CONNECT APPLY NOW FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS GET ANSWERS NOW Many of the questions you have about the Air Force have been asked before. Explore our Frequently Asked Questions to find the answers you’re looking for. If you need more complete answers to specific questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. KNOW WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT PATHS & PROCESSES EDUCATION & TRAINING CAREERS & BENEFITS REQUIREMENTS & ELIGIBILITY LIFESTYLE & LOCATIONS HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL LEGAL PROFESSIONALS MINISTRY PROFESSIONALS SPACE FORCE FOR FAMILIES COVID 19 INFORMATION 257 Results found If I enlist, can I become an officer later? Yes. If you enlist in the Air Force, you may work toward becoming an Air Force Officer at a later point in your career. But if you aspire to be an officer, we suggest you examine the officer path carefully to decide whether you can meet requirements before joining. For example, if you are already in or aspire to attend college, the Air Force can help you do so. If you enlist, the Air Force offers many opportunities for growth throughout your career. There are five specialized programs designed to help you become an officer: Airman Scholarship and Commissioning Program (ASCP): helps enlisted Airmen attend college with a $15,000 scholarship Scholarships for Outstanding Airmen to ROTC (SOAR): enables commanders to select outstanding enlisted Airmen to attend college with a $15,000 college scholarship One-Year Professional Officer Course-Early Release Program (1-Year POC-ERP): offers active-duty Airmen who can complete bachelor’s degree requirements within one year an opportunity to become a full-time student to complete that degree Professional Officer Course-Early Release Program (POC-ERP): offers active-duty Airmen who can complete bachelor’s degree requirements within two years an opportunity to become a full-time student to complete that degree. Officer Training School (OTS): Enlisted Airmen can also apply to attend OTS. To be eligible, Airmen must have a baccalaureate degree or be a senior at a college or university that is accredited by one of the six regional accreditation commissions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Applicants who have graduated from a non-accredited college or university in the United States or from another country may apply. However, they must present evidence from an accredited institution of higher learning that their credits are acceptable for graduate work. To discuss your situation and find the right path for joining, talk to your local recruiter. What academic requirements must I meet to become a chaplain? You must have a baccalaureate degree with no less than 120 semester hours from an accredited institution and a post-baccalaureate degree in the field of theology or related studies from a qualifying graduate degree program with no less than 72 semester hours (or 108 quarter hours) from an accredited institution. What if I’m too young to enlist, but I already know it’s what I want? Though you may be too young to enlist in the Air Force, it is never too early to start preparing for success. Study hard and focus on graduating from high school with the best grades you can earn in all subjects— especially English, math and science. This will help you perform well on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) exam. Also, stay out of trouble, do not take drugs and get an early start on physical conditioning. Law violations can delay and in some cases disqualify you from joining the Air Force. Talk to your family about how the Air Force meets your personal, professional and educational goals to gain their support as you work toward your dream. Keep in contact with your guidance counselor for additional support, keep on track, and we hope to see you in a few years. How much will I get paid and how often? Air Force salaries are structured based on rank and years of service. Air Force careers offer regular opportunities for advancement. You will always know your current and projected salary, and have the support of a full package of benefits. Generally, you’ll get paid on the 1st and 15th of the month. If you are not claiming dependents, your paycheck will contain your base pay. If you are claiming dependents, your paycheck will contain your base pay as well as your housing allowance. Taxes and other deductions will be taken out. Note that if your processing information is entered into our systems later than the 7th, you can expect to get your first paycheck on the following 1st. The military prorates your first paycheck. For example, if you receive your first check 30 days after you arrive, you will receive the full rate of the monthly basic pay. If, however, you receive your first check two weeks after arrival, it will contain half of the monthly base pay, and half of the monthly housing allowance for those with dependents. Are there job opportunities for my spouse on base? Yes. Working families are important to any community. Air Force spouses get first dibs when it comes to on-base employment. Civilian employment information can be found online at the Air Force Personnel Center. What is COT? Commissioned Officer Training (COT) is a five-week training course designed to help candidates in the healthcare, legal and ministry professions from the private sector transition into military life. You will begin with a training regimen designed to educate you in the ways of the military. This is an important time during which you will develop into an officer and an Air Force leader. You will participate in physical conditioning five days a week, military training, leadership seminars and classroom studies. Is there an Air Force scholarship for medical professionals? Air Force Medical HPSP scholarships are for three- or four-year periods that pays full tuition and all required fees. This includes reimbursement for textbooks, small equipment items and supplies needed for study. You’ll also receive a monthly allowance of approximately $2,391.60 for living expenses. You must be a U.S. citizen enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an accredited medical school. Your payback is a minimum commitment of three years and begins after you have completed medical school and your residency training. How can I locate someone in the Air Force? For assistance, please contact the Air Force World Wide Locator at 210-565-2660. Customer service is available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (EST), except on federal holidays. What about daycare and schooling for children? Airmen families are supported by on-base child development centers and after school care programs. Many bases have elementary to high schools on base or use local civilian school systems near base. On-base youth sports teams, art centers and playgrounds all provide support for Airmen families. Do I have to cut my hair during basic training? During initial processing for Basic Military Training (BMT), male Airmen will have their heads completely shaved. Female Airmen are not required to have hair cut. Female Airmen will be able to wear their hair in up to two braids or a single ponytail with bulk not exceeding the width of the head and length not extending below a horizontal line running between the top of each sleeve inseam at the underarm through the shoulder blades. HOME MISSION EDUCATION CAREERS LIFESTYLE HOW TO JOIN Chat Live Personal Career Assessment Aircade Find a Recruiter Find an Event Apply Now AF Academy AFROTC AF Reserve Air National Guard AF.mil AF Civilian Careers AF Basic Military Training Watch Videos FAQs For Families Para las Familias Privacy Policy About our Ads Sitemap