Alright to start off, I'm a 21 year old Enlisted Airman. I turn 22 in October. My dream is to be an Air Force Officer and the path to pursue that is to go to the Academy. I know it's not easy to get into the Academy but I'll do whatever it takes to get in and excel at whatever it is I do. I just graduated Tech School yesterday and I'll be heading to my first base at McConnell AFB in Kansas. I plan to go to the Base Education Office as soon as possible to start the process. I even hear it's easier for Enlisted Airmen to get appointed compared to civilians because well for one we already have the military background also there's like 85 slots reserved for Airmen and we don't need a Congressional Nomination all we need is our Commander's signature. I plan on applying for the LEAD program and I've heard no one has heard about this program so no one applies. Also not too many people have a desire to be Officer either. Now I would have to go to the Prep School first because my grades aren't the greatest I have around a 2.6 GPA from high school along with college. I'm not sure if the SAT matters for the Prep School but I may have to retake them too which I wouldn't mind doing. I played sports in high school and college. I played basketball, baseball, and ran cross country Freshman year in high school. Sophomore year I ran cross country and played baseball, my senior year I played soccer. In college I was student ambassador for 2 years in my college and I played basketball my senior year. I have about 100 hours of community service from high school as well. When I get to my first base I plan on getting involved a lot, volunteering, and whatever I can do to get my name noticed by my leadership. Any advice on the steps I can take to get the process started. I know some on here have went through the LEAD program and went to the Prep School first and eventually got accepted into the Academy. Plus I see articles frequently about Enlisted Airmen heading to the Academy. So I know it's possible. PLEASE NO NEGATIVE RESPONSES, I'M NOT SEEKING DISCOURAGEMENT EITHER ONLY ADVICE OR ENCOURAGE THAT CAN BENEFIT ME IN THIS PROCESS. IF YOU CANNOT DO THAT THEN DON'T REPLY AT ALL. THANK YOU!
Steps I can take to get process started with AFA Prep school then to the Academy.
- Thread starter jchef15
- Start date
No I have not yet. I plan on doing so as soon as possible. I tried to get it started here at Tech School but I have to do it at my Base of Record which I'll be going to in a couple weeks. I'm planning the idea on how to get it started to make it as quick as I can.
- Joined
- Oct 21, 2010
- Messages
- 15,994
You don't apply to the Prep School. You apply to the Academy and if you're academically unqualified or yuou may have been enlisted for a while, and you've demonstrated other qualities they want, then they'll typically send you to Prep School first. It's AFA's call. The only way to find out is to apply for the Academy as enlisted.
Jchef15
Appears that the prep school won't be an option for you if you want to attend the AFA.
From the AFA admissions website "The age requirement is public law and cannot be waived. You must be at least 17 but not past your 23rd birthday by July 1 of the year you enter the Academy."
So if you get into the prep school in 2016 and if I did my math right, you will turn 23 while you are at the Prep school.
On a side note, there is a law allows West Point to waive the age limit if combat deployment prevented the applicant from applying. I don't know if the same law applies to AFA.
Appears that the prep school won't be an option for you if you want to attend the AFA.
From the AFA admissions website "The age requirement is public law and cannot be waived. You must be at least 17 but not past your 23rd birthday by July 1 of the year you enter the Academy."
So if you get into the prep school in 2016 and if I did my math right, you will turn 23 while you are at the Prep school.
On a side note, there is a law allows West Point to waive the age limit if combat deployment prevented the applicant from applying. I don't know if the same law applies to AFA.
I didn't read that part, I stopped after turning 22 this October.
We should put it up for a vote if my response is negative or discouraging. I usually stick to facts. In my defense,I have to say you have not seen me being negative or discouraging. I will stop before I say something really negative or discouraging
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2012
- Messages
- 1,098
Enlisted Airmen have the option to apply directly for the Prep School, but as posted earlier, I don't think OP will be able to do Prep due to age restrictions and I am fairly certain his HS GPA does not meet the minimum standards for direct entry.
OP, I'm not trying to be negative, just realistic. Find out what the official standards are. If you do not qualify, pursue a different commissioning program.
BTW, I see you posted to my wall asking for a personal email. Typically I stick to just private messages here on the forum. Unfortunately you need a few more posts before we can start a conversation. Feel free to send me a PM when you can.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Oct 10, 2007
- Messages
- 3,181
OP: go to your base ed office and see what they say. If you really do turn 22 soon, well, that coveted USAFA slot may not be open to you, but perhaps there may be another way to become an officer.
GPA is going to go against you there.
GPA is going to go against you there.
Christcorp
15-Year Member
- Joined
- May 21, 2008
- Messages
- 5,380
Another option. Being you'll be too old for the prep school; and if you don't receive an appointment; bust your butt getting your "5 level" and then apply for ROTC. While applying, make sure you are taking online/night college classes working towards your CCAF. (This will give you more kudos towards getting ROTC). Go to this link and look at your ROTC options. https://www.afrotc.com/scholarships/enlisted