What does it take to join the air force?

Jamie W

The Air Force is reputed to be the "softest" of the branches, so you're probably choosing the lowest-stress training. You do not need to fly before or after you join the AF, but it helps if you have good grades in school. Most of the members of the AF are not pilots, but rather are mechanics, support crew, schedulers, etc.

If you want to be a pilot, you need to go in as officer. That means you need excellent grades, you should work to be physically fit in school, and you need a recommendation from a government official -- like a US senator or representative. You can get that by writing the office of your senator/rep and -- oh, volunteering for them or something. Just make them aware of your existence. This recommendation and your good grades will get you into the air force officer college -- can't remember the name, duh -- which is a four-year college with a special focus on military training.

Remember, it's not just the Air Force that has pilots. The Navy and Marines both claim their pilots are better because they can land on aircraft carriers, and even the Army has helicopter pilots -- and darn good ones.

Pete T

No, all Air Force jobs don't involve flying , as a matter of fact I have know Airmen who have never og off the ground , just as I have know sailors who never set foot on a ship. No, you don't have to attend college, but a high school diploma is required. The only time you would have anyone yelling at you would be basic training , and that is to instill upon you the importance of instantly obeying orders instead of stopping to think about them which could cause you or someone else injury or death. And who knows, when you reach 18 you may go out west and be one of them Hollywood motion picture moguls.

Libertarian!

Yes you need to know how to fly (I personally practiced with my private jet, but that's just me.)
I had my masters degree by the time I was out of high school so I didn't have to worry about a thing!
I'm just kidding, but on a more serious note:
No you don't have to know how to fly, the air force consists of a wide variety of jobs (office type work, electronics work, aircraft maintenance, etc.)
No you don't need to have any college to join the air force.
I would recommend having a 4 year college degree before the military (you can enter as an officer)
You have a lot of time to think this over so don't stress on it, and don't commit yourself to it yet.
I would say to wait until your a senior in high school to really talk serious with a recruiter.
If you know someone that was in the military, bring them with you.
I say this because most recruiters try to throw you some bs, but if you have someone that knows whats going on (the recruiter will be able to tell) the recruiter probably won't throw you too much bs.
I have been through all of this recruiting process, and was fortunate to have a father that is a veteran, and a life long neighbor that is e-9 in the air force.
The yelling is part of the deal, and as you get older you will understand as well as except it.
When you take the asvab in high school (I believe junior year) take it seriously so you can get a good score.
For now just enjoy your youth years and don't stress about it!
Good luck! :)

Bravo Golf

OMG why does everyone think that the Air Force only flies. There are more non-flying jobs than actual flying jobs. Yea most of the jobs involve keeping planes in the air, but seriously come on.
People are going to say, "hes just 13 give him a break". F THAT. 13 is a somewhat mature age. When I was 13 I knew how to try to find out the answer myself before making myself look stupid by asking questions you can easliy find out on your own.
If you cant handle your mommy and daddy yelling at you DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT JOIN ANY BRANCH OF THE MILITARY.

Crazy @$$ Boy

you need 1 thing and 1 thing only.......................

A CUSHY @$$ TO SIT ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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