Can graduates enter law school?
The Air Force currently has no provision for graduating cadets to directly enter into law school. Congress has authorized the Air Force to enter a small number of active-duty Air Force officers into law school each year. An Academy graduate, as well as any other Air Force officer, must complete two years of active duty before becoming eligible for consideration. Selection for sponsorship to law school is on a competitive basis among all active-duty officers who apply.
Can graduates enter medical school?
The Air Force may send up to three percent of each graduating class directly to medical school upon graduation. Additionally, up to one half percent of each graduating class may be selected to attend dental school, with another one half percent being selected to attend nursing school. This, in effect, brings the total percentage that might be selected to attend Health Professions Postgraduate education to four percent. These graduates complete their training through the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Programs or the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. These same two programs are available to all active-duty officers. Selection for these programs is on a competitive basis and the number of students will be based on the needs of the Air Force.
Do graduates have a chance to obtain an advanced degree?
A few graduates will receive scholarships to attend civilian graduate schools immediately after graduation. Graduates in the top 15 percent of their class on overall performance average will normally be assured of future graduate education for a Master's degree if they meet two important criteria: they must perform well as officers and the Air Force must need people from the degree program they wish to pursue. These graduates will be eligible for attendance after three years on active duty. Other graduates may also have opportunities for graduate education through the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) program. Most degree-granting programs are conducted in conjunction with civilian universities. In addition, many Academy graduates attend one or more of the armed forces professional military schools during their careers.
What are some of the benefits of an Air Force career?
The pay and allowances of a new officer compare favorably with starting salaries in business, industry and the professions. An officer advances in rank according to the needs of the Air Force and professional performance. The Air Force puts a high premium on leaders with vision, dedication and ability. It offers a stimulating challenge and an interesting future in a wide spectrum of fields for Academy graduates to employ their leadership talents. There are opportunities for advanced education. All career officers are eligible to apply for further education through AFIT at civilian colleges and universities. Selected officers attend on a full-time basis, receive pay and allowances, have their tuition and fixed fees paid and receive some reimbursement for books and thesis expenses. During each move, reimbursement for transportation costs, an extra allowance for incidental expenses of moving and free shipment of household goods are provided. Additional benefits are: medical and hospital expenses, commissary and base exchange privileges, officers club privileges, VA and FHA mortgage loan insurance, group life insurance and 30 days paid vacation each year. The current law enables an officer to retire after completing 20 years of active service.
Will I have an opportunity to become a pilot or navigator?
Yes. While at the Academy, cadets obtain a solid background in all phases of aviation. All male and female cadets who meet the physical qualifications are considered for flying training and may be selected to fill available openings. Undergraduate Flying Training (conducted after graduation at several U.S. bases) prepares qualified graduates for flying careers in airlift, bomber, fighter, multirole, special operations or transport aircraft.
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