Contact Us: FAQ


PRINTprint

FAQ

Careers

How much will I get paid and how often?

Your First Paycheck
Generally, you'll get paid on the 15th of the first month. However if your information is entered into the Financial System later than the 7th, you should expect to get paid on the following 1st.

If you are claiming any dependents, your first paycheck will contain your base pay as well as your housing allowance. If you are not claiming any dependents, your paycheck will only contain your base pay.

The military prorates your first paycheck. For example, if you receive your first paycheck 30 days after you arrive, you will receive the full rate of the monthly basic pay in that paycheck. If, however, you receive your first paycheck two weeks after arrival, it will contain half of your monthly base pay, and half of your monthly housing allowance for those with dependents. Taxes and other deductions such as deductions for non-issue items will be taken out.

See Pay Chart.

For more information on this subject, you can chat with one of our online advisers or click here to contact us and get in touch with your local recruiter.

back to top

What jobs have bonuses?

The Air Force does offer bonuses for some jobs. However, the amounts vary and are based on the job and enlistment contract length. We do not list specific jobs or bonus amounts on the web due to the possibility of them changing from time to time. During your job counseling at the MEPS, you will be informed which jobs with bonuses you qualify for. Once you enlist, your contract will specify your authorized bonus amount. You are guaranteed this amount as long as you meet the requirements of the contract.

For more information on this subject, you can chat with one of our online advisers or click here to contact us and get in touch with your local recruiter.

back to top

What are the ranks in the Air Force?

The Air Force has Commissioned & Non Commissioned Officers ranks, better known as Officer and Enlisted. The following link will show the pay grades and rank insignia. Basically, the higher the number, the higher the rank.

Click here to view Enlisted ranks.

Click here to view Officer ranks.

For more information on this subject, you can chat with one of our online advisers or click here to contact us and get in touch with your local recruiter.

back to top

Can only officers fly?

No, there are enlisted aviator career fields available. While you may not be a pilot, you can still participate in aircrew operations. The following are a few examples of those career fields:

For more information on this subject, you can chat with one of our online advisers or click here to contact us and get in touch with your local recruiter.

back to top

Where are the Technical Training Schools?

Technical Training Schools are located primarily at one of the four following bases:

  1. Sheppard AFB, Wichita Falls, TX
  2. Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX
  3. Keesler AFB, Biloxi, MS
  4. Goodfellow AFB, San Angelo, TX

The remaining are listed below, but only apply to a few career fields.

  1. Vandenberg AFB, CA
  2. Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Aberdeen, MD
  3. Hurlburt Field, Fort Walton, FL
  4. Presidio, Monterey, CA
  5. Altus AFB, Altus, OK
  6. Fairchild AFB, Fairchild, WA
  7. Brooks AFB, San Antonio, TX
  8. Fort Leonard Wood, MO
  9. Pensacola NAS, FL

For more information on this subject, you can chat with one of our online advisers or click here to contact us and get in touch with your local recruiter.

back to top

Is the job I get guaranteed to me?

Yes, but you must remain qualified to retain that reservation. Basically, once you have signed your contract at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) and have sworn into the Delayed Entry Program (DEP), you have reserved that job, and the Air Force has taken action to hold that job reservation for you.

For more information on this subject, you can chat with one of our online advisers or click here to contact us and get in touch with your local recruiter.

back to top

When is my bonus paid and how is it paid?

Enlistment bonuses are one-time payments (lump sum) amounts that will be paid approximately 30-90 days after you successfully complete the training specified on your contract and sign in at your first permanent duty station.

For more information on this subject, you can chat with one of our online advisers or click here to contact us and get in touch with your local recruiter.

back to top

Does my job qualify me for a career after the Air Force?

In most cases, learning and performing an Air Force job will qualify you for a very lucrative career after the Air Force as well. Most jobs in the Air Force have a closely related civilian career field and carry the same certification and qualification requirements.

For more information on this subject, you can chat with one of our online advisers or click here to contact us and get in touch with your local recruiter.

back to top

What is the National Call to Service Program (NCS)?

National Call to Service (NCS) is a congressional program that provides prospective applicants an opportunity for short-term enlistment. NCS enlistees will incur the same eight year Military Service Obligation (MSO) as traditional four and six year enlistees. Under the NCS program the enlistee will serve:

  1. Fifteen months on active duty (AD) following completion of BMT and tech training; followed by
    1. Extension on AD of at least 24 months, or
    2. Two years of service in the Selected "Regular" Reserve (SELRES), followed by
  2. Remainder of MSO in either:
    1. AD
    2. SELRES
    3. Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR)
    4. Other national service program designated by the Secretary of Defense (e.g. AmeriCorps). Exception: Peace Corps service is not authorized
    5. Any combination of the above

Incentives (payable on completion of active-duty obligation or entry into 24-month extension):

  1. $5000.00 bonus or
  2. Up to $10,000 repayment of student loans or
  3. (Noncontributory) education allowance for up to 12 months payable at Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) monthly rate or
  4. (Noncontributory) education allowance for up to 36 months payable at one-half MGIB monthly rate (education allowances will cease if SELRES obligation is not completed). NOTE: Except as specifically provided for in implementing regulations, failure to complete the eight-year MSO will result in discontinuation of any unpaid incentive and/or recoupment of a previously paid incentive.

Qualifications:

  1. Non-prior service (NPS) only
  2. Traditional high school graduate (high school diploma)
  3. 50 AFQT or better
  4. No moral or drug waivers

For more information on this subject, you can chat with one of our online advisers or click here to contact us and get in touch with your local recruiter.

back to top

What are the qualifications to apply for the National Call to Service (NCS) two-year enlistment program?

Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria (NO WAIVERS AUTHORIZED):

For more information on this subject, you can chat with one of our online advisers or click here to contact us and get in touch with your local recruiter.

back to top