Hard Questions

FutureFalcon26

FutureFalcon26

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Jan 3, 2017
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I have some hard questions about being an officer in the air force after graduation. Sorry, there is alot. What is the hardest part of being an officer in the air force? What happens if you make a mistake or mess up? How difficult is it to rank up? What happens if you are demoted and you are still a second Lieutenant? Do you become enlisted then? Sorry, if some of these questions sound dumb. Thank you for taking the time to read my madness and answer it. :biglaugh:
 
Never worry about making a mistake. You can't learn if you don't make mistakes. You want to worry about always trying your hardest and using your best judgement. Believe me, if you are sincere in your willingness to perfect your craft, all will be well. Look out for your people and make everyone around you better. You will be just fine.
 
Agree with what has been said. ROTC is a development program to gain exposure to the USAF and equip you with the tools needed to lead. You will make mistakes and fumble. You are human, everyone does. It isn't hard to make 1stLt or Capt in the services. Selection rates are very high. Major and beyond in the services are more competitive and can vary based young year groups, service, career fields, etc. You will learn these nuances while in service. Those who don't get promoted at the lower officer ranks usually screwed up very badly... DUI, didn't complete training or education requirements or really violated some rules. Don't worry about being demoted. It is not common on the enlisted side and extremely rare on the officer side. If it does happen on the officer side it's because they did something so egregious they are headed out of service with a discharge that is not good and or the brig.
 
NavyHoops said:
If it does happen on the officer side it's because they did something so egregious they are headed out of service with a discharge that is not good and or the brig.
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I was thinking the same thing! The only time I ever heard of someone being demoted was on the way to Leavenworth!
 
Since you said in a prior post you are only in 8th grade, I would focus more about what it means to be part of the military and what all attending an SA involves. Read the official website that provides useful information and visit (with your parents) any college you are serious about attending.
 
time2 said:
Since you said in a prior post you are only in 8th grade, I would focus more about what it means to be part of the military and what all attending an SA involves. Read the official website that provides useful information and visit (with your parents) any college you are serious about attending.
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I agree with posts above and I was taught not to communicate with 13 year-old on the internet...
 
Making mistakes: depends on what it is. Missing a deadline for a paper may get you an angry talking to. Stealing a car gets you sent to prison. It is much the same in the AF.

Officers don't really get demoted. They either do not get promoted (eventually forcing them out) or discharged right then and there (with a prison sentence if it's really bad).

Making Captain (O-3) is pretty easy right now. Essentially, don't screw up too badly (DUI, etc).

The hardest thing will vary by person. Work/family balance can be tough. Managing admin and mission requirements might be tricky. Etc.
 
FutureFalcon26 said:
I have some hard questions about being an officer in the air force after graduation. Sorry, there is alot. What is the hardest part of being an officer in the air force? What happens if you make a mistake or mess up? How difficult is it to rank up? What happens if you are demoted and you are still a second Lieutenant? Do you become enlisted then? Sorry, if some of these questions sound dumb. Thank you for taking the time to read my madness and answer it. :biglaugh:
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Are you really only in 8th grade? If so, setting these kinds of goals, this early, makes me believe that you will have no problems with your "what if" questions. First, discuss your goals with your parents/grandparents/responsible adult in your life. Visit the Academy or ROTC-affiliated university website to determine the requirements for admission. After that, make a plan to take all the needed classes in high school and work hard to earn top grades. Also, think about extracurricular activities that will help you be more well rounded. Perhaps your parents have friends that served and can provide mentoring. Don't worry, you're on the right track. Good luck.
 
Also look into the USNA STEM Program (not sure if other SAs have something similar, but worth the google search). Great program to apply to and get early exposure to USNA.
 
You are 13 maybe 14.

Aim for an Ivy League education and you will be competitive.

JMPO, until that time keep your eyes open and explore every opportunity.
 
Pima said:
You are 13 maybe 14.

Aim for an Ivy League education and you will be competitive.

JMPO, until that time keep your eyes open and explore every opportunity.
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Hi Pima

Can you send me a Direct message somehow. I'm a parent that has some questions about postgraduate school in the military. My son is going to do rotc or a Service Academy.

Thanks
 
shaq32 said:
Hi Pima

Can you send me a Direct message somehow. I'm a parent that has some questions about postgraduate school in the military. My son is going to do rotc or a Service Academy.

Thanks
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While you are waiting for @Pima, if you haven't already, search the various SA forums for "graduate school" and "Master's degree." This comes up regularly, and there are many options.
 
shaq32

You have less than 10 posts, pming is not an option yet.
 
shaq32 said:
Thanks for the info
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Just FYI I am currently in graduate school (finished my MS, working on PhD) courtesy of the Air Force and I am pretty familiar with most of the Air Force grad school options out there. If you still have questions I'm happy to help
 
I served with a WO in the USMC who was a Major at one time. According to him, he had a choice at a RIF, take the demotion or get out. He only had a couple of years left to retire, so he took the demotion. Surprisingly, he had a pretty good attitude considering.
 
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