Commissioning Programs in the U.S. Air Force

Becoming an officer in the United States Air Force is a prestigious and rewarding career path that offers the opportunity to lead, inspire, and make a significant impact. Whether you are currently enlisted, a college student, or a professional seeking to transition into military service, the Air Force provides multiple pathways to commission as an officer. Explore the options below to find the best route that fits your background and aspirations.

Line Officer Programs

Officer Training School (OTS)

Overview: Officer Training School (OTS) is a rigorous training program designed to transform enlisted airmen and civilians into commissioned officers. Located at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama, OTS is an 8.5-week program focusing on leadership development, military skills, and physical fitness.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Age between 18 and 39 years
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Pass the Air Force Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
Eligible for a Secret security clearance

Training:

Location: Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama
Duration: 8.5 weeks
Leadership Training and Development: Emphasis on developing decision-making, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
Military Tactics and Strategies: Instruction on Air Force tactics, operations orders, and military planning.
Physical Conditioning and Endurance Training: Rigorous physical training to meet Air Force standards.
Academic Instruction on Military Subjects: Courses on Air Force history, organization, and combat operations.

Pay and Benefits During Training:

Candidates receive pay and benefits commensurate with their rank and time in service.
Housing and meals are provided during training.
Medical and dental care are covered for the candidate.
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE.

Career Opportunities: Graduates of OTS are commissioned as Second Lieutenants and can serve in various fields, including pilot, cyber operations, intelligence, and engineering. OTS graduates typically attend career-specific training following their commissioning.

Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC)

Overview: The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) is a college-based program that prepares students to become commissioned officers while completing their undergraduate degrees. AFROTC offers scholarships and stipends to help cover tuition, books, and other expenses.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Age between 14 and 31 years (must commission by age 31)
High school diploma or equivalent
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Enroll in a participating college or university
Commitment to serve in the Active Duty Air Force upon graduation

Training:

Location: Participating colleges and universities across the U.S.
Duration: Four years (or two years for the accelerated program)
Leadership Development Courses: Focus on developing leadership skills through practical exercises and classroom instruction.
Aerospace Studies Classes: Courses on Air Force tactics, history, and organization.
Physical Fitness Training: Regular physical training to maintain Air Force fitness standards.
Summer Training Programs: Includes field training and specialized training opportunities.

Pay and Benefits During Training:

AFROTC cadets receive stipends ranging from $300 to $500 per month, depending on their year in the program.
Scholarships cover full tuition, fees, and book allowances.
Additional stipends may be available for certain programs.
Medical and dental care are available through campus health services and military facilities.
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE for those who are enlisted and activated.
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is provided if authorized to live off-campus.

Career Opportunities: Upon graduation, AFROTC cadets are commissioned as Second Lieutenants and can serve in various career fields, such as pilot, navigator, space operations, and cyber warfare.

United States Air Force Academy (USAFA)

Overview: The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is a prestigious four-year institution that provides a comprehensive education and military training. USAFA graduates are highly respected and well-prepared for leadership roles in the Air Force.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Age between 17 and 23 years
High school diploma with strong academic performance
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Nominated by a U.S. Congressman or Senator
Pass a medical examination
Pass the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA)
Demonstrate strong leadership potential and character

Training:

Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Duration: Four years
Rigorous Academic Curriculum: Includes engineering, humanities, and social sciences.
Military Leadership Training: Focuses on leadership development, ethics, and military skills.
Physical Fitness and Athletic Programs: Emphasizes physical conditioning, team sports, and individual fitness.
Summer Training Programs: Provides hands-on military training and leadership experience.

Pay and Benefits During Training:

Cadets receive a monthly stipend of approximately $1,185.
Tuition, room, and board are fully covered.
Medical and dental care are provided for the cadets.
Additional benefits include uniforms, books, and a personal computer.
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE for eligible dependents.

Career Opportunities: Graduates of USAFA are commissioned as Second Lieutenants and can serve in various career fields, including pilot, navigator, space operations, and cyber warfare. USAFA graduates are also well-positioned for advanced training and leadership roles.

Enlisted to Officer Programs

Airman Scholarship and Commissioning Program (ASCP)

Overview: The Airman Scholarship and Commissioning Program (ASCP) allows active-duty enlisted airmen to earn a commission while completing their undergraduate degrees through AFROTC.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Age between 18 and 31 years
High school diploma or equivalent
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Pass the Air Force Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
Eligible for a Secret security clearance

Training:

Location: Participating colleges and universities across the U.S.
Duration: Duration of the college program
Summer Training Programs: Includes field training and specialized training opportunities.

Pay and Benefits During Training:

Airmen receive pay and benefits commensurate with their rank and time in service.
Tuition, fees, and book allowances may be covered.
Medical and dental care are covered for the airmen.
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE.
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is provided if authorized to live off-campus.

Career Opportunities: Graduates of ASCP are commissioned as Second Lieutenants and can serve in various career fields, including pilot, navigator, space operations, and cyber warfare.

Leaders Encouraging Airman Development (LEAD) Program

Overview: The Leaders Encouraging Airman Development (LEAD) Program allows outstanding enlisted airmen to attend the United States Air Force Academy or the Academy Preparatory School to earn a commission.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Age between 17 and 23 years
High school diploma or equivalent
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Nominated by a superior officer
Pass a medical examination
Pass the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA)
Demonstrate strong leadership potential and character

Training:

Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Duration: Four years (or one year at the Preparatory School)
Rigorous Academic Curriculum: Includes engineering, humanities, and social sciences.
Military Leadership Training: Focuses on leadership development, ethics, and military skills.
Physical Fitness and Athletic Programs: Emphasizes physical conditioning, team sports, and individual fitness.
Summer Training Programs: Provides hands-on military training and leadership experience.

Pay and Benefits During Training:

Cadets receive a monthly stipend.
Tuition, room, and board are fully covered.
Medical and dental care are provided for the cadets.
Additional benefits include uniforms, books, and a personal computer.
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE for eligible dependents.

Career Opportunities: Graduates of the LEAD Program are commissioned as Second Lieutenants and can serve in various career fields, including pilot, navigator, space operations, and cyber warfare.

Medical Professions Officer Programs

Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP)

Overview: The Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) is designed for medical, dental, veterinary, psychology, and optometry students. The program provides full tuition and a monthly stipend to students in accredited programs, in exchange for an active duty service commitment.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Enrolled in or accepted to an accredited medical, dental, veterinary, psychology, or optometry program
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Pass the Air Force Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
Eligible for a Secret security clearance

Training:

Location: Students attend their civilian medical schools
Duration: Duration of medical program
Summer Training: Officers participate in a 45-day Active Duty Training (ADT) annually
Officer Training Program: Commissioned Officer Training (COT) at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama

Pay and Benefits During Training:

Full tuition paid to the school
Monthly stipend of over $2,300
Additional allowance for books, supplies, and equipment
Medical and dental care are covered for the officer
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is provided during Active Duty Training periods

Career Opportunities: Upon graduation and completion of residency (if applicable), HPSP officers are commissioned as Captains in the Air Force Medical Corps, Dental Corps, Veterinary Corps, or Medical Service Corps and serve on Active Duty. They can work in various medical facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and field units.

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS)

Overview: USUHS is a federal medical school that educates health professionals for careers in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Public Health Service. Students receive a full scholarship and a salary in exchange for an active duty service commitment.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Bachelor's degree with strong academic performance
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Pass the Air Force Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
Eligible for a Secret security clearance

Training:

Location: Bethesda, Maryland
Duration: Four years
Academic Curriculum: Includes medical and military training
Military Training: Focus on leadership, military ethics, and operational medicine
Officer Training Program: Commissioned Officer Training (COT) at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama

Pay and Benefits During Training:

Full tuition paid
Monthly salary as a Second Lieutenant (over $2,200/month)
Medical and dental care are provided for the student
Additional benefits include uniforms, books, and a personal computer
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE

Career Opportunities: Graduates are commissioned as Captains in the Air Force Medical Corps and serve on Active Duty. They work in Air Force medical facilities, research institutions, and field units, and can pursue various medical specialties.

Health Services Collegiate Program (HSCP)

Overview: The Health Services Collegiate Program (HSCP) is designed for students pursuing advanced degrees in health care fields, such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, clinical psychology, and pharmacy. This program offers financial assistance while students complete their degrees, in exchange for an active duty service commitment.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Enrolled in or accepted to an accredited graduate program in a health care field
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Pass the Air Force Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
Eligible for a Secret security clearance

Training:

Location: Students attend their civilian schools
Duration: Duration of graduate program
Summer Training: Optional summer training programs are available
Officer Training Program: Commissioned Officer Training (COT) at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama

Pay and Benefits During Training:

Monthly salary as an E-6 to E-9, depending on program and rank
Full active duty benefits, including medical and dental care
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE

Career Opportunities: Upon graduation and completion of any required residencies, HSCP officers are commissioned as Captains in the Air Force Medical Corps, Dental Corps, Veterinary Corps, or Medical Service Corps and serve on Active Duty. They can work in various medical facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and field units.

Baylor University Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program

Overview: The Army-Baylor University Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy is designed for students pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. The program provides a comprehensive education in physical therapy and includes clinical internships.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Bachelor’s degree with prerequisite coursework
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Pass the Air Force Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
Eligible for a Secret security clearance
GRE scores

Training:

Location: Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and clinical sites across the U.S.
Duration: 30 months
Academic Curriculum: Includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and other physical therapy subjects.
Clinical Internships: Hands-on training at military and civilian medical facilities.
Officer Training Program: Commissioned Officer Training (COT) at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama

Pay and Benefits During Training:

Full tuition paid
Monthly stipend and salary as a Second Lieutenant
Medical and dental care are provided for the student
Additional benefits include uniforms, books, and a personal computer
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE

Career Opportunities: Graduates are commissioned as Captains in the Air Force Medical Specialist Corps and serve on Active Duty. They can work in various medical facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and field units.

Specialized Training Programs

Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps

Overview: The Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps offers opportunities for legal professionals to serve as commissioned officers in the Air Force, providing legal advice and services to military personnel.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
Passed the bar exam in any U.S. state or territory
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Pass the Air Force Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
Eligible for a Secret security clearance

Training:

Location: Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama
Duration: 9.5 weeks
Legal and Leadership Training: Focuses on military law, ethics, and leadership development.

Pay and Benefits During Training:

JAG officers receive pay and benefits commensurate with their rank and time in service.
Housing and meals are provided during training.
Medical and dental care are covered for the officer.
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE.
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is provided if authorized to live off base.

Career Opportunities: JAG officers serve as legal advisors in various capacities, including prosecution, defense, and legal assistance. They work in a variety of settings, including base legal offices, trial defense services, and appellate courts.

Chaplain Candidate Program (CCP)

Overview: The Chaplain Candidate Program (CCP) allows seminary students and those pursuing religious studies to serve as commissioned officers in the Air Force Chaplain Corps, providing spiritual guidance and support to military personnel.

Eligibility:

U.S. citizenship
Enrolled in or graduated from an accredited seminary or religious studies program
Endorsement from a recognized religious organization
Meet physical and medical requirements (conducted at a Military Entrance Processing Station, MEPS)
Pass the Air Force Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
Eligible for a Secret security clearance

Training:

Location: Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama
Duration: 5 weeks
Spiritual and Leadership Training: Focus on providing spiritual care, ethics, and leadership development.

Pay and Benefits During Training:

Chaplain candidates receive pay and benefits commensurate with their rank and time in service.
Housing and meals are provided during training.
Medical and dental care are covered for the candidate.
Family medical coverage is available through TRICARE.

Career Opportunities: Upon graduation and endorsement, chaplain candidates are commissioned as Chaplains and serve on Active Duty. They provide spiritual care and counseling to military personnel and their families in various settings, including bases, hospitals, and field units.

The U.S. Air Force offers diverse and comprehensive commissioning programs designed to develop future leaders. Whether you are a current enlisted airman, a college student, or a professional with specialized skills, there is a pathway to becoming a commissioned officer that aligns with your goals and aspirations. Explore these programs and take the first step toward a rewarding career as a leader in the U.S. Air Force, serving either on Active Duty or in the Reserve components.