Applying to join the U.S. Air Force is an exciting pursuit. Whether you plan to be an enlisted Airman or an Air Force officer, several factors will shape your journey, including your educational and professional experience, and your personal goals. We'll guide you through every step of the application process to help you become the Airman you want to be.
Step 01: Select Your Preferred Service Component
Based on your qualifications and goals, choose which component you want to join.
Complete our online application on our website. If you meet our requirements, you’ll be put in touch with your local recruitment office for guidance and further steps.
Ready to Join?
We’re now offering enlistment bonuses all the way up to $90,000 across a wide range of careers.
The Air Force offers opportunities for those who want to join the world’s greatest air force and become an Airman of integrity and respect.
Explore over 200 career fields, ranging from flight and aviation to science and technology.
From the moment you put on a uniform, you’ll not only be paid but you’ll also receive low-cost health insurance, tuition assistance, food and housing allowances, 30 days of paid vacation a year, and a generous retirement plan.
The Air National Guard allows you to serve part-time or full-time in the state and role of your choice.
The day you join the Air National Guard is the day you start receiving benefits like tuition assistance, low-cost health insurance, and a retirement plan, plus state-specific benefits depending on where you serve.
In the Air Force Reserve, you control your civilian life while serving part-time or full-time, allowing you to pursue a degree or advance in a different career.
The mission of the United States Air Force is to fly, fight and win—airpower anytime, anywhere. Everyone who serves plays a critical role in helping us achieve mission success.
For those who feel called to serve, any branch of the military can be a good choice, but deciding which one depends on your personal and professional goals.
The Air Force is a close-knit community where Airmen enjoy meaningful work and embrace a global lifestyle.
We offer good pay and a full package of benefits that ensure an excellent quality of life, including low-cost insurance, living allowances, and on-base housing.
Which path you choose depends on your personal and professional goals. If you have a high school diploma or GED and join as an enlisted Airman, you’ll earn college credits while pursuing your career. You can also work toward a college degree and strive to become an officer.
You may opt to earn a college degree first, then join as an Air Force Officer, with available tuition assistance for two- to four-year programs across the U.S.
We seek healthcare, law, and ministry professionals who feel called to serve as Officers in the Air Force.
Ways to Serve
There are three different ways to serve in the Air Force:
- Active Duty: Serve full-time and live around the U.S. and overseas.
- Air National Guard: Serve part-time or full-time in your chosen state and role.
- Air Force Reserve: Serve part-time or full-time while maintaining your civilian life.
Air Force careers are physically demanding and begin with military training—either Basic Military Training (BMT) or Officer Training School (OTS). Therefore, applicants must be in good health.
Your health will be evaluated by a doctor at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). If you are accepted into the Air Force and cleared for vigorous exercise, it’s recommended to undertake a fitness regimen to prepare for military training.
Since Air Force careers are physically demanding, we maintain strict height and weight requirements. If you have attained full-grown height and do not meet our requirements, there is no recourse, but you can manage your weight.
For pilot and aircrew positions, height specifications vary by aircraft. Those significantly taller or shorter than average may require special screening to ensure they can safely perform operational duties.
Applicants must be a minimum of five pounds under their max weight. If the maximum weight for your height is 190 pounds, you must be 185 pounds or less. If you are within five pounds of the maximum weight or over it with a muscular build, you may be authorized to apply.
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