lnstitute Research Number

!sQ! I
-s8s_1
1_125
2
CAREERS IN THE
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
BEYOND PILOTS, A RANGE OF OVER 150 CAREER SPECIALTIES
FROM ENGINEERING TO COMMUNICATIONS, AVIONICS TO BAND
THE IMAGE MANY PEOPLE HAVE OF
the US Air Force is one of val-
iant pilots using high-tech air-
craft to protect the US in times
of war and to enforce peace-
keeping duties in times of ac-
cord. That's not an inaccurate
picture of today's Air Force,
but it is a far from complete
picture. For every pilot taking
to the skies in an space-age
jet,
there are thousands of people
managing every detail that
leads to the pilot's takeoff, and
these people are working all
over the world to keep Air
Force bases running smoothly
and efficiently.
The Air Force provides a
broad range of opportunities,
everything from adminlstrative
to training to medlcal to engi-
neering types of careers, with
the majority of these going to
people who will never need to
enter an airplane's cockpit.
Many people do not realize the
wide variety of skills necessary
to manage such a complex op-
eration, and consequently they
private sector.
While a number of people
sign up for the Air Force as a
temporary stage in their career
path (to
help finance further
education or to take a break
between high school and col-
lege), there are many thou-
sands of people who have
made work in the Air Force
their life's career. The well-de-
have gained valuable experi-
ence and expertise in your cho-
sen field while learning more
about how this organization
works overall.
The Air Force is different
than the civilian world
-
there
are clearly defined paths to ad-
vancement, and the military hi-
erarchy and discipline may not
suit everyone. But you may find
may be missing out on a fined career roles, strategiesfor
worthwhile career path. advancement and disciplined
The Air Force offers
posi-
environment are appealing to
tions for service thr;;;;-Jh:;-
them'
.and
thev. feel, thei,r skills
ment or throush offiier's pro-
i:::::9j:t^1.':Tl:nrv
pro-
grams, as well as civilian roles.
0uctlve' respecteo manner'
People looking for work that The Air Force may not be
will allow them to advance in for everyone, and thls report
their careers and continuetheir will examine both the positive
education would do well to and unattractive features of
consider opportunities offered such a career. But like any other
by the Air Force, which offers a career, you do not have to sign
number of advancement possi- up for a lifetime commitment
bilities and continuous train- at the outset, but can take a
ing. The Air Force also offers few years to determine if you
excellent benefits and retire- and the Air Force are indeed a
ment programs, along with good long-term partnership.
skills that transfer well into the Whatever you decide, you will
yourself worklng with some of
the best people in your field
with hands-on opportunities
to develop your skills and
knowledge base, Joining the
Air Force may be
just
what you
need to develop a lifetime ca-
reer in which your ability to
succeed is limited only by your
willingness to work hard and
continue learning. Reading this
career guide carefully will give
you a broad overview of the
opportunities, requirements,
and pros and cons of such a
ca reer.
E
YOU CAN START
EXPLORING THIS
CAREER TODAY
IT'S NEVER TOO SOON TO START
pursuing a career with the Air
Force. lf you're in high school,
talk to your school's guidance
or career counselor and con-
sider taking a personality in-
ventory, which is designed to
help you narrow down the
types of work best suited for
you. Because there is a broad
range of opportunities, being
able to concentrate on a few
good choices rather than all of
the options will save you time
and frustration.
The next step would be to
talk to someone in the Air
Force. Perhaps you know
someone currently working in
an Air Force position; that
would be a good resource to
start with. lf there is a recruit-
ing office near you, make an
appointment to talk about the
different opportunities and
what it would take for you to
build a successful career in the
Air Force. The recruiting station
will be staffed with current Air
Force employees, who can help
answer your questions and
concerns. They will also, along
with your guidance counselor,
be able to recommend the best
way to use your high school
curriculum or planned college
curriculum to advance your ca-
reer.
Explore the extensive in-
formation available on the Air
Force lnternet site, which gives
detailed information on differ-
ent bases,
job
opportu nities,
and potential for growth. lt's
important to remember that
entry level Air Force staff,
whether enllsted or officer, do
not always get their first choice
of base assignments, so do not
set your heart on a specific lo-
cation. You will be assigned
based on your skills and experi-
ence more than your prefer-
ence for assignment.
Don't neglect your school-
work; education is an impor-
tant function of Air Force ca-
reers, especially for long-term
employees. Those interested in
promotions or officer schools
should consider becoming in-
volved in extracurricular activi-
ties that offer leadership roles,
such as student body govern-
ment or heading committees
or organizatlons. Being able to
demonstrate leadership capa-
bilities will help you pursue the
kind of career you will want.
Finally, don't neglect your
physical fitness. Whatever type
of work you take on with the
Air Force, you will be expected
to be in good physical shape,
even if your work keeps you be-
hind a desk all day. Start now
with a training program to de-
velop your strength and stam-
ina.
r
HISTORY OF THIS
CAREER
OF THE MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS
in the US, the Air Force is rela-
tively new. Unlike the Army
and Navy, which have been in
existence for over 200 years,
the Air Force was not officially
created until 1947. lts roots
reach only to the beginning of
the 2Oth century, when Orville
and Wilbur Wright made the
first fully functional airplane.
As early as the Civil War, hot air
balloons had been used in
combat, but their lack of con-
trol and speed made them un-
reliable and easy targets. lt
wasn't until 1907 that the
Aeronautical Division of the
Slgnal Corps was established
to develop research and train-
ing in the area of airplanes.
lnitially the development
of aircraft for military purposes
,-:r 1
t-
all-volunteer force. Reserve invasion of Kuwait, brought a centers. The local landscape
forces were strengthened, and US response, including Air may be spectacularly beautiful,
women were more actively re- Force participation that was or it may be flat and feature-
cruited to keep combat-readi- deemed highly successful. ln less. English may be the pri-
ness at necessary levels. 1992, actions in Bosnia were mary language, or you may be
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earty 1970s, the air"ror..;.;
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iWHERE THE AIR
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ln other words' there are
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irutnf
wide ranging opportunities for
rne Arr rorce. ns peaceKeeprng
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places to work within the Air
, , , ,t
-
t t Force. For some in the early
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a Loro
THEArRFoRCEHASBASESALLovER
staqes of a career, the tiketi_
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breakup
the wortd. where you wiil work
;ffi" i, ir..,.r' you wil experi_
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:
witl depend on what your spe-
..*. *il."u.,i.ty of settinss,
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cialty, is, and to some desree,
as the Air Force hai a strons ie_
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q.
what your preference is. ln
cord of movins peopte fiom
totneAlrhorce. lnltlallysome
theearlypartof yourAirForce
base to base.-Some people
:,:t"':-:= 1^",:::'::0,
t:
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career,
-you
will'be assisned
;;;
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(even
more
:':::1"1.^._t_Y:,r.^t^:dr.ed.
Re-
wherevei you are needed, with
i;;; ;.;;.,. year), white
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your preference prayins rittre
;; ;i;;"; the same base
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part in those choices. Lons
oru, ,.r.,at years
your
skils
.'tt:,reorganlzeo
ln:9)Mools-
1s1m Air Force employees have
and
promotions
will dictate
,ncr orancnes: rne Arr Lomoat
more input and choice, but the
your destinations.
Command and the Air Mobility
final decision will rest with your
r
Command. The first has a mili-
commander.
,
Within base assignments,
tary and war focus, and the ;you
mayenjoytheclimate-con-
other works to support troops
What that means is that
irolled comtort of working in
and handle airlift missions of
I
you may work anywhere from
office buildings, research libs,
all kinds.
Alaska to Texas, or from Ger-
,.J"uf faciliiies, NASA com-
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:tner
par:: orrneworlo
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mates, or frozen, frigid areas.
outside at air fields.
pilots
on
to galn .Iull:l trom.m.llltarY
You may work in remote areas
combat missions mav be sent
quafters. ln
,tvYt,!"y.litlntne
far from major cities, or you
to remote militarv iocations
Persian Gulf, specifically lraq's
may be neai bustling urban
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they may be flying under af l
ffi WORK
yOU ficer's training to develop a
conditions
-
snow, rain and
WILL WORK
leadershiproleinthatspecialty.
wind
-
not to mention facing
CNCMY AirCrAft,
THE AIR FORCE ENCOMPASSES OVER
44,NiNiStrAtiVE
Working abroad and inter-
150 career paths for both en-
acting with the t";ui p;;;i.
listed and officer personnel.
lf administrative duties
tion can provide un'ra|r.!,ing
With bases around the world
sound like those of an execu-
and stimulating .rlariui'.r]
and a wide variety of specia;-
tive secretary' then you're only
change, but it....ft"'i. r.-
ties, the demand for skills is
seeing-partof theAirForcepic-
comfortaUte, Oepeniirn
".
far-ranging. For anyone who
ture' Certainly secretarial func-
the politics of the i;."r;;
thinks tf'u Rit Force is only for
tions are part of this category,
place. ln some in,.rnuilonuiu'u
pilots, this may come as a sur-
including
.the
management of
eas, Air Force base;;;.;;i
prise. Whiteftight skitts and re- gagerwor\,and
files. Adminis-
comed as a sign of ;u;uiy;;l
iated occupatLns are a .or.
trative positions will also over-
prosperity (as
military families
servrce of the Air Force, it's by
::t^:i:l :-l,,tnt
base's func-
brlng money into ihe local
no means the only type of ca-
tions' including ordering and
economy both throuqh living
reer available. An overview o1
allocation of supplies' keeping
expenses anO torrisii, Uri iX
the types of careers is provided
records for vehicle and aircraft
others, they are ,;i'';;;;i-
t'.r.t., but there are many sub-
logs and maintenance, man-
come, and local residents may
groupS and specialties avail-
agement of, personnel records
be unhappy or. horiii.'.U"ri
ubl.'ut well. lf you don't see
axd,s:lt1yltt, preparing
the Air Force population in
your specific career interest,
::lr*Yl,t^t"for
training and air-
their midst
-but
seea related category, con-
craft flights, accounting and
tact an Air Force recruiting of-
budgeling, oversight of radio,
Opportunities to work in
fice. lt,s likely that your inter-
television and.satellite commu-
interesting locales do exist
ests match..ur..,.
Iath
in one
nications, mail service, human
within the Air Force, as long as
area or another.
resources, chaplain duties,
you understand that patience, even Air Force band member-
hard work and seniotlly::
Enlisted Enristed personner
:llt^tlt:^Personnel
in these
necessary to achieve
Vour
per-
l,- ;_ , ,.-
--
areas are responsible for keep-
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skills may pr.u.nt you from
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il iJi. [l l[2,] iJlil', #[
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n s,s u p po rt
Srmply Decause tnose sKrlls are
f _ _,. _
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not required there. u.r.g
il. I::t:':yl,ollt^
t^tt:
':j
Those workinq in opera-
to alternatives and not iettinq
lng I,lmes oT peace' lvlany en-
yourheartonspeciricroluiioni
l',1t^'-1:1":11:l:T i:Tf*
:ffiif.;:tffJ:
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is the best approach to plan-
Iiliilll^:ll'^1119^:j^l::-l"j
of every Air Forle b-ase, and
nins your Air Force .r,..,
]:11:9]i ?,':1'l
t?itl?:l',ti:t
this catesory has a tarqe num-
tecnntcat Ttetos. Snouto en-
J r
:.
.
ber of career oooortunrtres rn a
ilsreo personner Trno a career tn
which they excel, they may
wide
,'ir.:ly,
of functions' ln-
"-:
cluded are the oeoole resoonsi-
nave tne optlon oT enterlng oI-
ble for maintaining and repair-
l'
ing aircraft, vehicles and
-Dental
work OffiCerS Enlisted personnel
spacecraft
(mechanics),
install-
-Fin.n.ial
management
work under the management
ing and maintaining communi-
and direction of Air Force offi-
cations cables and develop-
.
Operations personnel on
cers, who have advanced edu-
ment of satellites, maintaining
air bases also have the oppor-
cation and training in special-
missiles and missile sites, and
tunityto apprentice in all areas
ized skills and management
maintenance and disposal of
of airport management, in-
techniques They devel5p base
munitions.
cluding air traffic control,
policies and imflement orders,
peopre
in operatioi'.
iig
[:1l3TJ:L:'J:3;
jfjl',.l]
;::l;:::l',JT,l:1i,i'$J];
support also train and teach
and radar t.lding capabilities,
Irp..,
"i
base life is running as
apprentices in the finer points
as an introduction to intelli-
l#*in,,
"uni
,ut.rv as possi-
of working with survival equip-
oence work.
bre. officers wourd be compa-
ment and techniques, han-
dling of explosives .nA' liqriO
Systems
rable to management and ex-
fuels. Besides military applica-
The Air Force is highly reli-
ecuttves in the private sector'
tions, operations and support
ant on technology to keep its
Flight
personnel also train, in the ar-
missions running-.-Apprentices
Hight officers are pilots
eas of installing and maintain-
in the systems areas will find
.rd ;;;i;uio,r. That sounds
ing electrical, heating, ventila-
themselves working on some
,irpr. ..lugi, uu, there are a
tion, air conditioning and
of the most advanied systemr
;;;i;i;
"i
ei".,
within the Air
refrigeration power systems
in the world, everything from
Force, each with a specialty
and utilities. They also work on
computers to erectronics to
;;;;;.;;.
pirots
incrude:
roads, pavement and construc-
sateliites to radar. Careers in
tion projects. Apprenticeships
this area include:
are also available for beginnlng
work in biomedical eqrip*.n1
-Specializing
in aircraft
management, aeromedical
systems, bothengines
training
(for
medical personnel
and onboard computers
on board flights), and physical
-Weather
systems to study
therapy training.
and predict weather
Additional carer
trends
clude:
:r paths tn-
-Avionics
sensors and
-Apprenticeships
in
-il:11:'.T[::]'
disaster preparedness
communications systems
-Health
services
-Computer,
imagery and
management
telephone systems
-Public
affairs and
-All
aircraft, spacecraft
relations
and weapons-related
-Mental
and dietary health
systems
practices
-Medical
laboratory
training
-Generalists,
who handle
routi ne ai r tra nsportation
duties
-Airlift
pilots, who
transport troops and
material goods to other
bases or combat zones
-Bomber
pilots, who
handle missions involving
the dropping of bombs
-Fighter
pilots, who
handle in-air combat
-Helicopter
pilots
-
Experimental
(or
test)
pilots, who have the risky
assignment of flying new
aircraft that may be
hazardous to check its
performance
-Trainer
pilots, who handls
I report any problems to the rel-
in-flight training of new
evant personnel.
Pilots
working with NASA, flight
-Reconnaissance
and
officers may also train to be-
intelligence pilots, who
come astronauts, working with
handle highly secretive
the space program in its ongo-
information-gathering
ingexplorutionotspace.
flights l
-Tanker
pilots, who handle
Technical
in-flight refueling
Technical officers oversee
Navigators are flight offi-
l!e
oferations of all technical
cers who monitor an.'piun.;t
aspects of base life'
bearings, plot courses, report Engineers may oversee the
deviations, and assist the pilot
design, construction and on-
in all aircraft functions. To- going maintenance and refur-
gether the pilot and navigator
bishment of all base buildings,
are responsible for the overall roads, utilities, technical and
performance of the aircraft computer systems and infra-
and all related reports. They structure.
handle preflight checklists and
Communications officers
oversee the vast communica-
tlons systems, from radio and
television to satellites and ra-
dar.
Scientists in a variety of
disciplines, both technical and
medical, conduct research to
expand knowledge and solve
known problems.
Maintenance officers are
responsible for the highly spe-
cialized aircraft maintenance
and repair as well as munitions
and missile maintenance, in-
cluding space-related craft and
weaponry.
Weather offlcers oversee
the weather prediction and
!
study centers, an important
role in an industry so depend-
ent on weather for successful
missions.
Non-Technical
Non-technical officers
oversee the operations of base
operations not directly related
to technical systems. These of-
ficers are the managers of the
enlisted administrative staff,
and they manage all logistic
matters on base. These in-
clude:
-Ordering
and allocation
of goods and personnel
-Organization
of
transportation and
resou rces
-Recruitment
-Mission
support
oHuman
resources
development,
implementation and
ongoing management
(such
as benefits policies)
-lntelligence
officers, who
oversee the highly
sensitive intelligence
matters
-Foreign
policy, including
foreign base operation
and local liaisons
-Air
battle and
management officers,
who work with pilots and
troops to plan and deliver
air battle plans.
needs.
Non-medical specialties'
include combat officers, who
strategize plans for combat
I
missions and logistics officers,
who oversee acquisitions and
personnel matters.
Financial officers oversee
budgetary and accounting of-
t-l,
t
,
I
Specialty fices and contracting matters
Specialty officers are those
ll:-Yj"ttion
with the logis-
whose specialized, non-i..n-nl
tics officer)'
cal education provides exper- Chaplains oversee reli-
tise in areas critical during gious services and programs
times of both war and peace. I
on base.
The largest part of this group is
public
affairs officers act as
made up of healthcare
provid-
,.
.'
-
ers, with medicar om.ur!'r..0-
i ]'1't-?n
between the Air Force
ing from famiry pr,y;;;.; i"
:19^
the civilian communitv'
speciarists rire pejiat-;i;.;;
P:l l""sticallv
and interna-
neurologists, geneticists and
'
tlonally'
variety of surgeons. Medical The .Judge Advocate offi-
staff may be assigned to a base cer is a legal function, offering
for general medical care, or r lawyers an officer role while
they may be working in re- continuing to practice law on
search units to develop more behalf of the Air Force and its
extensive knowledge and pos- personnel.
sible advances in medical care.
They may arso be ;i;;.d ;
-^.-
T:'l1l'i'.'^1t:??*ions.otti-
combat units, able t6 assist :el:
:anole
rnternal Arr Force
with combat injurLs ;#-iil-
rnvestrgations as a method of
checks and balances.
NCSSES.
. The ba nd off icers a re
vtentat neattn rs a
qrowrnq
area in the Air Force. r,iitr, otul
memDers oT tne renowneo Alr
chorogists, sociar *;;k;;t lria
,
F3'*
.Band'
and thev are re-
mentar hearth .d";;;;;; il:
sponsible, fo,r
,manasins
the
coming standard p*ir tiu.*
?:l{:
schedule ot rehearsals
":-"
and
performances,
the logistics
, , .,
.
--.:'.:,,'...;;;
involved in meeting their
ctuoeo tn tnts area as weil. wrtn
both
senerar
dentisis ;;;;-
:t:*'::'., T"1-:'^t*l':l''n
ciarists such as
"ril;;iir;r
policies and directions for the
covering a wide range of
oand'
I Am a Technical Officer in
Engineerin$ "l come from a large family, not very well
off financially, and I desperately wanted to be one of the first in my
family to go to college. l've always had an aptitude for technical
things, and I excelled in science and computer classes in high school. I
wanted to become a mechanical engineer, but the costs of college
were intimidating. With student loans, I felt l'd be in debt foreveL or
be forced to make
job
choices based on what l'd earn rather than on
what I would do. But it was either seek out loans or not go, as far as I
could tell, so I signed on the dotted line and started my freshman
year.
Not long after school started, I started dating a guy who was a
member of the Air Force ROTC. I used to tease him about his haircut!
But as he explained the benefits of ROTC to me, I found it very inter-
esting. He still had to take out student loans, but not nearly as much
as I did, and he was guaranteed a
job
with the Air Force right out of
college. He wanted to become a pilot and felt that the Air Force was
his best opportunity.
l'd never thought about
joining
the military, but as I explored the
possibility, it seemed more and more exciting and realistic. As an engi-
neer, there were a number of avenues I could travel with the Air Force,
and not only would I receive tuition assistance during undergraduate
studies, I could potentially work on a master's degree with assistance
later. My dad was a veteran
(Navy),
and I knew he would be surprised
but pleased with my choice.
After talking to a female ROTC recruiter, who convinced me that
the Air Force was a good career choice for a female engineer, I took
the qualifying written and physical tests. Fortunately, l've always been
in good physical health, and l'd been on the track team in high
school, so the required ROTC physical training wasn't quite as grueling
for me as it was for some of the other cadets. I can't say I loved the
AIR FORCE CAREER PERSONNEL TELI THEIR
OWN STORIES
L{)
early morning regime of ROTC
(up
at 5 a.m. for drills before class), but
the commitment was a small price.
lnitially, I thought l'd serve my mandatory four years, then rejoin
the private sector. When I graduated (with
honors), l'd hoped to get
an assignment at a base somewhere warm and sunny. lmagine my
shock when I was assigned to Minot, North Dakota! Not exactly a
beach assignment. To be honest, at first I was really upset about it.
But once I got there and got to work, I loved my
job.
The people were
friendly, the work was exactly what l'd hoped l'd be doing with my
engineering degree, and I was able to enroll in a master's program in
engineering in Grand Forks, commuting on weekends to work on my
degree.
I kept in touch with some of my engineering friends from college
who'd gone on to work for private companies, and I found that the
work the Air Force gave me was much more advanced than they were
getting. I was developing and implementing plans for rebuilding part
of the base while my friends were basically watching more experi-
enced engineers work. I loved the responsibility, even though it was
stressful at times.
The boyfriend from college was long gone (l
later heard he was
not selected as a pilot, which must have been disappointing for him),
but in Minot I met the man who would become my husband. He was
a bomber pilot, running 852 flights across the country. Together we
took advantage of the Air Force's liberal housing policy to bank a lot
of our earnings, and we took advantage of standby flights to visit
those beaches that didn't exist in Minot.
When my four years were up
(he
had more time committed than I
did, since he's a pilot), I barely had to think twice about continuing. I
could go to work in the private sector and maybe make more money,
but my skills are highly respected here, and l'm enjoying challenges
and projects that would take me years to be eligible for outside the
Air Force. We're still in Minot, although we've put in for a transfer. As
much as I love my work, l'm still not wild about winter."
tl
Crl
l'm a Medical 0fficer
"l'm
the first in my family to
join
the military. My parents were not excited about my choice; I grew
up during the Vietnam years, and my parents were opposed to that
war, so when I decided to
join
the Air Force, I met with some resis-
tance. But as a high school kid who didn't have much to offer
(or
so I
thought), the Air Force in the 1980s seemed like a good choice. I
never did take the Cold War very seriously, and as soon as I graduated
from high school, I enlisted.
It was a shock. I thought I was in good shape, but boot camp
taught me how very wrong I was. The intensive drilling, the verbal on-
slaught, the physical and mental overloads almost did me in. But I dis-
covered something about myself
-
I have a stubborn streak a mile
wide. I was not going to give up; I wasn't a quitter.
After basic training, I had dreams of becoming a pilot, but knew
l'd have to complete college and officer's training. While trying to fig-
ure out what to do, I was assigned a post as an aeromedlcal appren-
tice, working with the base flight surgeon. I saw other recruits, big
strong guys, turning green at some of the things we saw during medi-
cal work, but it never bothered me. The surgeon noticed my ability to
stay calm and focused, and he suggested I consider pursuing a medi-
cal education. l'd never considered that I could do something like
that, after all, it's a daunting program to start. But again, I don't like
to quit, once l've decided on something.
Working with the Air Force, I was able to enroll in an undergradu-
ate pre-med program at a nearby university. lt was quite a haul, work-
ing and taking those courses. But my Air Force unit was very
supportive, and I graduated with honors before applying to medical
school.
I thought about specializing, but I knew there was a shortage of
good general practice physicians in the Air Force
(and
I was going to
owe them a few years for all this education and training), so I decided
that would be my career. When med school was behind me, the Air
Force put me to work, and I haven't looked back since. l've worked at
four different bases, the first two assigned to me, and the second two
by my request.
I married an Air Force navigator, and while l'm proud of her, I
have to admit I worry that one day l'm going to be performing emer-
gency life-saving procedures on her. But I try not to focus on that,
thinking of what a great
job
she does and how much fun we have
when we take off for the great unknown on Air Force planes for our
vacations.
It's likely that l'd earn more money if I worked outside the Air
Force, but l've been with the military a long time nory and I like the
hierarchy. Besides, the
Civilian
world has its own set of challenges for a
doctor, managed care and health insurance restrictions, for example.
Being an officer as well as a doctor and having several years of Air
Force commitment under my belt, I earn a very comfortable living, es-
pecially with the many perks involved. I plan to stay through my 20
years until retirement, before considering
joining
the civilian world."
CrIJ
-
PERSONAL
QUALTFTCATTONS
PURSUING A CAREER WITH THE AIR
Force can result in a long and
satisfying work life, for the
right person. While the military
offers topnotch training and
educational opportunities, as
well as the potential to excel in
your chosen career field more
quickly than in the private sec-
tol it also requires different
personality types and skill sets
than more traditional careers.
The person most likely to
succeed in the military will be
someone who is strongly moti-
vated, both self-motivated and
motivated by external controls.
Being able to react and re-
spond on a moment's notice to
do whatever
job
needs to be
done without becoming con-
fused or distracted is a critical
ability. Air Force personnel
need to be able to assess situa-
tions and be ready to step in,
and they also need to be alert
and prepared for instructions
from higher ranks. Thinking
quickly, reacting calmly even in
emergencies, and being able to
implement orders responsibly
and efficiently are important
qualities In any Air Force role.
Taking direction and or-
ders is a key factor. The Air
Force milltary hierarchy re-
quires its personnel to accept
and act on orders, no ques-
tions asked. This is not the type
of organization that will toler-
ate people questioning author- strating respect up and down
ity or disregarding orders, even the chain of command and in-
if someone believes they have a spiring respect and motivation
better way of solving a prob- from those who work for you.
lem than their superior officer'
Whire the Air Force can be
I nere are Umes wnen tnat s ac- . .t
. _ _ l.--
-.
riqid in nature, flexibility is
cepteo rn tne pnvate sector; tn
u
,
the Air Force, it'r noiii-r.lr, i",
i!ffi'
Beginning Air Force
be conside,.o uppr.o-priui..'
'",:::::::
mav involve movins
,
several times, working at less
It's also important to be desirable locations and at
jobs
ready to take risks. Because inot necessarily your first
many personnel may be in- choice. Demonstiating willing-
volved in military actions, in-
I
ness to work within the con-
cluding administrators, lead- fines of Air Force protocol is
ers, medical personnel and important.
troops, you must be able to
h,_
draw on personat ;.;;;; ;;
^ ^,1.1"'tal
fitness is a kev
courage anu stamin. *iii.
llli]l;
BecausetheAirForceis
racins dirricutt ..tton"'*n.r.-
l1::l]ll: :"ili::*I-'nd
ios.
peacekeeping organization, all
personnel, even if they aren't
As your Air Force career considered front line, must be
progresses, you will receive ready to go to war. The Air
promotions that will require
I
Force requires all recruits to
you not only to take orders, pass physical fitness exams,
but give them, lt may be a case and those exams are repeated
of delegating an order from a ithroughout a career. Com-
higher rank, or developing or- I mitting to the physical fitness
ders on your own to deliver to program is necessary.
thoseworking underyou. ln ei-
I
ther case, you will need the
r
ability to state clearly what
ATTRACTIVE
needs to be done and follow
I
fenfUnEs OF THIS
through to make sure the or-:
CAREER
ders are followed. This involves
,
a willingness to take responsi- '
woRK,NG wtrH THE AtR F9RCE oF-
bility. lf they are you.r orders
fers a number of strongly posi-
and they aren't understood
tive components. tf you are
and obeyed, you must be will-
college-bound, u progr.,
ing not only to reprimand oth-
such is ROTC offers tuition as-
ers, but at least partially blame
sistance in exchange for a com-
yourself. Leadership qualities
mitment
(usually
four years) to
are a strong predictor
.of
suc-
I
the Air Force upon gra-duation.
cess. These include demon- ,
Many students are able to pur-
--1-_l!>
I
sue their degree with less stu- they receive comprehensive their early 40s, leaving them
dent debt, and they're guaran- medical and dental insurance. plenty of time to pursue an-
teed a
job
at the end. Options for life insurance are other career path, with a for-
The
job
assigned is usually
:1:t::
as well' ongoing tui- midable amount of relevant ex-
directry rerated to th:,ir#;;;l
tion
^assistance
is avairabre for perience in their background.
education; tor..*.riil,";.';;-
t:::,working
toward under- Manv Air Force retirees go on
gineering student ffil";;;i
::::lttt
and graduate de- to consult for larse corpora-
iir.ty uJsiven., ..n,...,.-'
o'u.'
.r_-- L-:.
,11ff:j.:lilr:i|}t:?ilH:[
ing-based work assignment. For those who like to travel
-'.
-,--"1- --'
winy students find t-hat they and see the world, l',."ni,.
:li}$?J:,ll;, Y.TIrijl"#;
have the opportunity to take Force has a number of options. :
'--,:
-, -
:--
on more demandins tasks Many at entry-leu.t *itt ii'nJ
,o,iJ|jiffi;;t:il#,?.|!fi;
sooner than they would with themselves living in several dif-
;;;'-
an entry-leveljob in the private ferent locations over several
I vrLL'
sector. Your skills are developed :
lears
(some are more desirable
at a faster rate and you are than others, but itdepends,?i
ffiA'TRACTIVE
'n'";T:: ','I"l';,,.te
se,r-
[:#
f^:;',fl:i $i'ffj:;
FiArdRib
disciptine und .ornri,r.* ;"
:::]t"Tt
assisnments' You can
the Air Force, u, *.it u, urong
li:,.-:gr..ta!e
of the abilitv to
AS lN ANY .AREER PArH' THERE ARE
work skirs, the crranc., t",,
il111
(spacJ
avairabre) on air
not only positive features to ca-
promotion within.n:il;i"l:;
:::::].,i,
eniovins that extra
reers in the Air Force, but also
are very
sood,
and the promo-
vacatton time'
ilffrffta ilt1t-t##"tt;l:
tions may occur more quickly There is
job
security for
sideration before
joining.
than they would working out- those who follow the rules and
\^,1:,^ aL.
side the Air Force. ln so"me of regulations of the alr roice.
..,,^-*l'1t^ lT { l"^::,f::
the technical areas, you may Wfrite funding cutbacks have
Yides,many
career opportunt-
find yourself working along- closed some bases, most-oi
lt::^t[^".t"9^?nization
itself has
side some very talented profes- those em ployees *.r.
-.
b-
more contro.l over the terms of
sionals, which can strengthen sorbed into other bases. At
employlent than many pri-
your own abilities as well] times of economic downtur.,
y1':.:::t?l:1'p'nies'
Signing
pay
and uenetits *,,n ,n.
if
g
Force can oepeno- on
up with the Air Force requires
Air Force are steady;;; ."*
I::lpport
of the uS govern-
vou
to t:T*it to specific
petitive
promoii".l
lra
mentto keep their*o'tisoins
ril?lh;Lfltl
till
["ri;::
cost-of-living increases, as well For those who stay with
ble; quittlng is not usually an
asadditionalfundingfortrans- theAir Force, retirement pack-
option, unless there is a com-
fers and off-base housing are ages are also attractive. The Air
pelling medical reason. Leaving
often provided (on-base hous- Force offers full retirement
the
job
without authorization
ing is free). Most Air Force per- benefits after 20 years of ser-
can be viewed as desertion and
sonnel enjoy more annual va- vice; that means that someone
result in a dishonorable dis-
cation time than people who
joins
right after college
charge, or worse, criminal
working for corporations, and would be eligible to retire in
charges. ln a private sector,
date ineligible
(for
example, available in this area. For those
several children).
interested in working on logis-
tics roles, studying militarY his-
For Enlisted Personnel
tory and strategy would be
For basic enlistment, a high
useful'
school diploma or equivalent is
Svstems
the primary educational re-
quirement. ih. Air Force offe6
The increasingly high-tech
several entry level, or appren-
world of Air Force systems indi-
tice progiams that'offey
cates that those seeking ap-
on-the-job- training. However,
pren,ticeships in this area
if you want to .iuun.., you
should pursue as much techni-
..n prrrr. college educaiion
cal' computer and science-re-
and iralning in oider to move
lated course work as possible'
up the ranks, or apply for one
of the forms of officer's train- I For Officer Becoming an of-
ing.
Administrative
Ad ministrative oPPortu ni-
ties will be better for candi-
dates who have office-related
skills, such as computer train-
ing for word processing,
spread sheet, and Power Point
functions. Additional course
work in accounting, economics
and statistics is helpful as well.
Operations/Suppott
Enlisted
personnel
Plan-
ning careers in operations and
support roles have a wide vari-
ety of paths available to them.
For those interested in
Pursu-
ing aircraft and vehicle mainte-
nance, any additional training
on machine maintenance and
related science courses would
be valuable. Studies in elec-
tronics, shop, chemistry, com-
puter science and
PhYsics
would be helpful in pursuing
most of the apprenticeshiPs
ficer in the Air Force can take
one of three
paths:
-Attending
Officer Training
School, which is a
12-week
program
-Attending
the high
school
program JROTC
(Junior Reserve Officer
Training Corp.) or the
college level ROTC, which
is usually a four-year
program, with some
exceptions
-Attending
the Air Force
Academy, a four-year
college program that
incorporates officer
training into its
bachelor's
program.
Whichever
program is
chosen, officer candidates
officer candidate, the Air Force
requires varying levels of
post-education commitment.
For standard officers, that
commitment ls four years; for
air navigators and air battle
managers, the commitment is
six years; and for pilots, 10
yea rs.
Officers are college-edu-
cated, most with a bachelor's
degree
(usually a Bachelor of
Science, but a Bachelor of Arts
degree is not uncommon in
the officer ranks). Many offi-
cers choose to pursue more ad-
vanced degrees while in the Air
Force, taking advantage of the
Air Force's tuition and educa-
I
tion support.
Flight
The Air Force provides
training for flying aircraft that
isn't available to the general
public, but students wlshing to
, become pilots would be wise
to prepare with any relevant
education, including science
and computer courses and, if
;
possible, private pilot training.
While any college degree
would be eligible for flight
training, those who focus on
related science or engineering
degrees would be most likelY
I to be chosen for training in this
hig hly competitive area.
must also pass the Air Force
Technical
Officer Qualifying
Test and sat-
, isfactorily complete the man- Technical officers are the
datory basic training
(boot
engineers, scientists and air-
camp). Once accepted as an craft maintenance supervisors
who will be expected to pursue craft, tuition assistance for
degrees in the technical sci- advanced education, free
ences, computers and math. A housing for those who live on
bachelor's degree would be base and housing allowances
the minimum requirement, al- for those who live off base,
though many officers choose food allowances, clothing al-
to obtain more advanced edu- lowances for unlform pur-
cation, either before or during chases, additional pay for
their Air Force career. hardship duty or flight duty,
Non-Technical
comprehensive insurance, and
full retirement after 20 years of
A wide variety of course service.
work can prepare personnel for
h_.
,,
.
,. r .
-::';_':_.'_-_
Pay raises based on pro-
tnrs ilne oT worK, Irom Toretqn ,.
studies to potiticar-rriri"i1, i"
l:li:?t,
time-in-service, and
.,.,
,
.
, ,
'_:-:-l
._"
cost-of-living are standard as
milrtary ntstory to Dustness-re-
,l
lated courses involving logistics
well'
and statistics. Earnings estimates are
)pectatry
based on salary and relevant al-
lowances
(housing,
food, uni-
Depending on the spe- forms). These figures do not in-
cialty chosen, officers should clude optional benefits, such
have college degrees in public as tuition assistance and allow-
relations and marketing, medi- ances for special duty. The
cal degrees, engineering, higher the pay, the higher the
health administration, law en- rank and the longer the term of
forcement, even religious stud- employment with the Air
res.
I
WHAT YOU WILL
EARN
I
Force, as pay is based strictly
'
on length of duty and rank of
promotion.
l
earn as much as
$60,000 to
$65,000
per year.
Officer Officers earn more
money, start to finish, than en-
listed personnel. Officers gen-
erally have higher education
and more specialized skills, and
they are the ones in leadership
positions, which
justifies
their
higher salaries. As pilots are of-
ficers, they have the opportu-
nity to earn additional flight
pay, and specialty officers such
as medical officers may draw
hardship duty pay if they are
assigned to remote or combat
a reas.
An entry level commis-
sioned officer, such as an Air
Force Academy or ROTC gradu-
ate, can expect to earn approx-
imately
$40,000
per year, in-
cluding the allowances.
Promotions can earn salary in-
creases of $5,000 to
$6,000,
and there are also annual cost
of living increases. An officer
who has been promoted sev-
eral times over
'15
to 20 years
of service can expect to earn
$'l 00,000 to
$ 1 25,000 per
year. Those of the highest ranks
who stay with the Air Force
past 20 years can expect to
earn close to $ 1 80,000.
Enlisted Enlisted personnel
r
who start at the basic entry
r
lN GENERAL, THOSE CHOOSTNG THE level can expect to earn ap-
Air Force for their career will proximately
$25,000
per year
find that they do not earn as (including
allowances).
promo- I
much money as those in com- tions of rank can earn increases
parable careers in the private
averaging approximately
sector. However, the military
$1000 to $1500
per promo-
does offer standard benefits tion. Additional years of service
that usually exceed those of- also increase pay, so that
fered in corporations, such as someone who has served 1 5
30 days paid vacation, free years and has been promoted
standby travel on Air Force air- throughout those years could
-
OUTLOOK
FOR THIS
CAREER
times of smaller wars
(as
.orn
:flg1
STARTED
pared to the World Wars or
TODAY
Vietnam), there's isn't the need
THE LoNG-TERM ouTLooK FoR cA-
to build a bigger military oper-
oNCE You'vE coNSIDERED THE
reers in the Air rotiu ls some-
ation'
various options available for an
what hard to predict, due to
ln the foreseeable future,
Air Force. career' and you've
the difficulty oi predicting po-
,f',. Ai,. Force will still recruit ai
done the background research
litical and international-rela-
, ult- i.u.tr, but there may be
and interviews to determine
tionships that could affect the
i.*;; slots available at all
which path.you'd like to pur-
Air Force in both positive rnO
,.unnt, especially at officer
sue, it may be time tc actively
negativeways. run[r. The moie desirable
pursueyourcareer' Bynowyou
In general, the Cold war
bases may have longerwaiting
have probablytalked with your
years and tf,e spaceil:.;-,lists,
with placemenl goinq t6
career counselor' done re-
some of the Arr ,.;Jt;,.::f
,
ir,"i.
.with
specific slrtrs ino
search at the ribrarv and on the
est growth perlods. With the
sentortty'
lnternet' and interviewed cur-
fear of potential war loomine
rhat is not to say that the
:tjt:?',::;:ii:!"t;:r1Tli".1
and the insistence on building
Air For.. is not a strong career
Havinq nurro*.d do*n yort
faster, stronger aircraft with
provider. One area of potential
choicels,
you should now begin
topnotch
pilots to fly them, the
growth is minority recruitment,
the
process of applying to the
Air Force was intent on grow-
as the military in general works
Air Force.
ing its ranks and attracting the ,1e
diversify its ranks. Anyfuture
be"st
people. Wlth the collaps.
111if iiurV uition, will have an im-
lt may. be time to return to
of the Soviet Union, however,
o..t on recruitment as well,
the recruiting officetofind out
what was on.. .onridered the
il;i.;
peacetime, p.optu *iif,
thu,
!-tt-t ,y:11:^::g: T;,1
greatest enemy no longer ex-
[ighf; technical skills, pilots
you're going to college' ROTC
Isted in a threatenine form.
il; ;.y have the ability to de-
Tiv-
b:
I 9":1t]1-t11s-f,*
While there continuJ to be
r.f.p into ftigfrt instiuctors,
Or if you've,completed college
other military actions involving
unilf,ot. developing differerli
and would likg-]:
lY:1::fl:
the US
(periian Gulf, Bosnia,
.rp..*t of flighi *ltt U. 1['g
cer's training' it's now time to
Afghanistan), the laige-scale
n15u fl-f.fy to f"ina satisfying ca-
choose the:peci-altl
ryY-9"11['
Air Force
growth hasn't
reers in the Air Force.
to pursue. Talk to your recruit-
;r.i;
,h.t!..nin il..r. igoor
g! J I
ing office about registering for
.^ -J .^L,.-:
;il19;0r.
any required exams and physi-
cal fitness tests, and continue
lnstead, ongoing budget
maintaining
your physical fit-
cuts and base closures have
ness levels;-if yo, .r. accepted,
somewhat reduced the overall
:
one of the first things you will
numbers of the Air Force. As an
do is attend boot ..rp, which
organization, it's. not likely to
will fully test your physical ca-
shrink significantly; the.impor-
: pabilities.
tance of air combat in times of
war has already
proven its ef-
Once you begin the appli-
fectiveness and worth. But dur-
cation
process,
You
maY be
rf peace, or
asked for base preferences.
18
I
\_
You may not get any of your move. lf there are student tion as possible. Advance re-
choices, but be sure to re- loansthatwill need to be paid, search will make the transfer
search the different options. make sure you know how to easier. Find out what newcom-
There's little point in request- contact the lending bank. lf ers groups might exist, either
ing a base that has no oppor- you've been accepted into the for officers or enlisted, and
tunities for someone with your Air Force but haven't received , prepare to make contact with
qualifications, so tryto be real- your final assignment yet, it's them as soon as you arrive.
istic when making requests, nottoo soon to begin packinq.
AL-..^
-,
lr
ano Keep expectations to a
you
may have manytrrings yo"u
,^*,fl:Y,t-rul''
make yourself
minimum. wourdn't take with yo, tr*
llTi':::'',1the
Air Force and
Because it's rikety that you
9::':
want to
set
rid;''
o^1ii
[':.,i,ii:il:
;13.:i,i3[H-
.
"l '_'l_
'-"
those and make arrangements
'':-:."
will have to move once ac-
;_----- __': ;:'--_:-"--:-^ : :"
ulations miqht seem enor-
cepted, you shoutd
Gi';;;k l:j^t:olust'
As soon as
,'our
as-
":
""'=
ing any necess.ry Jrr.ng.-
:l::i:tiand
moving itt"t"
mous' take your time and
ments. Even if you have-n't
l:?,^:"iuus'
begin iontutiinl
make
lY"
yo' understand
been assigned yet, make a rist
:l,l::,r.r.uant
compani.r uni
th:*'. lt's easier to abide by
, ,"',:''- ;
.'-' collecting packing boxes.
rules if you knowwhattheyare
of all financial relationships and what they mean.
(banks,
credit cards, cell phone With the assignment in
companies, etc) that you will hand, learn as much about
need to contact once you do your assigned base and loca-
19L
/
ASSOCIATIONS
The US Air Force is a massive organization
with bases around the world, but they are
also highly organized, with a variety of
centers and organizations prepared to
provide information and answer questions
about career possibilities. Your local re-
cruiting office can provide specific con-
tacts, or you can contact one of the orga-
nizations on this list. Nearly all organiza-
tions have lnternet sites and e-mail. lf you
prefer to contact someone by phone or
letter, visiting these sites will provide you
with the proper addresses and phone
numbers, or your school media center can
also help establish contact.
r Air Force Center for
Environmental Excellence
wwwafcee. brooks. af . mi I
r Air Force Doctrine Center
www.doctrine.af.mil
r Air Force News Agency
www.afnews.af.mil
r Air Force Personnel Center
www. af pc. randol p h.af. m i I
r Air Force Recruiting
Headquarters
www.airforce.com
r Air Force Reserve Command
www.afrc.af.mil
I Air Force Reserve Officer
Training Corp
www.afrotc.com
r Air Force Space Command
www.spacecom.a{.mi[
r Air National Guard
www.ang.af.mil
r United States Air Force
Academy
www.usafa.af.mil
PERIODICALS
There are many aspects to life on an Air Force
base, and most of them are chronicled through
a series of monthly or bi-monthly publications
produced by the Air Force. Many of these publi-
cations are available online, some at no cost
while others require a subscription. However,
your public or school library may have access to
some of these in print form, and your local Air
Force recruitlng office may be able to obtain
copies for you as well. Reading these periodicals
will give you a thorough grounding in what's
new and interesting in these fields, as well as
provide you with a better understanding of the
military organization overall.
I Aerospace Power Chronicles
www.a i rpower. maxwel I.af. m i I
lAir Force Magazine
www. af a. o rglm a g a zinel magz. htm I
t Air Force Times
www.airforcetimes.com
t Airman
www.af . m i !/news/a i rman
tThe Combat Edge
www.acc. af. m i l/pu bl iclcombat-ed ge/
t Flying Safety
http://safety. ki rtla nd. af . mi I
/ma
g azi ne/htd ocs/f s mf i rst. htm
t Leading Edge
http ://www. af m c.wpaf b. af . m i I
I organizati ons/H
Q-AFM
C/PA/!ead i ng_
edge/
Copyright 2002
lnstitute For Career Research
www. ca reers-i nternet. org
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