Air Force Enlistment

High school students wishing to enlist in the Air Force enlistment have two options depending on their level of education. Anyone interested in enlistment should check with his or her local recruiter if they have any doubts regarding their ability to meet the military physical requirements; recruiters prequalify successful applicants after which they are sent to a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) facility where they'll have to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) to test their fitness for duty. Students already in possession of their high school diploma of GED who are certified as fit for duty can enter Basic Military Training (BMT) at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Applicants are assigned at departure date on which they report back to their Military Entrance Processing Station to be sworn in during a special enlistment ceremony. The Air Force will arrange travel to Lackland AFB for Basic Military Training.

There is an additional option available to students not yet in possession of their high school diplomas allowing them a 12-month delay during which to earn their diploma/GED. Applicants enlisting under the Delayed Entry Program (DEP) enter into a legal contract to enlist in the Air Force and to enter active duty on a specified date. In return, the Air Force commits to reserve a place for training in the field specified on each applicant's enlistment contract. Enlistment dates are generally scheduled near the applicant's graduation date, but the actual date may vary depending on the availability of the training sought. Applicants take the oath of enlistment to the Air Force Reserve but receive no military training, pay, or benefits before the actual date of enlistment. The time spent in the Delayed Entry Program does however count towards fulfillment of an applicant's military service term obligation. The Air Force strongly recommends using the time spent in the Delayed Entry Program to prepare for the physically rigorous Basic Training Program.

Air Force enlistment candidates interested in earning money towards a college education via the GI Bill should obtain detailed information through the official website. Application forms are available. Applicants receive up to 36 months of financial aid in return for a 6-year commitment in the Army, Navy, or Air Force Reserves. Applicants must first serve in active duty during their basic training.

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