How does the process work?
COVID-19 UPDATE: With all the changes recently due to the corona virus, going forward we will have some slight changes to the enlistment process. Until further notice our Air Force Recruiting Office will remain open and continue to hold appointments and ship out applicants to basic training. However, we will be holding limiting physical contact and holding appointments virtually or over the phone when feasible. The intent is to minimize unnecessary contact for the safety of our applicants and our recruiters. Thank you for understanding.
Every recruiter has their own way to run the process so contacting the recruiter in your area is the best way to get the details of how the process works. This is a basic rundown of what you can expect when beginning your process.
Step 1: Get Prequalified
We will pre-screen you over the phone to check for any red flags that are disqualifying to enlist such as serious medical issues/law violations/drug use/etc. We can send you a practice test you can take at home to give you an idea of how you'll score on the Armed Service Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). If your pre-screen and practice test scores are good to go, you will be scheduled for an initial appointment.
Step 2: Initial Appointment
At your initial appointment you must come prepared with your original copies of your social security card, birth certificate, high school diploma, college transcripts (if applicable), and a state issued ID (drivers license, state ID, passport, etc.). Your appointment will be conducted like a typical job interview. We will ask a series of questions to determine how the Air Force can benefit you and how you can benefit the Air Force. We will then build your profile in our system and review all necessary paperwork. You will be provided a background check link that must be completed online by your next appointment. We go over all benefits, answer any questions, ensure you’re ready to join, and are open to current Air Force needs. Air Force needs currently include all mechanical aptitude jobs, electronics aptitude jobs, security forces, and special warfare positions. While we have 135+ career fields available and book a wide variety regularly, we cannot guarantee or create positions based on applicants wants. Your initial appointment is where you get the opportunity to find out about the Air Force direct from the source.
Step 3: MEPS Scheduling
Once your background check is filled out we will submit a scheduling request to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) for your official ASVAB and physical. The physical is a thorough physical to determine your medical eligibility. The physical will be checking qualifying factors such as vision, hearing, blood tests, drug tests, etc.
Step 4: MEPS Processing
MEPS will be taking precautions and will be screening everyone for Covid-19 traits or exposure upon arrival. MEPS is a 2 day appointment with you staying the night at a hotel. All expenses are covered by MEPS. Upon arrival at MEPS you will complete your ASVAB testing on the first day. You’ll spend the night at the hotel free of charge and do your physical the next day. Once the testing and physical is complete you will complete the oath of enlistment, swear into the Air Force, and be a new member in the delayed enlistment program (DEP)!
