1.
Will I have an opportunity to become a pilot or navigator?
2. Do graduates have a chance to obtain an advanced
degree?
3. Can graduates enter medical school?
4. Can graduates enter law school?
5. What are some of the benefits of an Air Force
career?
6. What is the salary of a second lieutenant after graduation?
7. I don’t understand the rank structure at the Academy or in the Air Force. What are the different ranks?
1.
Will I have an opportunity to become a pilot or navigator?
Yes. While at the Academy, cadets obtain a solid background in all
phases of aviation. All male and female cadets who meet the physical
qualifications are considered for flying training and may be selected
to fill available openings. Undergraduate Flying Training (conducted
after graduation at several U.S. bases) prepares qualified graduates
for flying careers in airlift, bomber, fighter, multirole, special
operations or transport aircraft.
Back To Top
2.
Do graduates have a chance to obtain an advanced degree?
A few graduates will receive scholarships to attend civilian graduate
schools immediately after graduation. Graduates in the top 15 percent
of their class on overall performance average are typically prime candidates for post-graduate programs considering they meet two important criteria: they must perform well as officers
and the Air Force must need people from the degree program they
wish to pursue. These graduates are generally eligible for attendance
after two years on active duty. Other graduates may also have
opportunities for graduate education through the Air Force Institute
of Technology (AFIT) program. Most degree-granting programs are
conducted in conjunction with civilian universities. In addition,
many Academy graduates attend one or more of the armed forces professional
military schools during their careers.
Back To Top
3.
Can graduates enter medical school?
The Air Force may send up to three percent of each graduating class
directly to medical school upon graduation. Additionally, up to
one half percent of each graduating class may be selected to attend
dental school, with another one half percent being selected to attend
nursing school. This, in effect, brings the total percentage that
might be selected to attend Health Professions Postgraduate education
to four percent. These graduates complete their training through
the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Programs or the
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. These same
two programs are available to all active-duty officers. Selection
for these programs is on a competitive basis and the number of students
will be based on the needs of the Air Force.
Back To Top
4.
Can graduates enter law school?
The Air Force currently has no provision for graduating cadets to
directly enter into law school. Congress has authorized the Air
Force to enter a small number of active-duty Air Force officers
into law school each year. An Academy graduate, as well as any other
Air Force officer, must complete two years of active duty before
becoming eligible for consideration. Selection for sponsorship to
law school is on a competitive basis among all active-duty officers
who apply.
Back To Top
5.
What are some of the benefits of an Air Force career?
The pay and allowances of a new officer compare favorably with starting
salaries in business, industry and the professions. An officer advances
in rank according to the needs of the Air Force and professional
performance. The Air Force puts a high premium on leaders with vision,
dedication and ability. It offers a stimulating challenge and an
interesting future in a wide spectrum of fields for Academy graduates
to employ their leadership talents. There are opportunities for
advanced education. All career officers are eligible to apply for
further education through AFIT at civilian colleges and universities.
Selected officers attend on a full-time basis, receive pay and allowances,
have their tuition and fixed fees paid and receive some reimbursement
for books and thesis expenses. During each move, reimbursement for
transportation costs, an extra allowance for incidental expenses
of moving and free shipment of household goods are provided. Additional
benefits are: medical and hospital expenses, commissary and base
exchange privileges, officers club privileges, VA and FHA mortgage
loan insurance, group life insurance and 30 days paid vacation each
year. The current law enables an officer to retire after completing
20 years of active service.
Back To Top
6.
What is the salary of a second lieutenant after graduation?
The typical base pay per month is $2,555.70. Your salary is based on not only your rank, but also your time in the Air Force. In addition to base pay, U.S. military members also receive two allowances: Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) and Basic Allowance for Sustenance (BAS). U.S. Military members who are authorized to reside off base at government expense are entitled to receive a monthly tax-free housing allowance, known as "BAH," or "Basic Allowance for Housing." The amount of the allowance is based on the member’s rank, duty location, and whether or not they have dependents (family members). BAS is simply a monthly monetary food allowance for members of the military. Members who attend flight training will also receive flight pay. For more information, please visit http://www.airforce.com.
Typically members are paid twice a month: on the 15th of the month, and again on the 1st of the following month. If the 1st or 15th of the month falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday, the member will be paid the weekday before, usually a Friday. The monthly pay statement is known as a Leave and Earnings Statement or LES, which is usually available near the end of each month. The money is directly deposited into a member's personal banking account. The payment on the 15th is known as mid-month pay, and the pay on the 1st is end-of-month pay.
Back To Top
7. I don’t understand the rank structure at the Academy or in the Air Force. What are the different ranks?
The military is organized into an officer corps and an enlisted corps. Commissioned officers outrank all enlisted personnel. Enlisted personnel are required to salute all commissioned officers and commissioned officers are required to salute superior commissioned officers. Responsibility and accountability increase commensurate with rank.
The Air Force insignia system is broken down into two major categories: officer ranks and enlisted ranks (the Air Force does not have warrant officers). The enlisted ranks are further divided into Airmen and NCO (Noncommissioned Officer) ranks. There are four Airman ranks, and five NCO ranks. Additionally, there is one special NCO rank (Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force). Officers progress from Second Lieutenant to First Lieutenant, then Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel and finally, four General ranks.
As a commissioned officer in the Air Force, immediately upon graduation, you will enter the Air Force as an O-1, which is a Second Lieutenant. You will work your way up as O-2, O-3, etc. Each rank has a pay grade that begins with a letter, "O" for officers and "E" for enlisted. For more information, please visit http://usmilitary.about.com.
Back To Top
|
 |
|
