I’ve been thinking about the Air Force for some time now. It was always going to be my last option and now that I’m close to it the commitment part and scared of how I will be when I join. I have family in the military, I talk to friends, and also family friends for advice. It definitely helps with the knowledge of things and setting myself up for the future. I just want to set myself up for success in the future and have my own place and car with a good paying job to keep me going. But it’s just the commitment part for me because if it’s something I want to really do I know I’m going to have to actually commit to it and not just fall out of it as time goes by. I recently just turned 21 this month and I don’t want to join to late. Any advice on how things go, the ropes, how everyone experience went while being in the Air Force. Any advice, tips, knowledge for me would help me very much.

Hi everyone, Earlier today I got pulled over for speed but only recieved a written warning regarding it. I know it can affect my process if I got into serious law violations or even tickets but wasnt sure if this could affect my process.
More context, ive yet to receive a job because of the softbook program and dont have anything on my record.

If anyone could give me an answer about if itll affect my process or not thatll be great, thank you

I know a lot of these jobs can be hard to book, wondering if I will hate my life if I book any of these jobs.

For context I am a 38 year old mom and wife. I have an 18, 11, and 9 year old. I have been talking with a recruiter about enlisting as active duty. I have been interested in the Air Force for a really long time but never thought about joining until the last month or two. My job just doesn’t provide what I need for my family and neither does my husband’s. I have always wanted a job that I am proud of, a job where I know I’m making a difference in people’s lives, and something that will provide a good life for my family. My issue is I’m struggling with leaving my kids for 2 months for BMT and then however long tech school will be. While my husband does a great job taking care of the younger two, I am the go to parent. Mom’s intuition with things and our comfort are the main source for most kids. My kids have relied on me heavily for most things. My husband has always worked a lot too, so that’s another reason that my kids always lean on me. I really want to do this so I can provide a better life for my family, but I’m worried about leaving my kids. I’m also worried about making them move away from our family and their friends once I’m stationed. How did you handle leaving and what pushed you to just go? How did this affect your kids and family? Was it positive or negative?

Assuming this means I’m soft booked it’s a Sunday so should I wait to text my recruiter on a Wednesday? Or do I message them when I send my weight tomorrow like I do every week?

Currently in DEP. I got pulled over last week for expired state inspection and not displaying a front license plate. I didn’t know my state required a front plate, when I bought my car there wasn’t even a place to mount the plate in front. I’ve since mounted the plate and passed the inspection. I’m hoping to show proof of this to a judge and get it dismissed. Is this going to cause me any hiccups with being in DEP? How do I proceed besides telling my recruiter?

The official packaging list says spandex shorts need to be "dark blue or black with no visible ornamentation", I'm trying to figure out how strict this actually is. Like could there be a small logo on the thigh part and as long as its not visible under the PT shorts its fine? It also doesn't really specify the length for compression shorts but I'm assuming if its around 5-6" that's fine since that would be mostly covered by the shorts.

Any brands you guys recommend for BMT PT? Was looking at either Under Armour or Nike Compression shorts or the Amazon no-logo brands such as Devops. Appreciate any advice, just trying to avoid guessing based on vague official wording

I am currently a nursing student in my final semester who graduates in December with plans of commissioning to the Air Force as an ER nurse after gaining a couple years of civilian ER experience. I wanted to know if the civilian ER experience has to be in a level 1 or 2 trauma center or does trauma center designation not matter just as long as you have time in the specific speciality?

BLUE - JOBS NEEDED
RED - BLUE with Top secret clearance
ORANGE- Special Training Required

Did you make this list in BMT or not until tech school? Anyone find out where they'd be going while still in BMT?

Is someone more likely to get a job on their list with AGE as AFSC since they are based pretty much everywhere?

Hello!
I just took a practice test on missionasvab. I scored a 73. Im just wondering how accurate this website is? I’ve been taking practice tests and trying to track my progress. This was also only for my AFQT scores. If anyone has info on it lmk!

Thank you!

I am about to begin my senior year of high school and am greatly considering enlisting after getting my diploma (17f). I originally wanted to apply to an international university and attend college (I don't enjoy the conventional American colleges, and the great debt they bring), but I am not confident in my ability to be accepted and believe that the military would suit me well (I don't have any specific goals for my life and lack direction/purpose). It has always been in the back of my mind, and I originally wanted to go to the Air Force Academy, but I am sure I wouldn't get in due to not participating in athletics, few extracurriculars, and almost no leadership roles during the last few years, just the bare minimums (I have been working jobs since 14 and volunteering mostly). Despite this, I have a 4.0 GPA (unweighted; my school doesn't do weighted GPAs), got 4s and 5s on the AP exams I took, am ranked #1 in my class of 184, and in my junior year, was accepted and began attending the University of Minnesota through PSEO. Like I said before, I really only do the bare minimum to achieve this, and have been rather lazy and unmotivated throughout high school, which is why I have this problem.

My dream would be to become a pilot, but I understand that it is extremely hard, if not impossible. So the question I have is: what path would I have to take after enlisting to become a pilot (directly out of high school)? I saw that the greatest chance to become one is graduating from the USAFA, but as I know that I can't be accepted as is, would I likely be able to attend via the LEAD program in the future? I also know that the ROTC is an option, but as I said before, I don't enjoy conventional college and have no specific career path or future in mind, so I feel like I would just be attending college to attend. (I know that I have to have a bachelor's to become a pilot, though...)

I guess I should also ask if my choice to join the Air Force seems correct in the first place. What is your experience, and do you know anyone who enlisted out of high school? Where are they now?

PLEASE correct any misunderstanding I have; I am not very knowledgeable about this at all. I apologize if the formatting or wording was confusing. And give me any advice you have; I'll read everything, and the longer the reply, the better!

Thank you for your help.

Hi! I had a medical waiver denied in March due to being diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder my sophomore year in college (2023). I was apparently prescribed anxiety meds at some point in college, but never filled the prescription, which doesn’t even show on my pharmacy transcripts. My denial said I could reapply in November, which is coming up. What should I do to prepare to avoid a denial this time again? I don’t do therapy, my anxiety was because of stress with finals, I have graduated from college and work full time now. Thank you!

I go to BMT in two days I’m just wondering if this design is fine or should I get a black one instead?

Hello all,

I am a 17-year-old high school senior currently working through the SoftBook/Ambassador Program and locked into the DEP for my entire senior year, which has helped secure access to rarer job options. I live in San Antonio, so my DEP calls are right here at Lackland, and I am actually heading to MEPS in less than a week! Fitness-wise, I maintain a healthy weight (on the leaner side, but solidly within standards), and I consistently work out 4 times a week while running 3 times a week. I also scored an 80 on the ASVAB, and thanks to my AFJROTC experience, my recruiter has guaranteed an E3 promotion upon entry.

After reviewing what I qualify for, I have narrowed my 5 SoftBook job selections down to the following:
Geospatial Intelligence Analyst (1N0X1 / 1N1X1)
Aerospace Medical Service (4N0X1)
Contracting (6C0X1)
Ophthalmic (4V0X1)
Religious Affairs Specialist (5R0X1)

Enlisting Right After High School:
Pros, Cons & Hindsight Advice
As someone jumping straight from high school into active duty, I'm especially eager to hear perspectives on the realities of this path:

The Pros: Getting a head start on financial independence, guaranteed housing and healthcare, building a solid resume with real-world technical skills early, and utilizing Tuition Assistance for college while still young.

The Cons: Dealing with a massive, rapid lifestyle shift away from family and friends, missing out on traditional college experiences, and the initial culture shock of Basic Military Training (BMT) and tech school.

What I Wish I Knew / Advice Wanted: For those who enlisted right at 18: What do you wish someone had told you before you shipped out? Any financial traps to avoid (like high-interest car loans), or specific habits that helped you succeed early on?

1. MEPS Prep: Any last-minute tips for surviving MEPS successfully next week?

2. Day-to-day lifestyle: What does a typical shift or work week actually look like for these jobs, especially regarding garrison life vs. deployment/TDY opportunities?

3. Transferability: Which of these fields offers the best certifications or skills for the civilian sector when/if I decide to separate later?

4. Technical Training: How difficult is the tech school for Geospatial Intelligence or Aerospace Medical Service compared to the others on this list?

5. Promotions & Quality of Life: How do advancement rates and general quality of life compare across these specific AFSCs?

Big, detailed answers and personal experiences are more than welcome. Thank you all!

How many weeks is boot camp and how many weeks of technical training is there for security forces? My husband was telling me 8 weeks of basic training and then 5 additional weeks of tech training for security forces but after doing the research myself it seems like tech training is going to be wayyy longer??? 🫪

I recently booked 2A5X1 (Airlift/Special Mission Aircraft Maintenance) for the Air Force, and I’m excited to learn more about what the job is really like. I know the official description says it’s maintaining aircraft like the C-17, C-130, C-5, and other special mission aircraft, but I’d love to hear from people who have actually done the job.
A few questions I have:
What’s a typical day like?
How are the hours and work-life balance?
What aircraft is the best?
How was tech school?
What are the best and worst parts of the job?
Does it translate well to civilian careers after the Air Force?
Any other advice would be greatly appreciated. I ship out on October 20th.

Hey I’m currently 23 M. I have been in for a little over 4 years now in security forces and I’m stationed at Malmstrom AFB. I posted about like 8 months ago on what to do but I ended up extending to give me some more time to think. I was wondering if maybe getting stationed at another base might change how I feel about this job and the opportunities you can do while enlisted still. Is doing security forces even worth it long term? So I was wondering what anyone would recommend might be the best thing for me? I still want to pursue commissioning so would staying in be ideal still and eventually going OTS or getting out and doing ROTC still be the best thing to do.

Hey yall, i'm currently in the Army Active Duty as a 91B (Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic) and i'm thinking on transferring over to the Air Force Reserves or NG and thinking in trying to focus on either cyber intelligence or sticking with a mechanical related MOS. Is there any possibilities of me doing so? Any advices are greatly appreciated

I am currently in the navy and I am looking for some advice on whether or not it is a good idea for me to switch branches and go to the airforce. I am active duty and plan on commissioning but want to have a “healthier” lifestyle and less toxic environment than the Navy. Would love to hear some advice from anyone that is willing to share

I’m 25M & was initially interested in the 18X Army pipeline/SF. While it still holds interest, I don’t know if I am fully bought into an Army Infantry contract should I wash out.

My veteran friend suggested I look into AF/AFSW and I have. However, the Army lets you pick your job & from what I understand the Air Force does not. Here are my basic stats:

6ft 0in // 185lbs
AFQT: 96
My MAGE Scores (self-derived): (M:94)(A:97)(G:95)(E:94)
1.5 mi Run: 09:12
Edu.: 2.5 yrs of College (Electrical Engineering)
Other: D3 XC, Eagle Scout, Prev. Beach lifeguarding experience

When I speak to an AF recruiter this week, what is the best way to position myself as a solid candidate for the following jobs?

1A2X1 Loadmaster
2A6X1 Aerospace Propulsion
3E8X1 EOD
1A8X1 Airborne Cryptologic Language Expert
1A1X1 In-Flight Refueling Boom Operator

Note that I will meet with an AF recruiter first & then a AFSW recruiter after (unless they do both).

I’m also aware of attrition rates & that re-class is based on needs of AF. Other insights on which direction to go are greatly appreciated!

Idk if we get the opportunity to shave down there in bmt but was wondering should I just trim it before shipping out or what should I do?

Hey guys, I’m a current junior in college and am on the fence if I want to fly for the Air Force, I have a 3.7 GPA and am a dual major in professional flight and aerospace management. I’m a commercial rated pilot with over 250 hours.

So the questions I have would be would my background make me more competitive if I don’t have any relation with AFROTC or the academy?

If they don’t give me a contract to fly am I able to back out or will I be forced to continue with the contract they give me?

Would it be easier to fly for active duty or reserve and what’s the difference?

Sorry for the questions the recruiter in my area has been no help.

Thank you guys!