because they don't get credit like they do with an enlistee. Recruiting is like commission based sales- they get credit based on how many people they get to enlist.

There is certainly nothing wrong with being enlisted if that is what you choose, but anyone telling you that with a master's you have no other option to join the service is lying.

As to your ultimate goal, I have found that when applying for federal civilian positions, your military status is not much help. You may get veteran's preference, but you still are in the pool of candidates outside existing federal employees. It can't hurt; but if you're going to join the Guard or Reserve just to increase your odds of getting a federal civilian job, you might want to think twice.

[Smeghead]

Hello, I am a 31-year old Master's Degree holder and wanted to get into the Federal Gov't. Someone suggested joining the Airforce Part-time and then applying for one of their opened positions. So I contacted a recruiter who tells me that I will have to take the ASVAB and do a physical. I can come in as an E-4 and so I'll be enlisted. So I proceeded to ask him about being an officer and doing an officer training etc. He said there's nothing like that. I would go in as an E4 with the potential to become commissioned. I asked him to explain and he really didn't clarify much for me. Although my ultimate goal is to be employed by the Fed, I don't want to be short-changed on my potential. Is this recruiter correct? Is my only option as a part-time person in the AF to be an enlisted? Why can't I be an officer and go to candidate school? If I'm going to do this thing I need to know what ALL of my options are (and that's what I told that character). Any insight (in plain english b/c I really don't know the military jargon) knowledge would be great.

Thanks!

Last time I checked, the only people who could come in higher than E-3 were Presidential Band members who can walk out of basic as a tech sgt.

As for the recruiter saying there's no officers or officer training, I'm hoping he just meant there were no vacancies open. Otherwise, wow, that's a hell of a lie. Guard and reserve have officers just as active duty does.

What anyone talking to a recruiter needs to remember is they're trying to make a sale. There are recruiters for enlisted and recruiters for officers -- they may both wear stripes. If you talk to an enlisted recruiter he's going to try to get you to enlist, even if you're Doogie frikkin Howser. Just as if you talk to an officer accessions recruiter he's going to try to get you commissioned if you're qualified. Neither are going to say "Oh no, you want the other guy" unless they can't use you.

Keep in mind that they're trying to sign you up for what they're selling there and then. If what you're hearing doesn't sound right, move on. Also, look at the other branches. What is it about the Air Force you're specifically interested in?

You want to talk to a reserve or guard recruiter, they're generally not the guys in the mall. Try these sites, hopefully they'll get you in touch with who you need to speak to. www.afreserve.com and www.goang.com

[Worm]

Last time I checked, the only people who could come in higher than E-3 were Presidential Band members who can walk out of basic as a tech sgt.

As for the recruiter saying there's no officers or officer training, I'm hoping he just meant there were no vacancies open. Otherwise, wow, that's a hell of a lie. Guard and reserve have officers just as active duty does.

What anyone talking to a recruiter needs to remember is they're trying to make a sale. There are recruiters for enlisted and recruiters for officers -- they may both wear stripes. If you talk to an enlisted recruiter he's going to try to get you to enlist, even if you're Doogie frikkin Howser. Just as if you talk to an officer accessions recruiter he's going to try to get you commissioned if you're qualified. Neither are going to say "Oh no, you want the other guy" unless they can't use you.

Keep in mind that they're trying to sign you up for what they're selling there and then. If what you're hearing doesn't sound right, move on. Also, look at the other branches. What is it about the Air Force you're specifically interested in?

You want to talk to a reserve or guard recruiter, they're generally not the guys in the mall. Try these sites, hopefully they'll get you in touch with who you need to speak to. www.afreserve.com and www.goang.com

I always found it more helpful to talk to officers at ROTC detachments. They usually have someone who is assigned to talking to people who are interested in joining. A local (major) university in your area should have an AF ROTC detachment. That way you can get it from the horses mouth rather than someone trying to get you to be enlisted so they can fill their quota. The ROTC folks don't have the heavy requirements that recruiters have, which makes the conversation easier from the get-go.

[FLAPS]

Hello, I am a 31-year old Master's Degree holder and wanted to get into the Federal Gov't. Someone suggested joining the Airforce Part-time and then applying for one of their opened positions. So I contacted a recruiter who tells me that I will have to take the ASVAB and do a physical. I can come in as an E-4 and so I'll be enlisted. So I proceeded to ask him about being an officer and doing an officer training etc. He said there's nothing like that. I would go in as an E4 with the potential to become commissioned. I asked him to explain and he really didn't clarify much for me. Although my ultimate goal is to be employed by the Fed, I don't want to be short-changed on my potential. Is this recruiter correct? Is my only option as a part-time person in the AF to be an enlisted? Why can't I be an officer and go to candidate school? If I'm going to do this thing I need to know what ALL of my options are (and that's what I told that character). Any insight (in plain english b/c I really don't know the military jargon) knowledge would be great.

Thanks!

You mentioned wanting to be "employed" by the "Fed," so you are pursuing a commission as an Officer. Why exactly do you want to join? Is it simply for the "Fed's" job security or do you want to be a leader in the military? What I'm getting at is there is a huge difference between simply being a "Fed" employee and being an officer in the military.

[AIRFORCEAGGIE]

I think that's easier said than done. There are plenty of opportunities to get into the reserve component, including the ANG, from active duty, but precious few for going the other way.

If you know otherwise I'd love to here about it; I'd be interested in going active again.
Yes, you are correct in that it is harder to go active from the reserves than the other way around. However, it can be done. What you can do is ask for an AD tour of up to three years. At the end of the three years, you can then ask for another three year extension up until you retire. However, realize that by law, you will have to leave AD after 20 years unless you recieve a regular commission. Once on AD, you can then apply for augmentation to the Regular AF. It isn't easy, but it has been done. I had a squadron commander who got on active duty that way.

[Cozmo]

Cosmo, you probably won't get into PA because it was recently axed during previouse force shaping and a RIF. The PA career field is really in shambles right now (I was a PA) and they are looking at moving all of the officer positions around drastically within the next few years. They are even looking to fill civilians in CONUS positions because they cut too deep and can't fill jobs with officers. You'll probably get placed into personnel should you ask for PA because it's a job they need people to fill (running deployments and such).

Otherwise, if you are one of the lucky ones that gets PA, you'll have a choice of about any AF base in the world. The only problem is that with PA being at bare-bones levels, they are all being deployed almost as frequent as SF and Contracting officers. You'll most-likely have two, maybe four good years at an assignment before deploying (they usually get you for the year-long tours first).

Best of luck.


Thanks for that, Worm. How long were you PA?

Do they give you options with jobs the way they do assignments, as in 1st choice, 2nd choice, etc? I really, really, really, really don't want to get stuck with something like finance or services. I know those are important, but I personally have no interest in those whatsoever. When they offer me choices at MEPS, and I pick one, am I locked in with that choice, or can they mess with it?

As a PAO, how long would the deployments last? And do they send you pretty much anywhere? I'm guessing most deployments are Downrange...

Also, speaking of assignments (not deployments...I know you can't bring family on those), if you have a family (in my case, a wife and four kids), do they still send you to Korea or other bases where you can't bring them along?

Right now I'm studying for my AFOQT. My goal is to get the best possible score on that so that I can have my pick of jobs. When looking at jobs you're qualified for, how important are math skills to PA? My math skills aren't great, though I've been practicing them these last couple of weeks. My verbal and word skills are very high, and my logic (rotated blocks, etc) and understanding of flight concepts are above average as well. I know it's competitive as all-get-out, but how critical is math for what I want to do?

As always, I really appreciate everyone's time!

[dirtydresden]

One question. When is it such a bad thing in life to be proud and enlisted?

[Cozmo]

One question. When is it such a bad thing in life to be proud and enlisted?

I never said it was a bad thing, nor did I imply that. I spent 9 years as enlisted in the Army. It's simply that I have a family of five, not counting myself, and I can best provide for them as an officer. I now have a college degree, and I feel that it would be wasteful for me not to take advantage of this opportunity.

When is it such a snooty/bad thing to be proud and commissioned?

[AIRFORCEAGGIE]

I never said it was a bad thing, nor did I imply that. I spent 9 years as enlisted in the Army. It's simply that I have a family of five, not counting myself, and I can best provide for them as an officer. I now have a college degree, and I feel that it would be wasteful for me not to take advantage of this opportunity.

When is it such a snooty/bad thing to be proud and commissioned?


Cozmo, ignore him. There is nothing wrong with being enlisted. However, there are also those out there who don't want others to succeed.

[Worm]

Thanks for that, Worm. How long were you PA?

Do they give you options with jobs the way they do assignments, as in 1st choice, 2nd choice, etc? I really, really, really, really don't want to get stuck with something like finance or services. I know those are important, but I personally have no interest in those whatsoever. When they offer me choices at MEPS, and I pick one, am I locked in with that choice, or can they mess with it?

As a PAO, how long would the deployments last? And do they send you pretty much anywhere? I'm guessing most deployments are Downrange...

Also, speaking of assignments (not deployments...I know you can't bring family on those), if you have a family (in my case, a wife and four kids), do they still send you to Korea or other bases where you can't bring them along?

Right now I'm studying for my AFOQT. My goal is to get the best possible score on that so that I can have my pick of jobs. When looking at jobs you're qualified for, how important are math skills to PA? My math skills aren't great, though I've been practicing them these last couple of weeks. My verbal and word skills are very high, and my logic (rotated blocks, etc) and understanding of flight concepts are above average as well. I know it's competitive as all-get-out, but how critical is math for what I want to do?

As always, I really appreciate everyone's time!

I'm not sure how you're choice for careers will work because I went through ROTC. I was selected for pilot training, but got disqualified for being colorblind. The next assignment to come down was Missilier (disqualed from that too) and then Services. I requested they look into PA and I was allowed to go into that. I was a PA for 7 years. It's probably the best kept secret in the AF because the job allows you to do so much. That was back when they were taking 400% more officers into PA to make up for the lack of senior enlisted personnel, but those days are over and you're going to find it exceedingly difficult to get in.

As far as assignments, it's really luck of the draw. You had a choice way back when, but in today's world it's really "needs of the AF." In May 07, I had an assignment to Hickam, but they pulled it from me 2 months before PCSing from Japan because Hickam is becoming part of a joint installation with the Navy and wouldn't need a PA officer to be chief at the wing (they civilianized it). Eventually, I went to Holloman in NM until I separated. It's not your choice anymore on where you go although they do give you the opportunity to see what's open (not your first duty station). You can choose, but then the Colonels in PA have a few force development meetings and determine where you are to go based on your performance and ability to grow in other positions.

Deployments are typically 6-months now. You won't go on one typically during your first two-years until you've been to DINFOS (tech school for PAs) and worked a while to know the ropes. They seem to tag people a lot trying to focus on staying at home-station with the one-year tours (there's a ton of them when you make captain), so recommend that you volunteer for a deployment when you can because that will push you down the list. Also, try to get an overseas assignment because that will count towards your OCONUS time too. Korea isn't all that bad a place and you can take your family there too (Osan not Kunsan). The one year tours being handed out these days are usually supporting the Army through Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) or joint assignments in CENTCOM as part of a Coalition Information Bureau or Joint Information Bureau.

For math, you don't need it as a PA. Just typing, talking and listening skills. There's more leadership opportunities once you make Captain. Get to know the people and processes at your first wing. If you can make friends easily, that will be as good as gold to a PA.

[arl11]

I know you have to have a college degree to be an officer.. but does it matter what your degree is in? I am currently finishing my degree in Elementary Education, and I wanted to know what my options are.

[Cozmo]

I know you have to have a college degree to be an officer.. but does it matter what your degree is in? I am currently finishing my degree in Elementary Education, and I wanted to know what my options are.

When I was in the Army, my unit flew out to National Training Center in California for some desert training (we got to play as the bad guys). We flew out on a C-130, and flew back on a KC-135 tanker jet. Those of us who were interested were invited up one at a time to the cockpit to sit with the aircrew. They gave me a headset, and the navigator was talking to be about becoming an officer. I asked him about the degree thing, and he said "You could have a college degree in underwater basket weaving, but as long as it's a college degree, that's all you need."

I think what they really want to see is that you've committed to your education, taken it seriously, and have something to show for it. They can train you in whatever your career field ends up being.

Hope it helps!

[Go_Blue]

I know you have to have a college degree to be an officer.. but does it matter what your degree is in? I am currently finishing my degree in Elementary Education, and I wanted to know what my options are.

Here is a great thread on what you need to make it to OTS: Tips on how to improve your chance of becoming an Air Force Officer (http://www.militarytimes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1579657) . Yes, the minimum qualification is that you need a four year degree. However, at the moment the AF is fairly particular about its officer candidates. Technical degrees (ie. various engineering degrees) are always in high favor and enjoy better chances of selection.

Another question is are you looking to fly, or be in a support role? Rated (pilots, Combat Systems Officers, and Air Battle Managers all fly) and non-rated (all other non-flying positions such as acquisitions, finance, force support, security forces, etc) positions are given separate selection boards. All boards are fiercely competitive, but non-rated boards are especially so. The last one had a selection rate just under 10%. A non-technical applicant such as yourself would have to have an impeccable application package. What is your GPA?

It is certainly possible to get selected, though. I have a business management degree and was selected on that most recent non-rated board. You'll need to take the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT), score well, write a personal statement, gather 3-5 letters of recommendation, pass a physical, etc to apply. The Air Force is most interested in your proven abilities as a leader, and your potential to lead as an officer. All of your documentation (academic performance, awards, community involvement, leadership activities/experiences, personal statement, etc) need to reflect that you have something to bring to the table.

Visit AirForceOTS.com. Lots of great information there.

[theduke]

Don't forget your leather braided belt...mandatory for all AF officers ;)