U.S.
Air Force
Career Prospectus
Aim High…Fly, Fight, Win!
Presented by:
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Educational Programs Available to Air Force Airmen
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF THE AIR FORCE
Through CCAF, you’ll receive college credit:
* For physical education during basic training
- All Air Force basic and technical training is 100% paid, you actually earn money while
earning college credits towards your degree.
- Check out our Community College of the Air Force course catalog in your recruiter’s office.
* For courses taken at accredited colleges and universities
- Education opportunities are on a world-wide campus. Because the CCAF is accredited by
the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools/Commission on Colleges any classes
taught on base at the Education Center or at an off base University are college accredited.
- You have the freedom to choose your own studies with more than 100 leading colleges to
choose from and over 6,000 courses.
- In our Education Centers, Air Force education counselors are there to assist you, whether it
is independent studies (internet or tele-courses) or paying 100% of your tuition costs which
allows you to pursue and complete a college education regardless of your financial situation.
* Earn college credit for free
Did you know it’s possible to complete an associate’s degree from the Community College of the Air
Force without sitting in a traditional classroom by using college-level testing provided through the
Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES)?
The DANTES testing program includes College Level Examination Program (CLEP), DANTES
Standardized Subject Tests (DSST), and Excelsior College exams to award credit to students who
demonstrate knowledge in a variety of subjects.
Exams are free to military members. Study guides and sample tests for these programs are available
online at http://www.petersons.com/airforce to help Airmen accurately gauge whether or not they have
the knowledge required to pass the actual exams.
Other things about the DANTES examination program:
- Successfully passing college-level tests supplements college credit Airmen receive for completing
basic military training, technical school, upgrade training and professional military education.
- About 2/3 of U.S. colleges and universities accept these exams for credit.
- Apprehension about failing keeps many from taking these tests. Students who don’t pass, though,
can simply retake an exam six months later -- again for free.
- The programs are very adaptable to a high operations tempo They allow Airmen to keep chipping
away at their college degree even when they don’t have the time to sit in a classroom or participate in
an online course.
The DANTES program is there to help Airmen be better prepared for Air Force leadership positions
or, should an Airman choose to leave military service, civilian career opportunities. For more
information contact your local education center.
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Post 9/11 GI Bill
You or your school will receive a percentage, as determined by length of active duty service, of the
following:
x Amount of tuition and fees charged, not to exceed the most expensive in-State public
institution of higher education. If the tuition and fees at the school you wish to attend are
higher than the most expensive in-State tuition, your school may choose to participate in the
"Yellow Ribbon" program. Navigate to: http://www.gibill.va.gov/S22/Yellow_Ribbon.htm for more
information on the “Yellow Ribbon” program.
x Monthly housing allowance equal to the basic allowance for housing (BAH) amount payable to
E-5 with dependents, in same zip code as school*
Navigate to: http://perdiem.hqda.pentagon.mil/perdiem/bah.html for more
information.
x Yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1000* and a one-time payment of $500 may be
payable to certain individuals relocating from highly rural areas.
*NOTE –Housing allowance and books and supplies stipend are not payable to individuals on active duty. Housing
allowance is not payable for those pursuing training at half-time or less.
Individuals must serve an aggregate period of active duty after September 10, 2001, of:
Percentage of
Member Serves Maximum Benefit
Payable
At least 36 months 100
At least 30 continuous days on active duty
and must be discharged due to service-
connected disability 100
At least 30 months, but less than 36 months 90
At least 24 months, but less than 30 months 80
At least 18 months, but less than 24 months 70
At least 12 months, but less than 18 months 60
At least 06 months, but less than 12 months 50
At least 90 days, but less than 06 months 40
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Examples:
Tuition and Fees charged for full time: $6700 * Highest In-State Tuition and Fees: $7000
Example 1: If you served for three years on active duty and separated, and you are going to school
full-time, in the above example you would be eligible for $6700 for tuition and fees, the monthly
housing allowance, and $1000 for books and supplies.
Example 2: If you served an aggregated 12 months of active duty service in the guard or reserves,
and are going to school full-time, you would be eligible for $4020 (60% of $6700) for tuition and fees,
60% of housing allowance, and $600 (60% of $1000) for books and supplies stipend.
More Facts
You can use the Post-9/11 GI Bill on active duty provided you have completed at least 90 days of
service. Your tuition will be paid based on how long you have served. However, the tuition payment
cannot exceed either the maximum in-State tuition at a public institution of higher learning or the
amount not paid by military tuition assistance
Approved training under the Post-9/11 GI Bill includes graduate and undergraduate degrees, and
vocational/technical training. All training programs must be offered by an institution of higher learning
and approved for purposes of chapter 30. Additionally, tutorial assistance, and licensing and
certification test reimbursement are approved under the Post- 9/11 GI Bill.
If you are also eligible for the Active Duty or Reserve GI Bills or REAP, you may be eligible to pursue
training for on-the-job training, apprenticeship, correspondence, flight and preparatory courses.
There are no enrollment fees to receive benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
During the upcoming months, VA will be finalizing plans, policies, payment procedures, rules and
regulations, and training and outreach materials. We will update this website as more information
becomes available.
Transfer of GI Bill Benefits
If you are a member of the Armed Forces on August 1, 2009, the Department of Defense (DoD) may
offer you the opportunity to transfer benefits to your spouse or dependent children. DoD and the
military services will issue policy on use of transferability in the coming months.
Acquiring More Information
The official source for information is the DVA website at www.gibill.va.gov/s22.htm . Other sources,
including websites and newspapers may provide basic program information but they are unofficial and
shouldn’t be relied on to provide definitive information. Some websites and blogs provide incorrect
and/or outdated information.
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Financial Opportunities Available to Air Force Airmen
Money Comes in Many Ways
http://www.dfas.mil/
Base Pay and Pay Increases
201 BASIC PAY
Cumulative Years of Service
Pay 2 or less Over Over Over
Grade 2 3 4
E-4
E-3
E-2
E-1
Basic pay for an E-1 with less than 4 months of active duty is $14.00
201 BASIC PAY
Cumulative Years of Service
Pay 2 or less Over Over Over
Grade 2 3 4
E-4
E-3
E-2
E-1 141.00
Basic pay for an E-1 with less than 4 months of active duty is $
201 BASIC PAY
Cumulative Years of Service
Pay 2 or less Over Over Over
Grade 2 3 4
E-4
E-3 1
E-2 1
E-1 167.0
Basic pay for an E-1 with less than 4 months of active duty is $1,.0
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Food Money
Dining Hall Meal Card or Basic Allowance for Subsidence (BAS)
Living Accommodations
Free Dormitory Room or Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
- Single occupancy dorm rooms which provide you with the opportunity to live independently, rather
than with your parents. It also allows you to live comfortably while in the Air Force. Dorms have free
utilities that allow you to save money. FREE laundry room and recreation dayroom
DORMITORY DAYROOM
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Living Accommodations – Base Housing for Married Members
BASE HOUSING
Other Pay and Allowances
Clothing Allowances along with shopping on base at the Base Exchange and Commissaries (Tax
Free and Discounted Prices) allow you to save money. Some members receive Supplemental Pay
(Special Duty, Flight, Linguist, etc. pays) and Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) as well as Per Diem
during travel.
BASE EXCHANGE
Medical &Dental Benefits Available to Air Force Airmen
Comprehensive medical coverage provides peace of mind that financial constraints will not prevent
you or your family from receiving full medical care. Free dental insurance for AF members and low
cost dental insurance for your family members. Increases the amount of money you can spend on
non-medical expenses. Unlimited sick leave allows you to take the time you need to recover from
illness, without worrying about your job or income.
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Training Opportunities Available to Air Force Airmen
Basic Military Training (BMT)
- In just eight and a half short weeks, you’ll
-increase your physical fitness
-learn traditions like learning to march
-learn to fire the M-16 rifle and weapons safety
-learn military customs and courtesies
-complete the confidence course and warrior week
- Airmen are paid while in training starting day one
- Lackland AFB, San Antonio, Texas
- BMT is tough, demanding and challenging - but you’ll succeed with self-confidence and life-long
friends.
- Physical Conditioning assessment requirement
- Academic classes
- Learn basic Air Force knowledge, history, customs and courtesies, and law
- Earn college credits
BASIC TRAINING
DORMITORY
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Technical Training
Tech School is similar to vocational school, only free and airmen receive full pay and benefits
while attending. Every airman goes to technical school. There are over 150 career fields with state of
the art technical training in many areas allows you to develop a skill in a field you enjoy.
o provides practical job experience
o highly desired by major corporations
o extensive mechanics and electronics training
o improves your marketability in the civilian world
o College accreditation for training provided by the Air Force
- Air Force technical school locations: (see map in this book)
– Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi
– Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas
– Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas
– Lackland Air Force Base, Texas
– Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
– Other specialty schools
- Course length varies from 4 to 52 weeks and Air Force technical schools are accredited by
the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools so you earn college credits at an
accelerated rate.
On the Job Training
Hands on experience at your new assignment helps you progress from Apprentice to
Journeyman to Technician to Superintendent and It’s a continual process; it never stops.
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Recreation Benefits Available to Air Force Airmen
Intramural Sports
A wide variety of sporting activities such as basketball, softball, volleyball, bowling, golf,
soccer and much more!!!
Fitness Centers
Weight rooms (free weights, cybex equipment, universal weights, nautilus equipment).
Basketball and volleyball courts, racquetball and handball courts, aerobic classes, taekwondo,
karate, martial arts classes. Well-equipped locker rooms.
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Hobby Shops and Outdoor Recreation
All ranks clubs
Auto hobby shop/Arts and craft centers, Recreation centers, Movie theaters
Recreation areas owned or leased by the Air Force
Low cost rental equipment available
Ticket and Tours Office - tickets for concerts, sporting events, and amusement parks at
reduced rates
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Off Base Recreation and Travel
Armed Forces Resorts and recreation Centers are available to service members around the
world. Allow you to have a low cost vacation at a high quality resort.
Rocky Mountain Blue
Italy
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Recognition as an Air Force Airman
Promotions
Decorations
Awards
Become a member of distinctive units & organizations
A sense of belonging
Satisfaction and Service to your Country
Job Security
-allows you to make financial plans for the future with confidence
-ensures you will be able to provide for family
No layoffs
-eliminates stress associated with potential job loss
-eliminates dependence on local economy for job security
Secure Living Environment
-base living is safe from crime and political problems
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20-year retirement
Eligibility: Twenty years on active duty — or equivalent time spent in what is known as “qualifying
service” as a reservist — is the basic eligibility requirement for military retirement. Every service
member who reaches 20 years of active or qualifying reserve service can receive retired pay that
increases each year through a cost-of-living allowance. But retirees never completely sever their
responsibilities to the military. Technically, they still are subject to the Uniform Code of Military
Justice, and most can be recalled to active duty after they retire.
Features: Here are the fundamental features of the military retirement system:
•Everyone with 20 years of active or qualifying reserve service is eligible for retirement pay, including
those picked by selective early retirement boards.
•After retirement, retired pay increases whenever a cost-of-living adjustment is granted.
•Retirement pay is tied solely to basic pay. Bonuses and allowances are not factored into it.
•Retirement pay for active duty begins immediately after separation. Eligible reservists must wait until
their 60th birthday to start collecting pay. Drilling reservists who spent 20 years on active duty are paid
immediately upon retirement.
Formula: There are two formulas for computing 20-year military retirement pay. Each applies to a specific group of
retirees; based upon the dates they became a member of the military. For most, that is the date they came on active duty.
Some people incur a legal obligation to the military before they come on active duty. These are mostly reservists, military
academy attendees, ROTC cadets, midshipmen and others who enlisted under a delayed-entry program. They are eligible
for the retirement system, in effect, when they entered the reserve, the academy or the delayed-entry program.
The two basic retirement formulas apply only to active-duty retirements for service members not claiming a disability.
Retirement based on a disability has its own rules (see below). The formulas are:
•Retirees who became members of the military before Sept. 8, 1980, collect monthly checks based on rank and the number
of years they served on active duty. Those who get out at the 20-year mark receive half their final basic pay.
The figure for basic pay is determined by the pay rate for the member’s retired grade and length of service as of the date
they were transferred to the retired rolls. For each year of service beyond 20, the retirement check is increased by 2.5
percent of basic pay; up to a maximum of 75 percent of basic pay for 30 years of service.
•For individuals who entered military service after Sept. 8, 1980, but before Aug. 1, 1986, retirement pay is based on
average basic pay over a member’s three highest earning years in uniform, almost always the final three. That average is
multiplied by 2.5 percent for each year in uniform to determine retirement pay. Thus, for 20 years of service, the “high
three” formula offers retirement pay equal to 50 percent of average basic pay over the member’s three highest earning
years.
Redux option: Those who entered military service after Aug. 1, 1986, can elect to receive retirement pay under the “high
three” system, or choose the Career Status Bonus/Redux option. Under that Redux plan, a service member who agrees to
stay in uniform at least five more years receives a $30,000 bonus, either a lump sum or annual installments, at the 15th year
of service. But retired pay for 20 years of service is lower — only 40 percent of average base pay over the three highest
earning years.
That increases by 3.5 percent a year for each additional year beyond 20. At 30 years of service, the retirement pay rate is
the same as under the regular “high three” system — 75 percent of average basic pay over the three highest earning years
— but yearly cost of living adjustments are 1 percent lower. A one-time “catch-up” adjustment is made at age 62.
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Review of Air Force Advantages
One of your advantages is job security. You won't have to look for a new employer if you're ready for
change and challenge. The Air Force offers reassignments without loss of seniority or salary. Plus,
you'll receive periodic pay raises and seniority pay raises every two years.
Are you currently paying health insurance premiums? If so, here's another advantage. You get
complete medical and dental care. And your family is eligible for the Civilian Health and Medical
Program of the Uniformed Services, commonly known as TRICARE. This is a cost sharing health
program. A low-cost dental plan is also available for your family.
30 days vacation with pay each year and use one of our many recreation resorts or Morale Welfare
and Recreation center to purchase low cost tickets. If you're on leave (vacation), you can travel space
available overseas on military aircraft for free. Once you arrive at your destination, you can stay in
government quarters for a nominal fee each night. We also have a government hotel in Hawaii,
Disney World, throughout Europe and Asia and other desirable locations where you can stay at
reduced rates.
As you can see, you have a wealth of continuing education benefits to choose from, when you are
ready, so are we. Base Education Offices work with local colleges and universities to offer college
courses on base at undergraduate, graduate and doctorate levels. Counseling is free.
Let's not forget about our Base Exchange, which is comparable to a Sears or JC Penney's
department store. You'll save about 24 percent compared to civilian stores and there's no sales tax.
Our Commissaries are still saving grocery shoppers an average of 20 percent or more. Your local
supermarket and department stores can't consistently save you that much.
Management training that is second to none, progressive management courses. As the Air Force
progresses, you progress.
If you are eligible, you may retire from the Air Force with an excellent pension.
Most of our gyms include modern equipment. Often, gyms have racquetball courts, saunas,
basketball courts and weight lifting equipment. Intramural sports competitions include
volleyball, baseball or softball and basketball. Our golf courses and bowling alleys draw many
enthusiasts.
Youth Centers are available with lots of activities for the kids. Events, story hours, science projects
and other special events are available at many bases. Child Care Centers are available at most Air
Force bases. If your spouse wants to go to school, work, or get involved in on-base activities, your
children will be in good hands. Family Services volunteers are active with many special projects that
include helping families who have relocated and need assistance or household item loans.
We also have Recreation Centers on bases where you can rent boats, camping trailers,camping
gear, and almost anything else you might need when planning a get-away weekend.
Movie theaters on base offer first-run and family films. Auto Hobby Shops are available for minor auto
repairs. Let's not forget about the Nurses Club for dining, Evening and socializing. Many special
events are staged there for your enjoyment.
A career in the Air Force is uniquely attractive. Consider the basic pay, tax-free allowances for food
and housing, bonuses, special pay. Air Force Airmen have the security of knowing their salaries will
continue during any period of disability or illness. The difference between Air Force compensation
and civilian income may be less than you think. The benefits keep adding up, don't they!
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Do you qualify for the Air Force?
1. Must be a U.S. Citizen or registered alien, Age 17-27.
2. Be a high school graduate, high school senior student, (GED completion with 15 college
level credits) or a high school junior within 4 months of completion of junior year in high
school.
3. Be otherwise qualified by an Air Force Recruitment Representative.
4. Take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test and attain the Air
Force minimum score.
5. Pass a medical examination administered by a Department of Defense (DOD) Air Force
agency.
Responsibilities While in Delayed Enlistment
Your commitment to serve your country automatically places you above your peers. Your character,
determination, and drive to succeed led you to take this important step towards success. Along the way you met
your recruiter, who has taken great time and interest to get you started in the Delayed Enlistment Program
(DEP). While in Delayed Enlistment, your recruiter is your guide to your future in the Air Force. Your
recruiter is your mentor! While you are in the DEP, he/she will continue to assist you while preparing for Basic
Military Training, the next phase of your training. You will be encouraged to involve your parents, spouse,
counselors, and friends throughout your time in the DEP. They too will be part of our Air Force family, and we
want to assure them that we will help you obtain your goals.
You will have several responsibilities while you are a member of the DEP. First, you must remain qualified for
the Air Force. Your recruiter is your first Air Force supervisor; report any changes to him/her immediately.
Some examples of changes you should report are: medical problems; marital or dependency changes; law
violations; drug use; change of job, address, or phone number. When in doubt, ask your recruiter. Second, you
must attend a monthly meeting with other DEP Members known as a DEP Commander’s Call. The meetings
will provide you with additional information and help you prepare for Basic Military Training. DEP members
must be in contact with their recruiter every 2 weeks, on days designated by him/her. Telephone Call once a
month and visit in person for DEP Commander’s Call. DEP members must immediately notify their recruiter of
any change in my residence, phone number, moral status, or any questionable situation. If DEP members wish
to be considered for the Recruiter’s Assistance Program (RAP), it is important that they support my recruiter
with recruiting efforts while in the DEP. This includes replacing yourself in the Delayed Enlistment Program.
Service in our Air Force is summarized as a commitment from our people towards personal excellence. A new
Airman embarks upon a career in the United States Air Force with a challenge that will bring successes and
many new friends over the next several years.
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