Airmen/Active Duty Applicants

Each year, regular Airmen on active duty and Airmen serving in the Air Force Reserve and the Air National Guard receive appointments to the Air Force Academy – 85 are available for the regular airmen and 85 are available for those in the Air Force Reserve and the Air National Guard.

Application Process

Refer to AFI 36-2019 for directions for applying to the Academy and the AFI 36-2021 for applying to the USAFA Preparatory School.

To compete for either, you must complete AF Form 1786 and have your unit commander complete a statement on your character, ability and motivation to become an officer. Submit the form and statement through your unit commander and MPF and forward it to:

Office of Admissions
HQ USAFA/RRS
2304 Cadet Drive, Suite 2300
USAF Academy, CO 80840-5025

The form must arrive no later than January 31 for the class entering the following June. Additional information about the Academy and the Prep School may be obtained by calling 1-800-443-9266, DSN 333-2520, or commercial 719-333-2520.

Selection Criteria

We consider all candidates (regular or reserve) on a competitive basis for 85 appointments to the Academy and 50 appointments to the Preparatory School.

• Examination results and previous performance determine selections
• We'll notify you of your qualification and selection status in early May
• Airmen not accepted for direct entrance into the Academy are automatically considered for the Prep School

Previous Performance

We'll evaluate your leadership potential through your record of participation in athletic activities, including team or individual sports and nonathletic activities, such as class offices, public speaking, Civil Air Patrol or scouting. Your grade transcripts from high school and from any preparatory school or college you may have attended after high school will determine your academic potential. We'll also consider your performance on active duty and recommendations from supervisors.