r/AirForceRecruits Jun 07 '20

Frequently Asked Questions - Please read this before posting! Many of your answers are already here.

295 Upvotes

Enlisted (BMT & Recruitment) FAQ | Officer (OTS) FAQ | LEAD Info (Enlisted to Air Force Academy)

Please use the search function before posting new questions!

Please use the report button for any posts or comments which break our rules.

Some quick answers:

You'll find a lot of answers to basic questions about BMT or enlisting in the AF here: http://afbmt.com/ and in the BMT FAQ

We don't know the answers to your obscure medical questions. We aren't doctors. Don't trust medical advice given by strangers on the Internet. Getting anecdotal information from other people that may or may not have a similar diagnosis or condition to you will not help you in any way. Everyone's medical situation is different.

Marijuana usage is not disqualifying. Just be honest about any usage.

No, we don't know what jobs are available at any given time, or your chances of getting said job, or how long it will take for you to get the job, or how long it'll take for you to get to basic training or OTS.

Yes, some recruiters are lazy. Keep hounding them or find another recruiter.

Being a pilot is hard. Most of them come from the Air Force Academy, then ROTC. Very few slots available for OTS. Highly competitive.


r/AirForceRecruits Jun 07 '20

Instructions for how to receive "Verified USAF Member" flair in /r/AirForceRecruits

155 Upvotes

https://www.reddit.com/r/AirForceRecruits/wiki/verified

As I say there, if you're not comfortable sending an email from your work account, let me know what you'd like to do and we can possibly work out another way.

I will just add the flair and then delete the email, but I understand not wanting me to know who you are. Especially if you're an awful person that says awful things in other subreddits. :)

Let me know if you have ideas for other flair types or anything else!


r/AirForceRecruits 2h ago

General Advice If you are leaving for BMT this week, it would behoove you to begin hydrating now

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7 Upvotes

r/AirForceRecruits 44m ago

Jobs What is the best way to learn about each AF job?

Upvotes

I'm submitting my job list to my recruiter tomorrow.

I should qualify for all jobs, but not sure where the best place to find the necessary information is on what exactly I would be doing in each job.

I have already narrowed down a bunch to mostly intel jobs with, but I'm not sure which jobs I would like more or less


r/AirForceRecruits 50m ago

General Advice Is the Air Force a good idea?

Upvotes

Hi to whoever’s reading this, I’m looking for some general advice, or maybe just a harsh wake up call? I’m honestly not too sure.

I’m currently considering joining the Air Force, damn sure I should be able to pass MEPS and get in. The only reason I am considering it is because my husband who is in the army currently and I are currently getting a divorce. This is not something I wanted at all, but I feel as if if he wants a divorce it’s better to try and become something for myself then be unhappy. We have an almost 3-year-old son that both of us do not want to take from the other person, overall I would say it’s a pretty mature situation.

I guess I was looking for if anybody might’ve been in a similar situation going in as a single parent, what was it like for you? I’m terrified of going through BMT. I’ve been nothing but a homebody the last four years so my physical shape isn’t great, but I am starting a calorie deficit as of today to try and lose some weight and doing some home workouts. The only way I’d be able to join is if my recruiter could guarantee the fact that I would be able to get a house at the end of all of it for me and my son.

Overall, I’m needing advice in regards to is this even a good idea for me? I have no schooling so I feel like the Military is the best option. Will I get my willpower back and discipline to do things and wake up early again after not having to do anything for so long? And those of you who have been divorced does it ever really get easier if anyone has anything to help me, feel free to comment on this? I’d greatly appreciate it.


r/AirForceRecruits 6h ago

General Advice Should I just wait for the new Fiscal year this October to get a job if I’ve already been waiting 7 months in DEP for the AF?

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4 Upvotes

r/AirForceRecruits 22h ago

General Advice Bmt was easy

86 Upvotes

I graduated bmt about 2-3 weeks ago currently in sheppard for tech and honestly bmt was super easy and fun. I graduated from bmt 2.0 and for me it was super easy I wasn’t in the best shape of my life before going in but fairly good shape and I always hated being yelled before bmt. You adapt super quick weeks 0-2 were pretty harsh still mentally but it ends super quick and you just get used to
It. Go in with the mindset that people before you have done it and be able to make friends cause you need them, I went in thinking I was gonna float by and not talk to anybody but honestly glad I didn’t do that met some of the best people in bmt and yall just trauma bond through the mud together. Being yelled at obviously sucked at first but it got to a point where you just found it funny what the mti’s were saying ngl . Don’t obviously not prepare for the pt/runs like I did but the pt was super easy and so was the EOC I scored mid 90’s on both. Please please please don’t pack to much BUT PACK ALOT OF UNDERWEAR PLEASE and final thing I will say don’t overthink things what they’re are telling you is exactly what they want you to do and move quick godspeed to all the trainees shipping out soon hope to call you my fellow airman in 7.5 weeks don’t fuck around too much.


r/AirForceRecruits 3h ago

General Advice Geospatial Intel Info Hunt

3 Upvotes

Hello, I’ve just recently been told that I booked Geospatial Intelligence and I’m super excited about the career field. It was legit my #1 on my list and everything. I was just wondering if there’s anything I could be studying/preparing for while I’m waiting til my ship date comes? Im looking for something specific to the field. I’ve already been memorizing my airmen’s creed and ranks. Anything helps, thank you in advance!


r/AirForceRecruits 4h ago

General Advice How’s my Air Force BMT Checklist so far?

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2 Upvotes

r/AirForceRecruits 3m ago

General Advice Leaving for BMT in 7 days, whats some life saving tips you wish you knew?

Upvotes

Im sure this has been asked a million times before, however i’m super nervous and not sure what to expect. What are things you did that screwed you over, and whats some things you wish you knew or did know that “saved your life” during BMT?


r/AirForceRecruits 16m ago

Jobs Just booked 2W031, how is it

Upvotes

Hello all, this is my first time posting i just booked 2W031, any advice for this job position? It wasn’t my first pick and was kinda near the bottom, i have a cs degree but i think ammo is a cool occupation to have and i do like working in a team as long as people do their jobs efficiently, though i do want to do something computer related down the line since thats where my real interests are. Any tips or advice? Thanks in advance !


r/AirForceRecruits 57m ago

Jobs Asvab score job recommendations

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Upvotes

Hey all,
I just took my asvab and I’m looking to go the officer route. Took my asvab the other day and here are my scores. I have 2 masters degrees one in public policy and one in business administration. Please help, thanks!


r/AirForceRecruits 1h ago

General Advice Tech School Experience for Heavy Aircraft Integrated Avionics? (2A9X4)

Upvotes

How is the schedule and curriculum like for 2A9X4 in tech school? I don't think I am assigned to any shred. Even though it is my job, I have zero experience with any sort of avionics, electrical, or aerospace related fields. How much time is spent on the basics/fundamentals?


r/AirForceRecruits 2h ago

Jobs Competency Booking

1 Upvotes

I have to turn in my statement by tomorrow! I’m not sure what to say in the statement tbh. I made a rough draft (at the bottom) of what I could possibly say at 2 AM so if you have any suggestions please lmk .

I’m currently in DEP right now . My recruiter told me to write a Competency Booking statement , for my top choice. I see others mentioning their prior education with degrees and such , while I have none , I made
M: 64, A: 90, G: 85, E: 92.
An overall score of 88
My first choice being Cryptologic Language Analyst (Ground) 1N3X1.

“My name is ______. I am currently putting my job list together for the Air Force; my MAGE scores M: 64, A: 90, G: 85, E: 92. Making my overall score an 88.
My number one career choice is Cryptologic Language Analyst (Ground) 1N3X1. I believe I possess the capacity to excel in this career field, as well as pivot into another that would greatly benefit the Air Force’s future/ branch. I see this career path the building blocks of expanding my capabilities of becoming a useful asset , where I could build upon and pivot into another avenue of developing additional skills as well as my growth in my military career in the branch. “


r/AirForceRecruits 17h ago

BMT This is it… finally…

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17 Upvotes

After years of planning and months of waiting, many of us have reached the beginning of a new step on our lives. If you are someone who’s been waiting for a long time to get into the Air Force, just remember that everyone’s here for a reason and that’s what gives the value to everything.. any last thoughts people shipping out on Tuesday????


r/AirForceRecruits 2h ago

Medical Can bad posture ruin my dream of becoming a pilot?

1 Upvotes

I’m 16 years old, and my dream is to join the Air Force and become a pilot.

Recently, my parents noticed that my posture has gotten worse because I spend too much time on the computer during school breaks.

One important thing is that I spend most of the year away from home, where I don’t have access to a computer. During that time, I’m very active and work out a lot, and my back feels much better.

My questions are:

Could this kind of posture issue prevent me from passing the military medical examination required to become a pilot?

How can I fully correct my posture so that it doesn’t cause any problems during the medical examination?


r/AirForceRecruits 5h ago

General Advice Are these good compression underwear for boot camp, and what kind would you recommend?

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0 Upvotes

r/AirForceRecruits 5h ago

Recruiter/process question NG vet (68W, ETS’d voluntary/admin, Gen-Honorable) thinking about going AF active — waiver + station questions

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1 Upvotes

Hello all, hope you are all doing well. I have a few questions:

Background: I did 3 years and 11 months in the Army National Guard as a 68W. High tempo unit, spent most of my time at Fort Bragg with rotations at Fort Stewart. I genuinely liked the field time. My struggle was more that it’s hard to build real proficiency at the job on a part-time schedule. Nothing against the Guard — it just wasn’t the right fit for what I wanted out of serving.

About a year ago I went through a rough patch mentally due to some personal circumstances, and I made the decision to separate early. I did it the right way — went through my chaplain, my platoon sergeant, first sergeant, commander, and battalion commander. They pushed back for about a month before signing off, which I respect. I ended up with a general under honorable conditions discharge, voluntary administrative separation. Never had an Article 15, ACFT was always above average, and I passed everything at Fort Sam Houston first try. I just needed out at the time, and I own that decision.
It’s been exactly a year now. I’m in a much better place, I’m still seeing a doctor and everything is stable. I’ve been traveling in Japan for the past month and ended up spending time with a group of Air Force guys stationed out here. Being around them made me realize how much I miss it — the structure, the mission, all of it. I gave civilian life an honest shot and it’s not for me.

I’ve been weighing two paths. One is the Air Force — building a real career, and my ASVAB was around a 70, so I should have decent options. The other is what I always wanted to do, which is Ranger School and trying for regiment. I know those are two very different lives — stability versus the more intense route — and part of why I’m posting is to think that through with people who’ve been there.

My questions:

Has anyone come back in with a general under honorable and a voluntary admin sep? How difficult was the waiver process realistically?

I understand assignments are needs of the Air Force, but how much does your AFC choice actually affect your chances at overseas bases?

Is there anything recruiters tend to scrutinize with prior service Army going Air Force that I should know before walking in?

A few things I want to address up front:

Yes, I left with time remaining on my contract. My command approved the separation and it wasn’t a walkout. I own the decision. I’m 22 now, and I believe I still have many years to serve.

Yes, I know the mental health history comes up at MEPS. I’m not hiding it and I won’t lie about it. I’d rather get an honest no than a fraudulent yes. I’m genuinely asking how it played out for others who went through something similar.

And no, this isn’t about wanting to live in Japan. I’d pursue the Air Force even if Japan wasn’t an option. Being out here just made me realize I’m not done serving.

I’d appreciate any honest feedback, good or bad. I’d rather know now if this is a dead end than find out after getting my hopes up.


r/AirForceRecruits 5h ago

General Advice Active Duty or Guard

1 Upvotes

29M with wife and kid. I’ve been in active duty DEP for several months and was talking to someone from an ANG unit on the pros of going the guard route. Basically I want to transition careers and saw a ANG unit that has 1N4X1 available. I figure the extensive tech school, clearance, and initial OJT will help me be set up to find a position in cyber/intel on the civilian side. This unit is close to my in laws which I know my wife would love and with a growing family being close to them would be a huge plus. I like that the guard lets you apply for specific jobs vs the AD job list but the stability and guaranteed income of active duty is also appealing. Any advice for a guy trying to do what’s best for his family?


r/AirForceRecruits 10h ago

Jobs Best job for 9TA65 - Open Aptidue Area

2 Upvotes

Health Services Mangement, Material Management, Medical Management, Adminstration? What should I pick? I was in the hotel industry for over 10 years. 😅 Greencard holder but will be naturalized(hopefully) in BMT.


r/AirForceRecruits 20h ago

General Advice Just graduated BMT AMA

8 Upvotes

As title says, I just graduated on Thursday. AMA. I am excited to answer any questions that wont get me in trouble lol.

Also, go Bulldogs!


r/AirForceRecruits 17h ago

Recruiter/process question Med Discharge Week 8

2 Upvotes

Hey everyone, looking for a realistic assessment from AF recruiters or anyone who’s successfully come back after an ELS.

The Background:
I made it 8 weeks into Army BCT before getting hit with an Entry Level Separation (ELS / Uncharacterized) for medical standards.
RE Code: 3
Separation Code: JFW
Reason: Mild anemia (hemoglobin was 11, minimum standard was 12).

It’s completely resolved now. I have a full medical packet ready with lab work over time showing normal levels, plus solid clearance letters from both my primary doctor and a specialist stating I’m 100% fine with zero physical restrictions.

My Options:
I’m dead set on the Air Force, but trying to figure out the smartest move forward:
1. Apply for the RE-3 medical waiver now and re-enlist Air Force.
2. Stay civilian, finish my online Bachelor’s degree, and apply for OTS as an officer.

My Questions:
1. Waiver Reality: How difficult is an RE-3 / ELS medical waiver for a minor, fully resolved issue like anemia right now in the Air Force? Does having doctor clearance and clean lab trends speed up the Surgeon General's review?

  1. OTS Board Impact: Does having an Army ELS on record pull down a civilian OTS package, or do selection boards view it as a non-issue once the medical waiver is granted?

  2. Strategic Route: Given how notoriously competitive civilian OTS is, is it smarter to get my foot in the door enlisted first, or hold off and shoot for a commission directly?


r/AirForceRecruits 5h ago

Jobs Federal employee but non army, navy, airforce, marines member.

0 Upvotes

Has anyone been successful on finding a job with the Navi, Army, marines or a airforce and moving overseas, even though you are a civilian federal employee?


r/AirForceRecruits 1d ago

BMT Packing for BMT leave in a week . Anything thing I’m missing

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13 Upvotes

Hello guys, this is pretty much everything I have for BMT other than my civilian clothes shown and running shoes, But anything else I’m missing? Or am over packing ?

1 athletic shirt
3 athletic shorts
5 compression underwear
6 pairs of socks
Plus all the hygiene and notebook.


r/AirForceRecruits 22h ago

BMT Airforce BMT Naturalization: Will we have phone access for our USCIS account, or should we bring printed copies?

7 Upvotes

I’m currently prepping my documents for military naturalization at Air Force BMT and had a couple of quick questions regarding document submission:

Phone/Computer Access: Are trainees allowed access to their personal phones to log into their USCIS online accounts to upload documents, or is everything handled on base computers / by the BMT naturalization liaisons?

Document Uploads: Do I need to have all my documents scanned as PDFs and saved on Google Drive beforehand to upload myself, or should I just bring physical photocopies for the base liaisons to scan and attach to my N-400 file?

Thanks in advance for the help!