My Daughter is wanting to join the Air Force if she can get in the academy, Any suggestions, tips, comments ?

Question

Serious comments only please....

OK @ssholes, I said serious only...

Answer 1

I didn't read through all of the replies, but there is a lengthy process before being offered a position at the Academy. If you have not taken the time to visit the Academy website, please follow the links below.
The Academy is not the only means of becoming an Air Force Officer, but the benefit to the parent(s) is that there is no tuition. I don't know how old your daughter is or more importantly what grade she is in, but the process normally begins during your Junior year in high school.
Beside the normal college entry requirements (grades, character...etc) she will also need to receive a nomination from a Senator or Representative from your state. There are Presidential Nominations for children of military personnel. Visit the sites and then contact your regional Admissions Liaison Officer (ALO) for additional data. (Last link)
I am a 1990 graduate of the Academy and I continue to serve on Active Duty; so if you need any other assistance please contact me at [e-mail].

Answer 2

The academy is tough to get into. The application process is lengthy. Last known, you need a 27 or higher on the ACT's. I am not sure about the GPA. Then you have to get two letters of recommendation from teachers. After all that, then you must find a sponsor. The application will have a list of eligible sponsors. These are like congressmen, vice pres, pres, pretty much government official.

An alternative would be for her to join an ROTC program. She may be able to get a scholarship. If not, this will allow her to enter the military as an officer rather than an enlistee. BTW, I am not saying there is anything wrong with enlistee, lest someone take that from my statement. However, it appears she wants to be an officer, so I am explaining that alternative.

Since he/she will not, I will apologize for Hooch's comment. This is obviously an ignorant person that cannot stand someone else having an opposing point of view of the military. He/she cannot answer the question on its subject matter. This person has to interject his feeble minded point of view. I understand there are people opposed to the military and I am not taking away their right. However, with a question of this nature, keep you opinion to yourself.

Answer 3

I'm in the Air Force now (look at the name). I will say it was the greatest decision of my life.

Tell her that if she doesnt do the academy, she should still do the air force, the academy isnt the only way. ROTC is great, you get a college experience and military training.

As for getting into the Academy, GOOD GRADES, CLASS RANK, ATHLETICS. that is what it is all about. Also, her presence in her interview with the officer.

She'll be interviewed by an officer to get to know her and see what they think, her physical presence and confidence in that interview is very important.

tell her I wished her the best of luck, if you have any other questions about being an air force officer, email me at [e-mail]

Answer 4

If your daughter is in high school now or has already graduated, you have lots of work to do. Was she involved in lots of sports, clubs, school programs etc? These are the things people at the Academy look at. Also did she have good grades? Was she class validictorian? I believe you also have to get letters from a Senator, Congressman or State Rep. in your state recommending your daughter go to the A.F. Academy. If she can't get into the A.F. academy, I recommend she join the armed forces anyway. I was in the Army for 5 years, it was the best time of my life! I got to travel all over, meet lots of great people and learn alot about myself. Military life is great! I wish I had stayed in.

Good Luck!!

Answer 5

My lil sister joined the air force reserve right out of high school. She was only 17. She had bootcamp that entire summer so she started college late. Advice: make sure she is CERTAIN she wants to do it. IT IS NOT EASY!! I couldn't believe the stories my lil sister told me from bootcamp. They really work you. But, my sister loved it and has only been in it a year and has already been promoted. She is extremely happy! Her big thing was when she was in bootcamp, my parents, family, friends, people from church, all sent her cards and letters almost daily. She said that we could never understand how much those letters and cards meant to her. she said the other girls there were jealous and said she must really have a lot of people that love her to send her all that. My sister said it was those cards and letters and pictures that gave her courage to not quit and keep going. You daughter is going to need A LOT of support! I have a new respect for anybody in the military after talking to her. If your daughter is serious about joining, warn her that it is tough, but that no matter what you support her. Keep encouraging her so she knows that she will make it through and she's excell at it if she wants to. It's a complete mind over matter game. tell her good luck, to you and her, (i know it's almost as hard for a mother to let a child go as it is for the child to go. my mom had a hard time but was extremely supportative) My thanks go out to her for serving our country!! God bless her and your family!!
p.s tell her to make sure she studies extremely hard for her placement exam. My sister took it twice and studied hard the 2nd time and she got the top ranking so she could basically have her choice of any job.

TO ALL THOSE WHO BASH THE MILITARY:!! Maybe you should have a little more respect for those strong enough to go and protect your whiny @sses!!! You don't have to support Bush, but you should support your fellow americans serving their country so you can maintain your "right" to sit on here and have freedom of speech to bash them.... I'd like to see any o f you complaing last 1 week in boot camp or overseas fighting. You wouldn't! I think it's absolutly terrible that people judge and degrade our brothers, sisters, mom's and dad's that are risking their lives for us. It shows your selfish nature and ignorance.

Answer 6

Top grades in High school. we are talking 4.0 or better. at least one sport. Volunteer service or other extracurricular activities. Proven Leadership skills. emphasis on Math and Science.

she needs to start looking into the regulations and requirements to apply the summer between her Sophomore and Junior Year. She needs to apply in her Junior Year. if she waits until her Senior year, it's too late.

If she cannot get into the Academy( and it is EXTREMELY HARD to get into) she can go the ROTC route and still be commissioned at the end.

Answer 7

Study hard. All "A"s is a great start. She should also try her hand at student government as much as possible whether in class or all student body. She also should play at least one varsity sport to show a balance of books, body, and social. You also need a recommendation from your Congressman or Senator so it would help to try and meet some of them and maybe try to get a summer internship or something for name recognition.

Answer 8

Your best bet is to go to your local Congressperson's office to see what documents she will need to apply and when are the deadlines. If chosen,she will be interviewed by a panel consisting of the Congressperson and possibly other officers and local leaders in the community. Good luck!

Answer 9

The selection process for any of the service schools is tough. A congressional appointment makes it easier but they are hard to come by.

Answer 10

It requires a lot of good grades in school, a well rounded personality and a senator to nominate her. They are selective to the max.