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Commissioning programs: Air Force

U.S. Air Force officers are commissioned through three programs: U.S. Air Force Academy, Reserve Officer Training Corps and Officer Training School. The best method for a particular candidate will depend on that candidate’s background and goals.

The U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., is one of the nation’s highly selective service academies. Candidates are selected on the basis of academic, extracurricular and physical fitness criteria. The academy is a four-year program – including summers – that immerses the student in the military lifestyle. Upon graduation, cadets are commissioned as second lieutenants.

ROTC offers programs through more than 1,000 colleges, universities and non-government military academies such as The Citadel and Virginia Military Institute. Scholarships can defray part or all of the cost of the student’s education.

ROTC cadets attend civilian colleges and may choose their majors, but they must take military-oriented courses throughout their four years. They also participate in regular physical conditioning and military exercises, as well as a four- to six-week field exercise during one summer. Upon graduation, cadets are commissioned as second lieutenants.

The final Air Force officer commissioning program is Officer Training School. OTS offers both Basic Officer Training and Commissioned Officer Training.

Basic Officer Training is a 12-week course for college graduates and enlisted airmen who wish to become officers. Candidates may have a degree in any field, though those with technical degrees typically have a better chance of acceptance. BOT covers military customs and courtesies, military history, officership, leadership, field exercises, drill and ceremonies, and small arms training. The first half of the course orients the candidate to the military, and the second half prepares them to execute their responsibilities as officers. Graduates are commissioned as 2nd lieutenants.

Commissioned Officer Training is a four-week course for professionals such as lawyers, doctors and chaplains. Because of their qualifications, candidates are commissioned at a more advanced rank such as 1st lieutenant or captain. The rank at commissioning will depend on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Individuals interested in career opportunities as Air Force officers should contact an Air Force recruiter. They will be required to take the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test, which tests math, verbal and analytical aptitude.

The quickest — and some would say easiest — method to obtain an officer’s commission is through OTS. The disadvantage is that the candidate has already paid for his or her own college education. ROTC provides the advantage of offering attractive college scholarships. The Air Force Academy is for candidates who want to immerse themselves in the military lifestyle and the prestige of a service academy.

Both the Academy and ROTC obligate graduates to serve on active duty for four years.

Useful Web sites:

• Air Force Recruiting

• Air Force Academy

• Air Force ROTC

• Officer Training School