1.
Will I have an opportunity to become a pilot or navigator?
2. Do graduates have a chance to obtain an advanced
degree?
3. Can graduates enter medical school?
4. Can graduates enter law school?
5. What are some of the benefits of an Air Force
career?
1.
Will I have an opportunity to become a pilot or navigator?
Yes. While at the Academy, cadets obtain a solid background in all
phases of aviation. All male and female cadets who meet the physical
qualifications are considered for flying training and may be selected
to fill available openings. Undergraduate Flying Training (conducted
after graduation at several U.S. bases) prepares qualified graduates
for flying careers in airlift, bomber, fighter, multirole, special
operations or transport aircraft.
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2.
Do graduates have a chance to obtain an advanced degree?
A few graduates will receive scholarships to attend civilian graduate
schools immediately after graduation. Graduates in the top 15 percent
of their class on overall performance average will normally be assured
of future graduate education for a Master’s degree if they
meet two important criteria: they must perform well as officers
and the Air Force must need people from the degree program they
wish to pursue. These graduates will be eligible for attendance
after three years on active duty. Other graduates may also have
opportunities for graduate education through the Air Force Institute
of Technology (AFIT) program. Most degree-granting programs are
conducted in conjunction with civilian universities. In addition,
many Academy graduates attend one or more of the armed forces professional
military schools during their careers.
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3.
Can graduates enter medical school?
The Air Force may send up to three percent of each graduating class
directly to medical school upon graduation. Additionally, up to
one half percent of each graduating class may be selected to attend
dental school, with another one half percent being selected to attend
nursing school. This, in effect, brings the total percentage that
might be selected to attend Health Professions Postgraduate education
to four percent. These graduates complete their training through
the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Programs or the
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. These same
two programs are available to all active-duty officers. Selection
for these programs is on a competitive basis and the number of students
will be based on the needs of the Air Force.
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4.
Can graduates enter law school?
The Air Force currently has no provision for graduating cadets to
directly enter into law school. Congress has authorized the Air
Force to enter a small number of active-duty Air Force officers
into law school each year. An Academy graduate, as well as any other
Air Force officer, must complete two years of active duty before
becoming eligible for consideration. Selection for sponsorship to
law school is on a competitive basis among all active-duty officers
who apply.
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5.
What are some of the benefits of an Air Force career?
The pay and allowances of a new officer compare favorably with starting
salaries in business, industry and the professions. An officer advances
in rank according to the needs of the Air Force and professional
performance. The Air Force puts a high premium on leaders with vision,
dedication and ability. It offers a stimulating challenge and an
interesting future in a wide spectrum of fields for Academy graduates
to employ their leadership talents. There are opportunities for
advanced education. All career officers are eligible to apply for
further education through AFIT at civilian colleges and universities.
Selected officers attend on a full-time basis, receive pay and allowances,
have their tuition and fixed fees paid and receive some reimbursement
for books and thesis expenses. During each move, reimbursement for
transportation costs, an extra allowance for incidental expenses
of moving and free shipment of household goods are provided. Additional
benefits are: medical and hospital expenses, commissary and base
exchange privileges, officers club privileges, VA and FHA mortgage
loan insurance, group life insurance and 30 days paid vacation each
year. The current law enables an officer to retire after completing
20 years of active service.
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