cjernigan

iTrader: (13)

Is anyone here in the Air Force?
I was looking at possible options for things to get into and saw this. I just graduated in December of 2008 with my B.S. in Manufacturing and Industrial Technology. This career option caught my eye because I find this kind of work to be rewarding and interesting.

Technical Careers - Officer Opportunities in the U.S. Air Force - AirForce.com

If anyone is in the Air Force I'd like to chat you up for a while.

y8s

iTrader: (8)

I can put you in touch with an office job guy in the AF who's been in a long time if you want.

He's also into cars. so there's that. PM me if you want his email.

naarleven

iTrader: (2)

Does the AF have a no tattoo policy for Officers like the Marines do?

thymer

iTrader: (5)

I served in the 80's, great time. Military experience on the resume was a door opener as well. AF is the least militaristic of all the services, nice living arrangements, etc. You'll never find a tighter team of folks for sure. Downsides? Chem warfare exercises in charcoal suits and gas masks in the Florida summer... ack

kotomile

iTrader: (24)

thymer

iTrader: (5)

Are you saying you like to beat off in charcoal suits?

mazda/nissan

iTrader: (2)

lol that would be a sight

messiahx

iTrader: (2)

My dad was in for 20 years and I was in AFROTC for a bit (I should not have left, but thats another story).

Anyways, your best bet to get some solid answers is to visit your local recruiter.

You may be able to get into Officer Training School (OTS), though I think think this happens more often with doctors, lawyers, and other hard to obtain professionals, and certainly happens more to enlisted personnel with a 4 year degree seeking to become officers.

Right now may also be a difficult time to enter the service; they can be very picky because a lot of people want in because military service offers a secure, steady job.

Tattoos are allowed as long as they remain hidden in uniform. Think basically anything that will be hidden under a short sleeve tee and jeans.

As mentioned before, talk to your local recruiter.

kotomile

iTrader: (24)

Yes. The promask restricts my breathing just enough. Plus I love the fine black dust I'm covered in after I take the suit off. Perfect.

msydnor

iTrader: (3)

I'm retired from the AF. Retired in 2005. Would do it all over again. Just remember, recruiters will flat out lie to you. If you have specific question PM me. I still work for the AF as a civilian and anything I can't answer I can find someon that can.

kotomile

iTrader: (24)

I don't know about the officer side of things, but on the enlisted side the Air Force promotes slowly. Is it the same with officers (compared with Army, Navy, Marines)?

cjernigan

iTrader: (13)

I went and spoke to the recruiter today. He said my major would be considered non-technical and told me what would be required for OTS application packet. Official Transcripts, 3 letters of recommendation (preferably from high ranked officers), personal statement, resume, and a high score on the AFOQT.
I know a colonel in the coast guard, a master sergeant retired in the army, and a Lt. colonel in the marines. So I can get the recommendations, might know someone else too. I can handle the AFOQT with some studying. The personal statement is something I would have to research and work on for a while with some time, help, and advice.
Guess I'll research the AFOQT for a while and see what the aviation side of that covers and talk to people about recommendation letters.

Any reason I can't apply to see if I can even get in? If I can't go the officer route then I'm not really interested in going normal enlisted, I have other options with equal freedom and money involved.

msydnor

iTrader: (3)

You're on the right track, coming in enlisted with a degree IMO is a mistake. You can still get into the officer ranks if you come in enlisted, but it gets more complicated.

posidon42

iTrader: (4)

I am currently an AF Captain. PM me if you have any questions. I am a 62 (Engineer) but If you have a degree already, I would pursue the OTS option. The money isn't great the first four years, but most of your income is non taxable. Again, PM me if you have any questions. There is a lot to do and the AF still has quotas they need to fill.

turbo94

im a SrA in the AF. and i have to say my goal already is to retire from here. i guess it just depends on the job you get. i personally love my job being a fire truck mechanic, but if you dont like your job, then it just makes the whole experience crappy. your stuck doing something you despise for at least 4 years. but in this day and age, its all about job security.

cjernigan

iTrader: (13)

Thanks for answering questions guys, it's much appreciated.

msydnor

iTrader: (3)

Just remember, anything a recruiter tells you may or may not be correct. THEY WILL LIE TO YOU!!!

turbo94

very true, my recruiter was a mechanic, and thats what i wanted to be so he didnt lie too much. just remember, basic training gets better after the first time you poop. thats what he told me. and its true.

posidon42

iTrader: (4)

LOL. I have never heard that but it really is true. Basic training really isn't training. It is their last chance to get rid of the weak before they sign a contract with the government. It is all mental. Well unless you can't run, then it is physical

l_bader

Retired USAF as well, and willing to answer related questions if you want to PM.

AF policy for tattoes is that (a) are not offensive, sexual in nature or racist, (b) are not above the collar and (c) do not cover more than 25% of the exposed skin when wearing Blue w/ the short sleeved shirt.

Unless you are in the Medical Field (and a few other select specialties) as an Officer you will start as a 2nd Lt (0-1). Two years later, promotion to 1st Lt. Provided you don't get caught with your hand in the cookie jar, Capt (0-3) arrives at your 4 year mark. Afterward, you fate is dependant upon your promotability; jobs held, annual ratings, continued education, awards/decorations earned and whether or not you've checked off all the boxes. Average time to Major is about 8 years. LtCol can be seen at 12-15. Beyond that is gauged by who you know, who mentors you and the other promotion criteria listed above.

In that you already have a degree, you would be a fool to consider Enlisting. (Compare a retired Capt's pay to a retired MSgt...)

In regard to recruiters, if it isn't in black and white and *signed*, it doesn't exist.

Cheers!

- L