Dad
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^^^^^^^ Agree 100%
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^^^^^^^ Agree 100%
Matthew, I would encourage you to go to college and do AFROTC, instead of enlisting. You can find out more about the LEAD program for active duty airmen on the Admissions website, just click on the "Airmen" and "Current Airmen" tabs. The application process and requirements are nearly the same, except, instead of requiring an MOC or other "nomination", you need a recommendation from your Commander. This substitutes for your "nomination". It would be a serious mistake to think that it is "easier" to apply as an airman.May not be advice but if anyone wants to join with me, I'm considering enlisting in the Air Force if not accepted to the AFA.
Still possible to 'serve' while apply at the same time
There are very few LEAD slots available and an increasing number of applicants, so that the competition for LEAD appointments has never been higher. In addition, you would need to get through Basic and also your tech school before you would have a chance to apply, so you will miss a chance to apply for the class of 2017, as the LEAD deadline for the Preliminary application for the Class of 2017 is December 31 of this year.
Just a few things you ought to consider, IMHO...
If there is absolutely no way you can swing college, enlisting in the Air Force is a great way to serve your country, and there are several pathways airmen can pursue towards a commission.
You can attempt to apply the day after you graduate BMT.
CristalLee
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How about prior enlisted spouse? My DH & I are HS sweethearts, I've been along for the ride the entire time.
Remember there is more than one way to the ultimate goal. If you enlist, be sure to opt for the GI Bill. If you don't get into the AFA from the sources that are available - there is always ROTC and OTS. Work hard, take classes during your free time, maintain good grades, stand out.
My DH's path (which is all I can really tell you about through experience). He enlisted because his parents did not plan for college for him, if he wanted more, he had to go get it. DH took classes in his off time - he was looking towards AECP (Airman Education Commissioning Program), which ultimately he did not do (and i'm not even sure still exists). If he was on day shift, he went to school at night - if he was on swings or mid's he went to school during the day. And I did the same, school during the day, work at night. Until DS arrived, then DD. He then one day came to me and said "what about getting out of active duty to go do ROTC" - I just said show me how we can live and i'm in. DH ultimately he competed for and was awarded a SOAR scholarship to AFROTC to finish his last two years. By this time, DS was almost 3 and DD 10 months. DH got out of the AF moved us down to ERAU in AZ, I enrolled FT in school as well, we received scholarships, grants, and student loans. DH finished and received his commission after 5 years 8 months of enlisted time. Without wife and kids, your path will be much more expedient I am sure.
My DH seconds this 100%. DH also added getting a few college credits under your belt (through testing or a semester at a JC) so you can enlist as an E-3. If you have further questions, i'll be happy to ask DH (as it is Sunday and he is around to ask). PM me if you feel more comfortable.
May not be advice but if anyone wants to join with me, I'm considering enlisting in the Air Force if not accepted to the AFA.
Still possible to 'serve' while apply at the same time
I just want to add, take what the enlisted here are saying, very seriously. My DS always wanted the Academy, but for some unfortunate circumstances, not anything he did, but things that affected him, he chose to enlist instead. I wanted him to do AFROTC at college, because he is a very bright kid. But no, he enlisted.
As a mom, I think it was a very brave decision. Some mention BMT. My DS, when he was able to call me a few times, made everything seem rosy. I found out after how hard it was. He just didn't want me to know.
Then, you go to tech school, and then to your job, wherever they send you.
My DS is 20 years old, and having to be an adult, with so much responsibility. He's left most of his friends in the dust, because they are still having fun, being young people.
I have many friends who are AF moms, and also moms from other branches. These kids work very hard, and have to grow up very fast. It isn't easy, the enlisted life, but it is a proud way of life.
Everyone that is saying that getting a recommendation isn't easy, is right. And don't let these guys fool you. They are working very hard, everyday, growing up fast. But they still stood out. They still went above and beyond, and were recognized.
I am so incredibly proud of my DS, and all the others serving. But if, and I think they all should, get into the Academy, or Prep, by gosh they have earned it.
profsparrow
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It's certainly commendable to want to serve. But if you choose to go the enlisted route to acceptance at USAFA be cautious! If you land in an AFSC that requires you to be on TDY often, you will have a hard time to start and finish any courses that you may be taking at night school (to have college courses to show to USAFA). AD Air Force's needs come first, not your courses, or grades. If they need you to go to TDY to Alaska for a couple of weeks, you go, even if it means missing the last two weeks of school, and your finals. Be careful in selecting a specialty.
In regards to "more than one way to reach your goal", this is a Navy story, but proves the point. My nephew wanted to go to the Naval Academy, but did not get a medical waiver in time to get an appointment. He went the ROTC route, but hurt his foot first semester freshman year and ended up dropping from ROTC. He graduated in five years and moved cross country (NC to Wash.) to take his first job. After a year or so the company had layoffs and being new man he was one of the first to go. He moved back east and got a job outside of DC in a company that his sister worked for. He just wasn't thrilled with the desk job and had thoughts of Secret Service, CIA, FBI... Well, a little more than a year ago he applied and was accepted in to OCS to become a Navy pilot. I had the pleasure of attending his graduation last July and he is currently in Florida in flight training. He joked with my son (A West Point Cow)that it only took him 12 weeks to become an officer while it was taking my son four years.
So, if your goal is to be an USAF Officer, keep working hard and there are multiple ways to get there. And, continued best wishes and good luck for those still waiting to hear on AFA admission!
So, if your goal is to be an USAF Officer, keep working hard and there are multiple ways to get there. And, continued best wishes and good luck for those still waiting to hear on AFA admission!
CristalLee
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Where did you get the information about the "National" offers going out this week?
Thanks!
Pima
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Christal,
Whether there is or is not a public announcement, the fact is this week is the week for the remaining bulk of appointments.
If more come out next week, it will be the equivalent to the amount of appointments that came down between 10/15 and 11/15. Few and far between. I am not a betting woman, thus, I would move full steam with Plan B.
There have been posters that got last minute appointments in May/June, but I do not need every finger on 1 hand to count them in the 4 1/2 yrs I have been here.
Time to HOPE for the best, PREPARE for the worst.
Best wishes and hopes for every candidate waiting to see a BFE in the mailbox.
Whether there is or is not a public announcement, the fact is this week is the week for the remaining bulk of appointments.
If more come out next week, it will be the equivalent to the amount of appointments that came down between 10/15 and 11/15. Few and far between. I am not a betting woman, thus, I would move full steam with Plan B.
There have been posters that got last minute appointments in May/June, but I do not need every finger on 1 hand to count them in the 4 1/2 yrs I have been here.
Time to HOPE for the best, PREPARE for the worst.
Best wishes and hopes for every candidate waiting to see a BFE in the mailbox.
TWE just came here in southern Ohio. Not a surprise, DS received nomination only to USNA back in December (still waiting to hear from Annapolis one way or the other). Actually, I guess I was a little surprised, that they sent anything at all...we just figured no nom = not even worth Admissions review of file. Anyway, the letter was dated March 29, 2012 and arrived just a few minutes ago on April 2.
CristalLee
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BTE - Big Thin Envelope... Addressed to DS got excited for a second... Thought this is too thin??? Still a happy envelope! From AFROTC... finishing up Plan C. Which DS is extremely grateful for and a great path.
CheeringHimOn
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Congrats on the Type 1! Haven't seen many of those on the forum. Know you're very proud and what a great plan B!
Matthew1994
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Congratulations to EVERYONE who even made the attempt to apply and made it so far in the game. Summer Seminar was the closest experience I've had (Others can say the same as well) in getting a vital perspective to the academy. I as well received a TWE today 
. I'm not as sad as others however it would've been nice to know that all my efforts in high school paid off nicely. 
(Guess not)
Still, I wish everyone the best of luck in their future plans as the majority receives their mail this week; I know I won't be re-applying for personal reasons.
Bye!
. I'm not as sad as others however it would've been nice to know that all my efforts in high school paid off nicely. (Guess not)Still, I wish everyone the best of luck in their future plans as the majority receives their mail this week; I know I won't be re-applying for personal reasons.
Bye!
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TWE came in todayim heartbroken...
I'm sorry!
You guys are making me nervous. I can't check the mail yet. DSs TWE came today. We will now move forward with Plan B that we set into motion a while back. Congrats to those that have made it! I'm proud of my DS for going for it! He is in good spirits knowing his other top choice is waiting for him.
