Air Force Academy LEAD visits Luke

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Marcy Copeland
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
The Air Force has officers to lead the enlisted core, and through programs such as the Leaders Encouraging Airman Development, enlisted Airmen can commission to second lieutenant. 

An Air Force Academy representative came to Luke Air Force Base, Nov. 17, 2015, to provide information about opportunities for young Airmen looking to commission in the Air Force.

There are 170 appointments available for active duty and Reserve Airmen to commission through the Air Force Academy or through the Academy Preparatory School.

"The LEAD program makes Airmen aware of commissioning opportunities," said 2nd Lt. David Coy, Air Force Academy admissions advisor.  "We have enlisted Airmen eligible to commission to second lieutenant and this is a really great opportunity for those seeking to attend the Academy."

Airmen must meet all the eligibility requirements and submit the application online. The eligibility requirements are as follows:

- Be a U.S. citizen or be able to obtain U.S. citizenship before entry into the Academy the following year.
- Be 17 years of age for direct entry but not have reached the age of 23 by July 1 of year of entry.
- Be 17 years of age for preparatory school but not have reached the age of 22 by July 1 of year of entry.
- Be unmarried.
- Bear no legal obligation to support a child or other individual.
- Not be pregnant.
- Be of high moral character.

According to U.S. Air Force Academy admission website, the 1786 application form should be completed by the member requesting admission, endorsed by the squadron commander and processed by the military personnel flight. The squadron commander must include a separate endorsement letter with the application.

Several things are evaluated during the application process. This includes: participation in any athletic activities, high school transcripts and any additional schooling attended thereafter, performance on-and-off duty, and recommendations from supervisors.

The process can be very competitive and applications are due no later than December 31. Applicants who have been selected will receive notification by May of the following year.

"Applicants can call the admissions counselors at any time," said Sandy Cooper, 56th Force Support Squadron education services specialist. "The Academy admission personnel will check the applicant's Scholastic Aptitude Test scores, high school education and grade point average. If the scores are on the low side an applicant can still be selected to attend the preparatory school for 10 months prior to entry into the Academy."

For more information or to apply, visit http://www.academyadmissions.com/admissions/advice-to-applicants/enlisted-airmen/ or contact a regional admissions liaison officer or admissions counselors at the academy headquarters at 1-800-443-9266.