Think of this as a research paper where you have to build a case in favor of your hypothesis.
If their concern is quality of education, research college rankings, majors, number of Rhodes, Fulbright, Marshall, Olmsted, etc., scholars. Search for the USAFA Class Profiles for Class of 2025, etc. to show the quality.
If their concern is cost, make the case you are being given a top-quality BS, room and board, with guaranteed full employment afterwards in an upwardly mobile career path. Your medical and dental care is free. You will receive a small salary.
If their concern is career path, show them all the officer communities available.
If their concern is salary after graduation, go to DFAS and look up the pay tables for O-1 under two years of service, then jump to O-3 at 4 years. Look up Basic Allowance for Housing at the AF base of your choice and explain this is an untaxed allowance. Your medical and dental will continue to be free.
If their concern is how long will you have to serve, research that. Have them look over your shoulder at USAFA.edu. Find the fun YouTube videos of cadets. Point out you can attend the first 2 years and walk away with no service obligation if you find that it is not your path.
If they are worried about “how will you get a real job after you get out,” point out you will have experience in leadership, management, resource allocation, workforce planning, critical thinking, performance under pressure, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, strong work ethic, adaptability, resourcefulness, problem-solving, plus your orifesssional area of expertise, etc., and former military officers/service academy grads are valued and recruited. The veteran network is phenomenal, and the service academy sub-net is a high-value resource.
Check out:
sacc-jobfair.com
https://www.lucasgroup.com/ Scroll down to the military section.
Over the last 30+ years, Orion Talent has matched more than 14,000 Junior Military Officers with careers at leading companies across various industries.
oriontalent.com
Bradley-Morris, one of the leading military and veteran staffing agencies, specializes in placing qualified talent into rewarding career opportunities.
www.bradley-morris.com
Corporate Gray connects military veterans with employers through its career transition books, military job fairs, and military to civilian website.
www.corporategray.com
Boutique Hiring Event specific to Degreed Veterans and Degreed Military Spouses
militarymojo.org
Are you a current or former U.S. military officer? Your professional network was forged in fire and steel. Activate it here!
ringknocker.net
vets2industry.org
IVMF is higher education’s first interdisciplinary academic institute, focused on advancing the lives of the nation’s military veterans and their families.
ivmf.syracuse.edu
This is a sliver of what’s out there, whether you do 5 years or 25.
If they are worried about post-grad education, research Air Force officer post-graduate opportunities and Tuition Assistance. There are all kinds of full-time and after-hours programs.
If they are worried, period, meaning scared for your safety, be gentle and calm and mature. They are your parents, and their job is to protect you. Be mature, focused, articulate and clear on your desire to serve your country, that you understand the risk and you know this concerns thrm. The more knowledge they have, the less their imaginations will have to fill in with terrifying scenarios. You will have to be their guide.
Visit with them if you can. Oh, and tell them there are USAFA Parents Clubs for support. And Service Academy Forums!