The airmen, after discharge from the Air Force, become full-time college students who will return to active duty as second lieutenants upon completing their degree requirements. SOAR allows commanders to nominate outstanding airmen with less than six years in the Air Force for ROTC scholarships. Wing commanders rank order the nominations and forward the applications to their higher headquarters. The inaugural SOAR success rate exceeded 94 percent, with 48 of the 51 selectees meeting all requirements for discharge, college entry, and scholarship activation. SOAR scholarship selectees receive scholarships that pay full college tuition and incidental fees, plus a textbook allowance.
Scholarships are available from two to four years in any major.
N.C. Senior Airman Leslie W. Roach Jr., Tyndall AFB Senior Airman Tamara M. Rogers, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska Staff Sgt. La. Staff Sgt. Calif. Airman 1st Class Katherine J. Whaley, Ellsworth AFB Senior Airman Garretty V. Wood, Bolling AFB Senior Airman Melissa D. Wright, Gentile Air Station, Ohio.