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 numerous 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.
Airmen can serve part time or full time in the Air National Guard, with benefits like tuition assistance, low-cost health insurance, and a retirement plan.
The Air Force Reserve allows you to control your civilian life while serving part time or full time, offering benefits similar to Active Duty.
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.
The Air Force is like a big family that works hard and plays hard together. We offer Airmen good pay and a full package of benefits that ensure an excellent quality of life.
Which path you decide heavily depends on your personal and professional goals. One key thing to consider is whether or not you intend to earn a college degree before joining.
If you have a high school diploma or GED and join the Air Force as an enlisted Airman, you’ll immediately earn college credits while pursuing your Air Force career.
You may opt to earn a college degree first, then join as an Air Force Officer. The Air Force may be able to help you with available tuition assistance for two- to four-year programs across the U.S.
There are three different ways to serve in the Air Force: Active Duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve.
Air Force careers are often 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). During your physical exam, you will have blood and urinalysis as well as hearing, eye, and range-of-motion tests.
If you are accepted into the Air Force and cleared for vigorous exercise, it is recommended to undertake a fitness regimen to prepare for military training.
We maintain strict height and weight requirements. If you are too short or too tall to meet our requirements, there is no possible recourse. You can manage your weight to meet our requirements.
For pilot and aircrew positions, height specifications vary by aircraft. Those significantly taller or shorter than average may require special screening.
Note that applicants must be a minimum of five pounds under their max weight.
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