Possible to become an Officer in the military from within? Also Security Forces/ Pararescue in the Airforce.?

Question

Made a topic a week or so ago about a different subject and I do plan on joining the military, either the Air Force or Navy. More than likely only for 4 years but if I enjoy I may stay longer. My question is, is it possible to become an Officer while already enlisted after a certain number of years? Lets say I join the Air Force as an E1 airman, 8 or 10 years later would I be able to apply for the officer program from within? I currently have no degree (20 units currently, bad gpa) but I plan on working towards it slowly while in the military. If I go AF I will probably go Security Forces, security seems to be the only job that interests me in any military branch. I do plan on becoming a cop when I get out if I only serve 4 years. Technical jobs like mechanic I do not have much interest in. I was looking into Pararescue as well, but I have a lot of physical work that needs to be done to be qualified for it. Anyone know much about it?. I plan on talking to a recruiter later.

Answer 1

Yep it is.

The new program, abbreviated as both AFELA and just ELA, allows for Air Force members to attend an accredited school full-time to obtain a degree of any level (including PhD). The next revision of Air Force Instruction AFI 36-2306, Air Force Education Programs, promises to outline this program in detail.
To qualify for the ELA, members can be either officer or enlisted. For enlisted members, they must have completed their initial enlistment and have reenlisted. For officers, they must have completed their initial period of obligated service incurred from their commissioning source. In each case, the member must also be retainable and agree to a “2 for 1” service commitment—for every 1 day of time on ELA, the commitment is 2 days, with this ELA commitment starting upon completion of the program. To be on ELA, the member must be enrolled full-time as defined by the educational institution. Finally, the member does not need to have completed coursework in this degree program prior to starting ELA.

ELA is authorized for up to 2 calendar years, including term breaks. Because this program is new, your local education office may suggest ELA is authorized for just 1 year, since the old “Bootstrap” program was only authorized for this length. However, ELA is indeed authorized for up to 2 years, per the policy letter and the US Code (Title 10, Sec 708). Your education office may require justification or a waiver to be signed in order to go beyond one year.

While on ELA, members continue to be active duty, retain all medical benefits, build time in rank, can be promoted, etc. However, members will receive their base pay only. No allowances are authorized. This means no BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) or BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsistence). If living on base, the member will be charged rent during the time they are on ELA. However, certain incentive pays, including retention bonuses, are usually still allowed. (In general, if it is pay, and is therefore taxed, you still receive this while on ELA. Allowances, which are not taxed, are not authorized during ELA.)

Furthermore, the Air Force does not pay for any expenses incurred for attending school. So Tuition Assistance (TA) and moving expenses (if moving from your assigned base to attend school) are not authorized. It is therefore important for ELA candidates to consider whether TA or the opportunity to attend school full-time is more important for their situation.

Answer 2

The Navy has Warrant Officers and LDO(limited Duty Officer) Qualifications vary, abut generally speaking once you have reached E6 you can apply for LDO and once you make E7 you can try for Warrant. different restrictions for each community and different regs with regards to retiring at what paygrade, but currently no degree is required for either program, although that may change and it will certainly help your chances over someone without one. Some communities have both LDOs and Warrants, others only have Warrants.

Additionally, you have STA-21, whereby you go to college full time on the Navy's dime and get a 4 year degree in 3 years while attending NROTC and drawing E5 pay. the more college credit you have when applying the better your chances are, since you go to school year round.

Answer 3

Sure can become an officer of the Navy or Airforce. You would easily have to either join the NROTC and become a reservist, and when you've completed officer training you'll be able to be the best Officer with combat experience right out of the gate. OR. You can tell the recruiter of the branch that your going into, tell them that you want to become an officer in the most quickest and effiecient manner. If you still have doubts go to this site
www.military.com
They have a live recruiters to chat online to get the information that you need. Semper Fi, A Future Marine Officer.

Answer 4

Stick to the facts first. Funny how the same republicans that attacked lack of funding are quick to forget who was the ones that cut funding to the embassies. Also the military aren't police. Understand that. Even if they were. They won't just charge into a building without knowing what is going on. Just as any good police officer would do. You must get a grasp of the situation before you can act accordingly. I'm curious. If soldiers were to have rushed into the building blind and been massacred. Would republicans be saying "At least they responded" or "Obama killed X soldiers by having them rush blindly into the building"? I think we know the republicans would take the blame Obama approach first.

Answer 5

Yes.

I am an AF Officer ;)

E1 -- You can apply to be an officer, however you first need your bachelor's degree.

SFS would not bold well to help with your college plans as they deploy a lot -- but you could have a lot of fun.

Pararescue -- you need to be in TOP physical performance... these guys are equiv to Navy Seals and the like for endurance stuff.

Good luck to you... ;)

Answer 6

Yes it is!

Enlisted with superior records are occaisonally asked to
go to officer candidate school, often after completing
a bachelors degree.

Check this Navy site...It may be the only service that does this

Answer 7

Before you make any life changing decisions, get your GPA up to standard Stop! While your waiting on recruiter? Get A.S. and/or B.S. in field of Interest. Then apply to OCS; Uncle Sam is going to give you what he needs at that time...

Answer 8

it is possible to go from pvt E1 to General. a very hard road, but it's been done.