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FAQ

Education

How soon after I enlist can I start college?

During Basic Military Training (BMT) and technical training you will be receiving college credit towards an associate's degree through the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF). In BMT you will earn four semester hours in physical education, and in technical training you will earn even more credit hours toward a degree in your specific career field.

After you complete your first two phases of training and you sign in at your permanent duty station, you will visit the Base Education office for a formal briefing on class availability and schedules with other accredited colleges and universities in the immediate area. You're expected to focus on becoming proficient in your job once you arrive at your new base. It is up to you to complete your formal training program. This program also awards credit towards your CCAF degree. In most cases, it is at this time that you can start completing your CCAF degree using the Tuition Assistance Program. Beginning October 1, 2002, the Air Force will pay up to 100% of your tuition toward an associate, bachelor's or a master's degree program. Take full advantage of all the great educational benefits you've earned for serving your country!

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.

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How do I prepare to join the Air Force Academy?

Visit http://www.academyadmissions.com

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Will the Air Force help me pay off my student loans?

The Air Force is now offering newly enlisted members up to $10,000 toward the repayment of your student loan(s). This benefit and many others are offered to new recruits entering the Air Force on a four- or six-year enlistment.

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.

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How long is Technical Training School?

Air Force Technical Training schools vary in length depending on the particular career. Under normal circumstances, they are from four to 52 weeks in length.

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.

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If I take JROTC in High School, will I earn any rank?

JROTC can help you earn entry-level rank. The criteria are as follows:

One year completed JROTC = no stripes (E-1/Airman Basic)
Two years with JROTC Commander letter = One Stripe (E-2/Airman)
Three or more years completed JROTC and commander's recommendation or certificate = Two Stripes (E-3/Airman 1st Class)

Note: E-3 is the maximum rank that can be earned for initial enlistment.

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.

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What is the Montgomery GI Bill and how much is it?

The Montgomery GI Bill is a veteran benefit program created to assist military members in paying for college. The Montgomery GI Bill provides over $35,000 for college, and you can begin to use it after you have completed two years of service. The monies are paid in monthly payments to those students enrolled in college in a half- to full-time student status. The Montgomery GI Bill benefits are usable for up to 10 years after honorable discharge.

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.

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What is the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF)?

The Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) is the only degree-granting institution of higher learning in the world dedicated exclusively to enlisted personnel. CCAF offers a unique opportunity for motivated, career-oriented airmen and NCOs to earn a job-related, two-year Associate in Applied Science degree.

The Air University is now offering an Associates-to-Baccalaureate Program: an initiative between the Air Force and civilian higher education institutions to offer baccalaureate degree opportunities to every Air Force enlisted member. The Air University points Airmen with completed CCAF Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees to a collection of accredited "military friendly" colleges and universities. To participate, registrants must be serving in the active duty Air Force, Air Force Reserves or Air National Guard. Degree requirements, however, may be completed after a student retires or separates.

CCAF is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools/Commission on Colleges. http://www.au.af.mil/au/ccaf/

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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 (8) year Military Service Obligation (MSO) as traditional 4 and 6 year enlistees. Under the NCS program the enlistee will serve:

  1. Fifteen (15) 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 (2) 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 (i.e. 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. (Non-contributory) Education allowance for up to 12 months payable at Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) monthly rate or
  4. (Non-contributory) 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 8-year MSO will result in discontinuation of any unpaid incentive and/or recoupment of a previously paid incentive.

Qualifications:

  1. Nonprior Service (NPS) Only
  2. Traditional High School Graduate (High School Diploma)
  3. 50 QT 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.

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Can I earn college credit while enlisted in the Air Force?

Earning college credits while enlisted in the Air Force starts with Basic Military Training. After completion you will have earned four semester hours in Physical Education. After BMT you will attend Technical training School and earn college credits towards an Associates Degree in Applied Science that pertains to you Air Force job. That is all automatic through the Community College of the Air Force, the world's largest community college.

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.

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Does it matter which branch of JROTC I attended?

No, regardless of the branch of JROTC you are in, they all will be looked at evenly for purposes of earning rank.

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.

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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.

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What should I do to prepare to join the AFROTC?

Visit http://www.afrotc.com

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What educational opportunities are available once I'm in the Air Force?

Education is more than career training - it's the essential framework of your success in the Air Force. That's why we offer a variety of unique and specialized programs to help you meet your goals and reach your true potential.

Enlisted opportunities include exclusive colleges and universities, tech training and valuable first-hand experience. We also provide money for school and several programs designed to assist enlisted members obtain their college degree and receive a commission to become an Air Force Officer.

Officers can get the leadership skills that will help you succeed in the Air Force. We offer graduate studies at local colleges, continued training of your choice, money for school and additional unique commissioned programs.

We know that education is of the utmost importance for healthcare professionals, so we offer robust financial support for those continuing their medical training.

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