If you have a simple process it should take 3-4 months before you ship out to basic training in San Antonio, TX. Each recruiter may run their process a little bit differently depending on the area they are assigned to. Here’s how we run it out of the Anaheim, CA office.
Step 1: Get prequalified. I’ll pre-screen you over the phone to check for any red flags that are disqualifying to enter such as serious medical issues/law violations/drug use/etc. I’ll send you a practice test you can take at home to give you an idea of how you'll score on the ASVAB. If your pre-screen and practice test scores are good to go, I'll schedule your initial appointment!
Step 2: 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.). I will build you a profile in our system and we will review all necessary paperwork. We will go over all benefits, answer any questions, ensure you’re ready to join, and are open to current Air Force needs. We will identify what is the right next step for you. If all is good to go we will put in a request to schedule your ASVAB and physical at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS).
Step 3: Once scheduled for MEPS you will go down and complete your testing on the first day. You’ll spend the night at a hotel nearby free of charge and do your physical the next day. Once the testing and physical is complete you will know what jobs you are qualified to do based on academic and physical results. You will complete the oath of enlistment, swear into the Air Force, and be a new member in the Delayed Entry Program (DEP).
Step 4: The delayed entry program (DEP) is everyone who is qualified and waiting to book a job or has booked a job and is waiting for their ship date. We will complete your DEP briefing and give you some time to review the jobs you are qualified for so you can make an educated decision. I will be available for any questions you have and to discuss realistic options. When you are ready we will send a list of 10+ specific jobs that you would like to request to our operations center. You will never be given a contract that you are not qualified for or requesting.
Step 5: Once a month our operations center will receive 100+ contracts. At this point they will review every DEP member in Southern California that does not have a job and will align contracts based on applicant's request and Air force needs. Air Force needs currently include all mechanical jobs, electronics jobs, security forces, fuels, linguists, air traffic controllers, and special warfare positions. Once you book a job you’ll receive a date to leave for basic training typically within the next 1-3 months.