Air Force jobs other than being a pilot
- Thread starter navy2016
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Bullet
10-Year Member
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- Jan 9, 2008
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Here's the list of jobs being handed out this year for those getting there commission:
FY '12 Commissioning AFSC Requirements
13DXA Combat Rescue 7
13DXB Special Tactics 8
13L Career ALO 13
13M Airfield Operations 11
13S Space & Missile Ops 96
14N Intelligence 176
15W Meteorology Weather 23
17D Cyber 80
21A Aircraft Maint 40
21M Munitions/Missile Maint 13
21R Logistics Readiness 47
31P Security Forces 28
32EXA Architecture Civil Engr 2
32EXC Civil Engr Civil Engr 1
32EXE Electrical Engr Civil Engr 4
32EXF Mechanical Engr Civil Engr 4
32EXG General Engr Civil Engr 26
32EXJ Environmental Engr Civil Engr 0
35P Public Affairs 12
38F Personnel/Manpower/Svcs 44
61AX Math / Ops Research Scientist 20
61BX Behavioral Psychology Scientist 3
61CX Chemistry Scientist 2
61DX Physics Scientist 0
62EXA Aeronautical Engr Developmental Engr 28
62EXB Astronautical Engr Developmental Engr 12
62EXC Computer Engr Developmental Engr 9
62EXE Electrical Engr Developmental Engr 78
62EXG General Engr Developmental Engr 47
62EXH Mechanical Engr Developmental Engr 15
63A Engr, Math, Mgt, or 24 hrs Acquisition 50
64P Contracting 22
65F/W Financial Management 22
71S Special Investigations 8
Total Non-Rated Line 951
Pilot 505
Nav 204
ABM 68
UAS 80
Total Rated Line 857
Total 1,808
As you can see, there are a LOT of choices (just like in ALL the different services). As in each service, there are different jobs one would consider the "operational" type (i.e. what most people would imagine as being the "pointy end" of the stick), and there are others that are "support" (i.e. the rest of the stick; not the part that is associated with the actual killing, but without it, the stick is pretty much useless).
For the AF, ops is mostly associated with rated positions, and these are mostly given to about 1/3 of our Officer Corps. While there are some rated enlisted positions, they are in the vast minority. Since such a small minority is actually "rated" (which most unfamiliar consider the "warfighters" of the AF), the AF tends to get an unjustified rep as being "sittig at a desk back home".
Other "ops" types of positions (that most outside of the AF are not very familiar with) include our Special Tactics and TACP guys, but as you can see form teh stats above, they are VERY rare. Our missile folks are also considered "ops" (their sticks, however, are just a little bit larger.
)
Take a look at what's available; ask around here if you got a particular question about a particular career field, that's what we are here for (with many of us having some experience with these fields).
Better yet, search the AF sites themselves to get a good description. An background story for each of these career fields is just a google search away...
FY '12 Commissioning AFSC Requirements
13DXA Combat Rescue 7
13DXB Special Tactics 8
13L Career ALO 13
13M Airfield Operations 11
13S Space & Missile Ops 96
14N Intelligence 176
15W Meteorology Weather 23
17D Cyber 80
21A Aircraft Maint 40
21M Munitions/Missile Maint 13
21R Logistics Readiness 47
31P Security Forces 28
32EXA Architecture Civil Engr 2
32EXC Civil Engr Civil Engr 1
32EXE Electrical Engr Civil Engr 4
32EXF Mechanical Engr Civil Engr 4
32EXG General Engr Civil Engr 26
32EXJ Environmental Engr Civil Engr 0
35P Public Affairs 12
38F Personnel/Manpower/Svcs 44
61AX Math / Ops Research Scientist 20
61BX Behavioral Psychology Scientist 3
61CX Chemistry Scientist 2
61DX Physics Scientist 0
62EXA Aeronautical Engr Developmental Engr 28
62EXB Astronautical Engr Developmental Engr 12
62EXC Computer Engr Developmental Engr 9
62EXE Electrical Engr Developmental Engr 78
62EXG General Engr Developmental Engr 47
62EXH Mechanical Engr Developmental Engr 15
63A Engr, Math, Mgt, or 24 hrs Acquisition 50
64P Contracting 22
65F/W Financial Management 22
71S Special Investigations 8
Total Non-Rated Line 951
Pilot 505
Nav 204
ABM 68
UAS 80
Total Rated Line 857
Total 1,808
As you can see, there are a LOT of choices (just like in ALL the different services). As in each service, there are different jobs one would consider the "operational" type (i.e. what most people would imagine as being the "pointy end" of the stick), and there are others that are "support" (i.e. the rest of the stick; not the part that is associated with the actual killing, but without it, the stick is pretty much useless).
For the AF, ops is mostly associated with rated positions, and these are mostly given to about 1/3 of our Officer Corps. While there are some rated enlisted positions, they are in the vast minority. Since such a small minority is actually "rated" (which most unfamiliar consider the "warfighters" of the AF), the AF tends to get an unjustified rep as being "sittig at a desk back home".
Other "ops" types of positions (that most outside of the AF are not very familiar with) include our Special Tactics and TACP guys, but as you can see form teh stats above, they are VERY rare. Our missile folks are also considered "ops" (their sticks, however, are just a little bit larger.
)Take a look at what's available; ask around here if you got a particular question about a particular career field, that's what we are here for (with many of us having some experience with these fields).
Better yet, search the AF sites themselves to get a good description. An background story for each of these career fields is just a google search away...
Christcorp
15-Year Member
- Joined
- May 21, 2008
- Messages
- 5,380
And to add to bullet's info; if you're interested in what the jobs actually are for officers in the air force, here's a good website by the air force that explains them.
http://www.airforce.com/opportunities/officer/careers/
http://www.airforce.com/opportunities/officer/careers/
Another great source of info about careers is this site here
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/officerjobs/a/afoffjobs.htm
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/officerjobs/a/afoffjobs.htm
VERY hard. There are a couple people at my det who tried to go STO/CRO. I dont know the process very intimitely. But it involves a very long process, in which you must be selected to do a PDT with them over the summer. Then you must be invited back for another phase of selection. And then I think there's even another phase of interviews. And that's just go get selected for STO/CRO training after commissioning. It takes about 2 years to complete training and be qualified.
http://www.specialtactics.com/sto.shtml
That website has a lot of info you might be interested in.
Eagle 1
5-Year Member
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- Dec 28, 2009
- Messages
- 236
This is just from what I've observed and been told when our rated slots were announced, but I believe UAS/UAVs/RPAs/whatever acronym we're going with now is actually separate from UPT (ie: it's now its own option).
I'll try and verify that, though I'm sure someone here will beat me to it.
Edit: Cool, Google took care of this question pretty easily:
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123208561
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Force_Specialty_Code
- Unmanned Aerospace System (UAS)
-- 1U0X1 - Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Sensor Operator
I'll try and verify that, though I'm sure someone here will beat me to it.
Edit: Cool, Google took care of this question pretty easily:
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123208561
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Force_Specialty_Code
- Unmanned Aerospace System (UAS)
-- 1U0X1 - Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Sensor Operator
Nice, it's actually 18X as the officer AFSC. that's the sensor operators; which is an enlisted job.
Thanks though, that helped.
Will UAS pilots have to be flying class i ii or iii? i have bad eyes, and that's why i was looking into flying UASs.
Thanks.
Thanks though, that helped.
Will UAS pilots have to be flying class i ii or iii? i have bad eyes, and that's why i was looking into flying UASs.Thanks.
Eagle 1
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2009
- Messages
- 236
Good catch on the AFSC. Saw the 18X in the AF article but just grabbed the first one I saw on wiki (see kids, always double check haha).
As for the flying class, I don't know, but I can tell you that the Air Force does allow laser eye surgery. A good number of people from my det have gone through it for flying slots (among others) and I plan to as well after field training next summer, so don't dismiss your eyesight immediately.
On that note though, if you do it yourself during ROTC - and I would assume the AFA as well - not only do you need AF approval first, but it comes out of your pocket.
As for the flying class, I don't know, but I can tell you that the Air Force does allow laser eye surgery. A good number of people from my det have gone through it for flying slots (among others) and I plan to as well after field training next summer, so don't dismiss your eyesight immediately.
On that note though, if you do it yourself during ROTC - and I would assume the AFA as well - not only do you need AF approval first, but it comes out of your pocket.
Pima
10-Year Member
- Joined
- Nov 28, 2007
- Messages
- 13,900
I am not sure you need AF approval for ROTC, because it is on your dime. HOWEVER, you would be a fool to not go to a doc that works with military members, because we all know the military has their own parameters.
You also need to understand it will cause an immediate DodMERB issue to ensure you are in the parameters, thus, talk to the AFHQ or MullenLE. Don't rely on a pal in the cadre or the command. They are not the final voice. DodMERB is.
Don't touch your eyes until you are 20. They will change and that is why even the AFA will not do this until @ 20.
Eyes are one part of your body as a military member you need to think long and hard about because it is a big issue.
Not everyone has eyesight that is correctable, for some surgery is not an option.
johnd9090.
I would suggest you post on the DodMERB forum your question. Bad eyesight is a broad spectrum. It is about correctable eyesight and the requirements for that AFSC. MullenLE will be the one to tell you if what you consider bad eyesight is considered bad eyesight according to them. He will also be able to tell you if it is a waiverable issue.
You also need to understand it will cause an immediate DodMERB issue to ensure you are in the parameters, thus, talk to the AFHQ or MullenLE. Don't rely on a pal in the cadre or the command. They are not the final voice. DodMERB is.
Don't touch your eyes until you are 20. They will change and that is why even the AFA will not do this until @ 20.
Eyes are one part of your body as a military member you need to think long and hard about because it is a big issue.
Not everyone has eyesight that is correctable, for some surgery is not an option.
johnd9090.
I would suggest you post on the DodMERB forum your question. Bad eyesight is a broad spectrum. It is about correctable eyesight and the requirements for that AFSC. MullenLE will be the one to tell you if what you consider bad eyesight is considered bad eyesight according to them. He will also be able to tell you if it is a waiverable issue.
Last edited:
Eagle 1
5-Year Member
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- Dec 28, 2009
- Messages
- 236
When I asked about it I was told I had to work with the AF before doing it. If not for approval then probably for getting an earlier FT slot since that has to come first, then the surgery, then a period of time you're on MRS - and if that all doesn't fall in line perfectly then it can screw with PT testing (among other things for a rated slot).
From what I've experienced so far, everything in ROTC is a timing game. Get as much information as you can and start planning early - and plan contingency plans for those plans
On another note Pima brought up, definitely ask your det who to go to in the area because as we all know, the Air Force also runs on paperwork...
Everything else Pima said I agree with, especially talking with Mr. Mullen.
Pima
10-Year Member
- Joined
- Nov 28, 2007
- Messages
- 13,900
I didn't want to muddy the waters.
You are 1000% correct, you need to time it right. That is a big issue. The window can be extremely small.
I think it was more about the SFT slot because you can't have it done prior to SFT, and you need a certain amount of time before ROTC starts up. Hence, you are not asking permission to get it done, you are asking them to move the schedule so you can get it done and be healed before the AFSC board. (CAVEAT: AFSC boards for 13 are rumored to be now at 400, for 12 it was 300's). You can't go to Maxwell V and expect that you have given enough time to heal from the surgery if school starts in August. You would def. need to be in IV. You also can't do it before SFT with V because you would need DodMERB clearance. That means you need the AF to place you in the earlier spots, and that causes paperwork for them because you would force someone else to move to another session.
For this poster, the question still remains about vision. For 12 commissioning UAS is a rated slot, thus a rated board.
It is best IMPO we don't jump to the conclusion that their eyes are correctable with surgery, and let Mullen give them guidance in this situation.
It is also good to inform ROTC candidates that are eligible for surgery to understand it is on your dime, but because the AF doesn't want you to do it until you are 20+, it can be a multiple issue. If it is an issue expect:
1. Contacting the AF to get it done in their window
2. It can cause a DodMERB issue
3. It will not guarantee a rated slot
The one thing that anyone who ever served long term in the military will tell you is TIMING MATTERS!
You have no control over it.
In the 20 yrs Bullet served I have seen waivers for medical, age, career field given out like candy. I also have seen them shut the pipeline down so hard that if you turned the age limit 1 day after the class(school) starts they say Buh-by!
Timing was the reason, had they been a yr younger or a yr older it might have been a different result.
Talk to Mullen. Watch how the AF is flowing. If it appears that they are need and you are AD, apply as soon as they open it.
Do not ASSUME that because when you are 18 it will be the same way when you are 23 AD. It happens.
True story: Back in 97/98 they were short on pilots. Economy was good and they were diving at an enormous rate. Honestly, it wasn't 1 pilot per month in the squadron, it was 3,4, or 5. Every friday night at the O Club a guy was buying the bar because they were going to the airlines on Monday. That lasted for about 2 yrs.
It got so bad that they went to the WSO's and said we will give age waivers to all of you, for UPT I think it was up to 33.
Timing!
The 1 day too old story is also true, and the guy had a Flag officer's direct support, BUT at the same time there was a RIF, and no fighters were coming down. In essence, UPT was truly cut throat.
Timing!
Promotions will also be this way.
You are 1000% correct, you need to time it right. That is a big issue. The window can be extremely small.
I think it was more about the SFT slot because you can't have it done prior to SFT, and you need a certain amount of time before ROTC starts up. Hence, you are not asking permission to get it done, you are asking them to move the schedule so you can get it done and be healed before the AFSC board. (CAVEAT: AFSC boards for 13 are rumored to be now at 400, for 12 it was 300's). You can't go to Maxwell V and expect that you have given enough time to heal from the surgery if school starts in August. You would def. need to be in IV. You also can't do it before SFT with V because you would need DodMERB clearance. That means you need the AF to place you in the earlier spots, and that causes paperwork for them because you would force someone else to move to another session.
For this poster, the question still remains about vision. For 12 commissioning UAS is a rated slot, thus a rated board.
It is best IMPO we don't jump to the conclusion that their eyes are correctable with surgery, and let Mullen give them guidance in this situation.
It is also good to inform ROTC candidates that are eligible for surgery to understand it is on your dime, but because the AF doesn't want you to do it until you are 20+, it can be a multiple issue. If it is an issue expect:
1. Contacting the AF to get it done in their window
2. It can cause a DodMERB issue
3. It will not guarantee a rated slot
The one thing that anyone who ever served long term in the military will tell you is TIMING MATTERS!
You have no control over it.
In the 20 yrs Bullet served I have seen waivers for medical, age, career field given out like candy. I also have seen them shut the pipeline down so hard that if you turned the age limit 1 day after the class(school) starts they say Buh-by!
Timing was the reason, had they been a yr younger or a yr older it might have been a different result.
Talk to Mullen. Watch how the AF is flowing. If it appears that they are need and you are AD, apply as soon as they open it.
Do not ASSUME that because when you are 18 it will be the same way when you are 23 AD. It happens.
True story: Back in 97/98 they were short on pilots. Economy was good and they were diving at an enormous rate. Honestly, it wasn't 1 pilot per month in the squadron, it was 3,4, or 5. Every friday night at the O Club a guy was buying the bar because they were going to the airlines on Monday. That lasted for about 2 yrs.
It got so bad that they went to the WSO's and said we will give age waivers to all of you, for UPT I think it was up to 33.
Timing!
The 1 day too old story is also true, and the guy had a Flag officer's direct support, BUT at the same time there was a RIF, and no fighters were coming down. In essence, UPT was truly cut throat.
Timing!
Promotions will also be this way.
Pima
10-Year Member
- Joined
- Nov 28, 2007
- Messages
- 13,900
I didn't want to muddy the waters.
You are 1000% correct, you need to time it right. That is a big issue. The window can be extremely small.
I think it was more about the SFT slot because you can't have it done prior to SFT, and you need a certain amount of time before ROTC starts up. Hence, you are not asking permission to get it done, you are asking them to move the schedule so you can get it done and be healed before the AFSC board. (CAVEAT: AFSC boards for 13 are rumored to be now at 400, for 12 it was 300's).
For this poster, the question still remains about vision. For 12 commissioning UAS is a rated slot, thus a rated board.
It is best IMPO we don't jump to the conclusion that their eyes are correctable with surgery, and let Mullen give them guidance in this situation.
It is also good to inform ROTC candidates that are eligible for surgery to understand it is on your dime, but because the AF doesn't want you to do it until you are 20+, it can be a multiple issue. If it is an issue expect:
1. Contacting the AF to get it done in their window
2. It can cause a DodMERB issue
3. It will not guarantee a rated slot
The one thing that anyone who ever served long term in the military will tell you is TIMING MATTERS!
You have no control over it.
In the 20 yrs Bullet served I have seen waivers for medical, age, career field given out like candy. I also have seen them shut the pipeline down so hard that if you turned the age limit 1 day after the class(school) starts they say Buh-by!
Timing was the reason, had they been a yr younger or a yr older it might have been a different result.
Talk to Mullen. Watch how the AF is flowing. If it appears that they are need and you are AD, apply as soon as they open it.
Do not ASSUME that because when you are 18 it will be the same way when you are 23 AD. It happens.
True story: Back in 97/98 they were short on pilots. Economy was good and they were diving at an enormous rate. Honestly, it wasn't 1 pilot per month in the squadron, it was 3,4, or 5. Every friday night at the O Club a guy was buying the bar because they were going to the airlines on Monday. That lasted for about 2 yrs.
It got so bad that they went to the WSO's and said we will give age waivers to all of you, for UPT I think it was up to 33.
Timing!
The 1 day too old story is also true, and the guy had a Flag officer's direct support, BUT at the same time there was a RIF, and no fighters were coming down. In essence, UPT was truly cut throat.
Timing!
Promotions will also be this way.
You are 1000% correct, you need to time it right. That is a big issue. The window can be extremely small.
I think it was more about the SFT slot because you can't have it done prior to SFT, and you need a certain amount of time before ROTC starts up. Hence, you are not asking permission to get it done, you are asking them to move the schedule so you can get it done and be healed before the AFSC board. (CAVEAT: AFSC boards for 13 are rumored to be now at 400, for 12 it was 300's).
For this poster, the question still remains about vision. For 12 commissioning UAS is a rated slot, thus a rated board.
It is best IMPO we don't jump to the conclusion that their eyes are correctable with surgery, and let Mullen give them guidance in this situation.
It is also good to inform ROTC candidates that are eligible for surgery to understand it is on your dime, but because the AF doesn't want you to do it until you are 20+, it can be a multiple issue. If it is an issue expect:
1. Contacting the AF to get it done in their window
2. It can cause a DodMERB issue
3. It will not guarantee a rated slot
The one thing that anyone who ever served long term in the military will tell you is TIMING MATTERS!
You have no control over it.
In the 20 yrs Bullet served I have seen waivers for medical, age, career field given out like candy. I also have seen them shut the pipeline down so hard that if you turned the age limit 1 day after the class(school) starts they say Buh-by!
Timing was the reason, had they been a yr younger or a yr older it might have been a different result.
Talk to Mullen. Watch how the AF is flowing. If it appears that they are need and you are AD, apply as soon as they open it.
Do not ASSUME that because when you are 18 it will be the same way when you are 23 AD. It happens.
True story: Back in 97/98 they were short on pilots. Economy was good and they were diving at an enormous rate. Honestly, it wasn't 1 pilot per month in the squadron, it was 3,4, or 5. Every friday night at the O Club a guy was buying the bar because they were going to the airlines on Monday. That lasted for about 2 yrs.
It got so bad that they went to the WSO's and said we will give age waivers to all of you, for UPT I think it was up to 33.
Timing!
The 1 day too old story is also true, and the guy had a Flag officer's direct support, BUT at the same time there was a RIF, and no fighters were coming down. In essence, UPT was truly cut throat.
Timing!
Promotions will also be this way.
