pixiestudent, for a little background, I did a double major in physics and math as well as played IC tennis (my first two years prior to getting injured).
My favorite parts about physics were probably how interesting all the classes were combined with the solid teaching. I found that the teachers of the upper level physics courses were some of the best I had in my Academy experience. I also LOVED what was called the "capstone" project when I was there. It was basically a small research project you worked on senior year (for me all year because I combined math and physics). I had the opportunity to work with USAFA's fast tracking 16in telescope to collect some data and analyze it. That work was recently completed by a couple students following me and published (
http://opticalengineering.spiedigitallibrary.org/article.aspx?articleid=2461778). I also had the opportunity to present my work towards the end of senior year at a space situational awareness workshop (basically a meeting of scientists all working a similar problem).
The thing you should know about majoring in physics is that it is one of if not THE hardest majors at USAFA. The workload is insane as is the level of difficulty of that work. I am not naturally gifted in physics and had to work very hard to get decent grades in those classes.
As for my experience after graduation:
I was assigned to AFRL, Sensors Directorate for my first two years after graduating. Most of my work consisted of working with the civilian contractors and government (still civilian) scientists on a test of a LADAR (laser detection and ranging) system that was being developed. I was primarily responsible for setting up and running test equipment in one of our trailers as well as programming some of that test equipment, cleaning optics, and just doing what needed to be done to get the test done.
The typical Air Force scientist will manage research programs, usually involving contracts with companies like Raytheon, Boening, etc..., making sure the government is getting what it asks for and helping make technical decisions (answering questions like which proposal for a project is the strongest? Is one claiming they can do something not physically possible?)
For staying in...hmmm....
I have a little over 2 years left on my PhD then I am headed to work at another AFRL lab. After that I hope to get a teaching assignment at USAFA. I honestly don't see myself staying in after that point. I like to be involved with the science and a lot of the higher ranking officers I see just get stuck managing programs with very little technical work. There are other factors as well though, my family is from Oregon and all of the assignments for physicists are not anywhere near there. I think I would be more likely to stay in if I weren't so tight with my family and wanting to move back there in the relatively near future.
Oh, and if you are interseted in a typical Air Force schedule...mine is not it. As a 2d Lt in the lab, I had "flexible hours" meaning I HAD to work from 0900-1500 but could tack on the extra 2hrs a day anywhere. Most days I came in at 0700 and left at 1500. As for now...I am in school so my day is dictated by my classes. This quarter I get up at about 0600, work from home till 1100, grab lunch, then head for class from 1200 to about 1600 depending on the day. After that I typically burn off some steam on the tennis court. Like I said, not typical, but about as chill as you can get.
Hopefully that helps! Let me know if you have more questions or want more specifics