Joining the Air Force After College: Requirements and Opportunities
For individuals seeking to serve their country while leveraging their higher education, joining the Air Force after college presents a multitude of pathways. Whether you're fresh out of university or a seasoned professional, several programs and opportunities cater to diverse aspirations and qualifications. This article will explore the various routes to joining the Air Force post-college, outlining the requirements, benefits, and unique aspects of each option.
Enlisting After College
While many associate military service with enlisting straight out of high school, it's also a viable path after completing a college degree. Applying involves contacting an Air Force recruiter through a local recruitment office, phone, or online.
ASVAB Test and MEPS
Before enlisting, candidates must take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. This test assesses skills in four key areas: arithmetic reasoning, work knowledge, paragraph comprehension, and mathematics knowledge. A qualifying score on the ASVAB is essential for proceeding with the enlistment process.
Following the ASVAB, your recruiter will schedule an appointment at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). At MEPS, applicants undergo medical, physical, and administrative evaluations to determine their eligibility for service.
Delayed Entry Program (DEP)
Upon successfully meeting all requirements, passing necessary tests, and receiving official acceptance into the Air Force, individuals are placed in the Delayed Entry Program (DEP). This program allows future airmen to wait for their assigned departure date for Basic Military Training (BMT).
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Becoming a Commissioned Officer After College
For those aiming for leadership roles and greater responsibilities, becoming a commissioned officer after earning a college degree is an attractive option. Several routes exist for achieving this goal, each with its own distinct advantages.
Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC)
The Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program offers college students a structured path to becoming military officers while pursuing a four-year degree at an accredited college. The Army, Navy, and Air Force offer four-year ROTC scholarships to college-bound high school students, as well as two- and three-year scholarships for students already enrolled in college. These scholarships cover tuition and books, alongside a monthly stipend for living expenses.
ROTC students who accept scholarships commit to serving as officers upon graduation. Army ROTC graduates, for instance, earn a commission as a second lieutenant and continue their training in their specific branch at the Basic Officer Leaders’ Course.
Officer Training School (OTS)
Officer Training School (OTS) is a program designed for college graduates and prior-service members seeking to earn a commission. In the Army and Marine Corps, it's called Officer Candidate School. In the Navy and Air Force, it's Officer Training School. U.S. citizenship and a four-year college degree are the minimum requirements for officer school, with the selection process being highly competitive.
OTS typically spans nine and a half to twelve weeks, depending on the specific branch of service. Civilians and prior-service Airmen with college degrees can take part in this nine-week program to become an Officer in the Air Force. You’ll be challenged physically and mentally while gaining the skills needed to be a leader in the Air Force.
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Officer Training School lasts 9.5 weeks and requires four phases. Training is organized into phases. phases.
Military Service Academies
Each branch of the military operates a four-year university that offers full scholarships to its students. Graduates of these academies serve as commissioned officers in their respective branches. The prestigious Air Force Academy is a university that offers world-class education, leadership training and cost-free tuition in exchange for your commitment to serve in the Air Force or Space Force.
To attend the United States Air Force Academy, we ask for something more valuable than tuition: your commitment. Air Force Academy is provided at no cost to cadets. Our investment in developing well-rounded leaders at the Academy pays untold dividends to our nation. You get a free, world-class education, free room and board, free medical and dental benefits and the opportunity for a rewarding career in your chosen field upon graduation. Once you arrive on campus, you will take the Oath of Allegiance. Graduates who complete pilot training incur a longer commitment. Second- and first-class cadets (junior and senior) who are separated by the Academy, or whose resignations are accepted, will normally incur a commitment for active duty. Second-class cadets who are disenrolled or resign on or after the first day of academics in the fall semester of the second-class year will incur a two-year commitment for active-duty service. A cadet who submits a request to resign must state a specific reason for the action.
Direct Commission
Individuals with specialized professional degrees, such as in medicine, law, or religious studies, may be eligible for a direct commission. Direct commission officers are required to attend officer training.
Air Force Programs for Active Duty Airmen Seeking Education
The Air Force offers various programs to support active duty airmen in pursuing higher education and career advancement.
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Air Force Tuition Assistance (TA) Program
The Air Force Tuition Assistance (TA) program is designed to help active duty personnel pursue voluntary, off-duty educational opportunities. Currently, the program pays 100 percent (up to $250 per semester hour or equivalent) of the cost of college tuition with a limit of $4,500 per fiscal year.
Post-9/11 GI Bill
Eligible, active duty Airmen can receive up to 36 months of benefits for education and training opportunities outside of the Air Force through the Post-9/11 GI Bill. These benefits may be used for undergraduate and graduate degree programs, vocational and technical training, tutorial assistance, books, supplies and monthly housing.
Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)
A veteran benefit program, the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) was created to assist military members in paying for college. Eligible, enlisted Airmen may receive up to 36 months of benefits for education and training opportunities outside of the Air Force. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship or on-the-job training and correspondence courses.
Enlisted College Loan Repayment Program (ECLRP)
The ECLRP allows Active Duty Airman to earn 33 ⅓ percent (a maximum of $21,664.50) of their unpaid principal loan balance each year for three years.
POC-ERP Program
Active Duty Airmen can take advantage of the POC-ERP to enter Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC). Those who are selected will become full-time students at a participating college to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
LEAD Program
The LEAD program is an ongoing effort to give our best and brightest Airmen the opportunity to earn a college degree at the Air Force Academy and Academy Prep School.
SOAR Program
Enlisted Airmen who strive to attend or complete college may apply to the SOAR program. Up to 50 people can be nominated for two- to four-year ROTC scholarships that cover most tuition and all fees. This program gives Active Duty, enlisted Airmen the opportunity to earn a commission while completing their bachelor’s degree. Those selected temporarily separate from Active Duty Air Force to join ROTC and become a full-time student at a participating college.
Air Force Reserve Chaplain Corps
The Air Force Reserve Chaplain Corps offers three avenues of service to the Air Force. The first enables ministry professionals to serve with a local reserve unit and train one weekend a month. The second commits you to serve 12 days on annual tour and 12 in a chapel on an Active Duty base. The final option is the Chaplain Candidate program tailored to students. Seminary and religious school students who are interested in Air Force service can apply to the Chaplain Candidate program. Candidates collaborate with an Air Force chapel team during summer tours of active duty.
Judge Advocate General (JAG) Programs
This program enables eligible JAGs to apply for up to $65,000 toward student loan repayment. This is a tuition-free option for pursuing an advanced degree in specialties such as Government Contract Law, Environmental Law, Labor Law, Cyber Law, Air and Space Law or International Law. While obtaining an advanced degree, participants receive full tuition, fees and a book allowance from the Air Force while continuing to serve on Active Duty with full pay, allowances and other benefits.
JAGs seeking to expand their knowledge in different areas of practice, become more specialized in their field or earn Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits are encouraged to participate in the Air Force Judge Advocate General’s School.
Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT)
AFIT’s Air Force Graduate School for Engineering and Management is among the nation’s top engineering schools and enables officers to earn a master’s degree or Ph.D. Helping train and equip warriors of the future for the cyber domain, this program conducts defense-focused research at the graduate level. Officers can step out of their current specialty and focus on becoming a more effective leader through this program. The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) allows Air Force Officers to pursue graduate studies as a full-time active duty assignment.
Healthcare Programs
Medical and dental professionals can complete their residency without financial worry through the Residency Financial Assistance program. Those selected will receive more than $45,000 for every year they participate in the program as well as a stipend of over $2,000 per month to cover living expenses. Upon completion of residency, participants complete one year of service in the Air Force for each year of participation, plus one extra year.
This program offers Active Duty Airmen an opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing to eventually become a Nurse in the Air Force. Participating students remain on Active Duty and continue to receive an income while going to school full time at a college or university that participates in ROTC. Students who wish to pursue a healthcare career can earn financial assistance through the Health Professions Scholarship Program. This scholarship covers all tuition and required fees, including textbooks, small equipment and supplies as well as a monthly allowance for living expenses.
Active Duty Airmen can apply to the Physician Assistant Training program.
Healthcare Continuing Education (HCE) is critical to the success of the Air Force mission. We support healthcare career development with mentorship opportunities and humanitarian missions around the world through funding and scheduling that allows for continuing study.
The Allied Health Internship Program offers several internship opportunities at Air Force medical facilities. The program allows participants to become interns in practice areas such as Clinical Psychology, Audiology, Clinical Social Worker, Dietetic and more.
Benefits of Joining the Air Force
All Airmen receive a variety of benefits throughout their careers and after.
Alternative Perspectives on Military Service
While the most common path into the military is to join as an officer, some want a different experience. to enter as enlisted members. to work their way up may value this type of training. training from bottom to top to gain the respect of those they command. straight into an officer position. their level of knowledge or drive for education.
Specific Aptitudes and Career Paths
specific aptitudes based on particular career paths. advanced degrees. accounting to medicine to law. bachelor's degree in a STEM topic. influence behaviors and actions.
Training and Skills Development
exercises and physical endurance. marksmanship and rappelling while also building confidence. combat skills, and swimming. complete a range of physical and academic exams. variety of settings. cross-cultural competencies.
Roles and Responsibilities
to potential enemy attacks. missiles and guns used and deploying them when necessary. space operations. protection. role.
Specialized Missions
special diving missions throughout the world. maintenance, or work on underwater construction projects.
Healthcare and Support
adequate care throughout their time with the military. forces hospital.
Personal Reflections
This was a fabulous move on my part, with no regrets. opportunities. Makes one feel educated and intelligent. spread my wings to become a better man and role model for my family. thoughts were always floating around in my mind. faithful and loyal services for our nation was smooth. being retired. your hopes, and dreams. night. education in college. clue on what to do next with your life, join the Army. courageous adventure. Both are vital and essential moving forward. have to carry out the dreams will tick away. your thoughts together and just think it through. if it wasn't for the Army. and the lovely places in the United States. best in the world.
Considerations
LearnHowToBecome.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. Military veterans who qualify receive the GI Bill to attend college upon leaving the military, which makes it a smart decision to attend college as a veteran. considering a bachelor's degree. they graduate from college. without having first done ROTC. who choose to complete a degree first is surprisingly lacking. taking the leap. to bypass general enlistment and move directly into officer training. for this repayment program when they join. maximum amount of $65,000, branch set sits own maximums. $10,000. this program repays up to $40,000 annually â minus 25% taxes. requirements when they are off-duty. or captains each year to receive a J.D. for. GPAs of 3.47 and LSAT scores of 159. they made the best decision for themselves. take to join. January 1987. America.
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