Not everyone will qualify for a career in the Air Force, but if you meet eligibility requirements and pass the physical and mental testing, you will be rewarded with a satisfying and challenging career with outstanding benefits.
Eligibility Requirements to Join the Air Force
There are basic eligibility requirements you must first meet before you can join the air force in terms of your age, educational background and citizenship:
Age Requirements: you must be at least the minimum age of 17, and below the maximum age of 27 to enlist.
Education Requirements: you must be a high school graduate or have a GED with a minimum of 15 college credits.
Citizenship Requirements: you must be a United State Citizen or permanent legal resident.
If you meet these eligibility requirements, you will then need to pass an aptitude test and a physical test to get in the Air Force.
Meet with an Air Force Recruiter
Once you determine you meet the basic eligibility requirements you should work with an Air Force recruiter to get your questions answered about how to join the Air Force and to start planning your military career.
See if you qualify to join the Air Force for free. Click here to get started.
Take the Aptitude Test to Get In the Air Force
The first step to getting into the Air Force is the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (AFVAB). This test measures your ability in four critical areas: reading comprehension, arithmetic reasoning, mathematics knowledge, and word knowledge. The test is used by the Air Force to determine whether or not candidates have the mental aptitude required and to help select which military jobs are appropriate for each individual’s strengths and weaknesses.
Physical and Mental Screening
After you take the AFVAB, you will need to meet with your Air Force recruiter again to discuss the results and your options based on your physical and mental screening. A list of Air Force jobs you qualify for will be presented to you, and you can begin the job selection process and then you will find out exactly how do you get in the Air Force and enlist during this meeting.
Prepare for Basic Training During Your Delayed Entry Program
If you have passed all of the necessary testing requirements, you will be placed in the Delayed Entry Program prior to being sent to basic training. The length of time you wait depends on the job you select and the current need. It is recommended that everyone looking to join the Air Force spend some time working on your physical conditioning to help you once you reach basic training.
Air Force Basic Military Training
You will spend 8 weeks in Basic Military Training, where you will receive Air Force orientation, combat lifesaving skills, and basic war skills. During these weeks, you will learn what you need to learn to be successful as an Air Force cadet.
Start Your Air Force Career Training
Once you have successfully completed your BMT, you will move on to career training through the Technical Training program. This is where your military career begins, and you will eventually receive a college degree in addition to your Air Force training.
Air Force Pay and Benefits
Once you enlist in the Air Force, you receive the enlisted annual salary depending on your rank and job; plus a wide variety of valuable benefits, such as paid vacation time, tuition assistance, low-cost health insurance, life insurance, and a retirement plan. For Airmen deciding to live on-base, you receive living expenses including utilities and maintenance. Single Airmen can receive up to four meals a day through the on-base dining facilities for free, which feature both home-cooked meals and fast-food options. You may also shop for food through on-base grocery and department stores and make your purchases tax-free. If you live off-base, you will receive a monthly tax-free housing allowance based on your family status, geographic location, and military rank.
Airmen receive 30 days of paid vacation each year. If you decide to take a vacation and travel to a destination near a military facility, the Air Force will even offer you and your family hotel-quality lodging on base for around $6 per night. You can save money on flights by taking advantage of available space on Air Force aircraft when taking vacations, too. If you happen to be stationed abroad, you are free to explore the destination in your free time and on weekends.
See if you qualify to join the Air Force for free. Click here to get started.