What is the Air Force?

One of the five branches of the Armed Forces, the Air Force defends the United States through control and exploitation of air and space.

Read more through this page, once you are ready to apply click the link "United States Air Force Application" to verify your qualifications and get contacted by this Recruiter.

What is the cut-off age for joining the Air Force?

Non-prior service applicants must be in basic training before their 40th birthday. Officer Training School applicants must be commissioned before their 35th birthday. Physician, nurse and allied health applicants must be in commissioned officer training before their 40th birthday. Prior service applicant age limitations may differ.

What is the ASVAB?

It is a test that measures your aptitudes. It consists of 10 short individual tests covering word knowledge, paragraph comprehension, arithmetic reasoning, mathematics knowledge, general science, auto and shop information, mechanical comprehension, electronics information, numerical operations and coding speed. When you take the ASVAB before enlisting, not only do you receive scores on each of these individual tests, but several individual test results are combined to yield three academic composite scores: verbal, math and academic ability. You must score a minimum of 31 to be eligible for the Air Force.

How can I prepare?

If you are in high school, your first concern should be education. Stay in school and graduate. Say no to drugs, keep yourself physically fit and stay out of trouble. Remember, take the hard classes (i.e., upper-level math, English and science, etc.) and you'll have more opportunities later on.

What are the benefits?

• Steady income: You are paid twice a month, on the first and 15th, based on your pay grade and service requirements.

• Advancement: You are promoted based on job knowledge, performance, time in pay grade and service requirements.

• Paid vacation: You earn 2.5 days of paid vacation per month for a total of 30 days each year, up to 60 days.

• Training: You choose a career path based on your aptitude, physical abilities, security clearance, motivation and determination. All specialties are open to women, including combat roles.

• Health care: While on active duty, you will receive complete medical and dental care at no cost.

• Life insurance: Active-duty members select up to $400,000 in term life insurance for a price less than a gym membership

• Allowances: You also may receive additional tax-free money for Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) if government housing is not available; Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), if government food facilities are not available in the area you are stationed; and a uniform allowance (for enlisted personnel only) to help maintain your uniform.

• Tax advantage: Only your basic monthly pay is subject to federal or state income tax.

• GI Bill: The Montgomery GI Bill and Post 9/11 GI Bill will help pay for college education or vocational training.

• Tuition assistance: While on active duty, you may continue your education and may be helped in defraying the cost of college-accredited courses.

• Additional benefits: There are exchange and commissary privileges, moving allowances, temporary lodging expenses, travel, survivor benefits, Veterans Affairs home loans and more.

What if I am not a U.S Citizen?

Only U.S. citizens or foreign nationals legally residing in the United States with an Immigration and Naturalization Service Alien Registration Card (or "green card" -- INS Form I-151/551) may apply. Applicants must speak, write and read English fluently.

How long is boot camp?

Air Force BMT is 8½ weeks long.

What is BMT like?

The United States Air Force basic military training program (often called BMT for short), consists of eight weeks of intense physical training (not including 4-5 in-processing days) intended to release the potential within an individual and produce the best airman possible. It also includes in-classroom training to teach Airmen about the Air Force way of life, ranks, history and benefits allotted to them.

Do I get paid while in BMT?

Yes, you will be paid for every day you serve according to published pay schedules for your pay grade, in addition to any temporary duty or travel allowances.

What do I ask a Recruiter at the initial appointment?

You should ask about:

• Details and qualifications for each specialty

• Films or videos about training and duties

• Boot camp and graduation

• Length and locations of training

• Special enlistment programs

• Enlistment bonuses

• Overseas assignments, remote and long duty

• Deployments and temporary duty

• Haircut and grooming standards

• Off-duty education and educational benefits

• Family benefits

• General aptitude areas