Omar Bennett
Active duty in the U.S. Air Force refers to full-time duty in the active military service of the United States. This includes members of the reserve component, such as the National Guard or reserve, serving under published orders for active duty or full-time training. To join the Air Force as an enlisted Airman, individuals must be between the ages of 17 and 42, be a U.S. citizen, and have a high school diploma or GED. Applicants must also pass the Armed Services Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) exam and a physical, and cannot have a history of serious law violations, drug use, or health problems. The Air Force offers various opportunities for career growth and development, including specialized programs to help enlisted Airmen become officers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of Active Duty | Full-time duty in the active military service of the United States |
| Who can be on Active Duty | Members of the reserve component, such as national guard or reserve, while serving under published orders for active duty or full-time training |
| Age requirement to join as an enlisted Airman | Between 17 and 42 years old |
| Education requirement to join as an enlisted Airman | High school diploma or GED |
| Other requirements to join as an enlisted Airman | Pass the Armed Services Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) exam, pass a physical, no serious law violations or drug use, and no serious health problems |
| Requirements to join as an officer | Attend Officer Training School (OTS), Air Force ROTC, or the Air Force Academy after completing college or a postgraduate degree |
| Training | All enlisted airmen attend Basic Military Training (BMT) at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas for 7+1⁄2 weeks |
| Active Duty Airmen in 2020 | 321,848 |
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What You'll Learn
- Age requirements: 17-42 years old
- Education: High school diploma or GED required
- Testing: Applicants must pass the Armed Services Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) exam
- Background and health: No serious law violations, drug use, or health problems
- Training: All enlisted airmen attend Basic Military Training (BMT)
Age requirements: 17-42 years old
To be eligible for active duty in the Air Force, you must be between the ages of 17 to 42 years old. This range allows for a diverse pool of applicants, from recent high school graduates to experienced professionals, to join the Air Force and contribute their skills and talents.
For those on the younger end of the spectrum, the Air Force offers a range of opportunities to join directly after high school. The minimum age requirement of
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Education: High school diploma or GED required
To join the Air Force as an enlisted Airman, you must be between the ages of 17 and 42, be a current U.S. citizen, and have obtained either a high school diploma or a GED. A high school diploma or GED is a mandatory requirement to join the Air Force.
If you are still in high school and are aspiring to be an Airman, you can prepare by focusing on your math, science, and English classes, as these subjects will help you prepare for the Armed Services Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) exam, which is required for all Airmen. Many high schools offer Junior Air Force ROTC programs for those who are interested.
If you are already enlisted and are looking to further your education, the Air Force offers many opportunities to grow in your career. There are five specialized programs built to help you become an officer:
- Airman Scholarship and Commissioning Program (ASCP): Enlisted Airmen receive a $15,000 scholarship to attend college.
- Scholarships for Outstanding Airman to ROTC (SOAR): Commanders offer selected enlisted Airmen (based on outstanding performance) a $15,000 college scholarship.
- One-year Professional Officer Course-Early Release Program (1-Year POC-ERP): Active-duty Airmen who can complete bachelor’s degree requirements within one year receive an opportunity to become a full-time student to complete their degree.
If you are a prior-service member, you can apply for the Voluntary Retired Return to Active Duty (VRRAD) program. This program allows eligible retired enlisted members to return to active duty in the AFSC they last served. The program is open between February 8, 2023, and January 31, 2026, and applicants must be under the age of 58.
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Testing: Applicants must pass the Armed Services Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) exam
To join the Air Force as an enlisted Airman, applicants must pass the Armed Services Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) exam. The ASVAB is a standardised test that assesses a candidate's aptitude in four critical areas: arithmetic reasoning, mathematics, word knowledge, and paragraph comprehension. The test also covers verbal, math, science, and technical skills. The ASVAB is used to determine whether a candidate is a good fit for the Air Force and helps identify the career path that best aligns with their strengths.
The ASVAB is a timed, multi-aptitude test, similar to the SAT, that is administered at over 14,000 schools and Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) nationwide. It is a prerequisite for joining the Air Force, and applicants must achieve a minimum score of 31 to be eligible for enlistment. The test is valid for up to two years, and candidates who are unsatisfied with their scores can retake the exam after a specified waiting period.
The ASVAB is composed of nine general subtests, and the scores are represented as percentiles ranging from 1 to 99. The test evaluates not only the candidate's current knowledge but also their propensity to learn different subjects. The four critical areas of the ASVAB are further broken down into ten subject areas, with each service branch determining the qualifying score for enlistment.
The ASVAB's Mechanical, Administrative, General Aptitude, and Electronics (MAGE) subtests are combined to determine the career fields in which candidates are most qualified. The ASVAB scores help identify the job areas where candidates would excel and suggest military jobs they can hold after basic training. A higher ASVAB score expands the range of job opportunities available, including those that may offer special pay and bonuses.
The ASVAB is a crucial step in the process of joining the Air Force as it ensures that candidates possess the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen career field. By assessing a candidate's aptitude and eligibility, the ASVAB helps match individuals with the most suitable roles within the Air Force, contributing to a more effective and efficient organisation.
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Background and health: No serious law violations, drug use, or health problems
To join the Air Force, you must meet several requirements, including a background check and a health assessment.
Firstly, a background check is required to assess your moral standards and ensure you meet the standards set by the Air Force, Department of Defense, and federal law. This includes a criminal history check, which will cover any law violations, arrests, convictions, and traffic violations. Drug use will also be assessed, and illegal drug use is prohibited by the Air Force. Preservice marijuana use without legal repercussions may not disqualify you, but your circumstances should be discussed with a recruiter to determine eligibility. Financial history may also be investigated as part of the background check. The depth of the background check will depend on the level of clearance required for the role. Most military jobs require a "SECRET" clearance, which can take up to a year to obtain.
Secondly, a health assessment is necessary to ensure you meet the physical and mental standards set by the Air Force, Department of Defense, and federal law. This includes a physical examination to determine your overall health and fitness for service.
It is important to note that any concerns about your record or health should be discussed with a recruiter, as they can provide guidance on eligibility and next steps. The Air Force offers many opportunities for career growth and development, but it is crucial to meet the initial requirements to join.
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Training: All enlisted airmen attend Basic Military Training (BMT)
To become an enlisted airman in the U.S. Air Force, individuals must be between the ages of 17 and 42, be a current U.S. citizen, and have obtained either a high school diploma or GED. Applicants must pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) exam, which covers arithmetic reasoning, mathematics, word knowledge, and paragraph comprehension. The ASVAB exam is used to determine whether an individual is a good fit for the Air Force and to identify the best career field for them.
All enlisted airmen are required to attend Basic Military Training (BMT), which lasts for 7 and a half weeks at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Individuals with prior service of over 24 months of active duty in other service branches who seek to enlist in the Air Force must go through a 10-day Air Force familiarization course instead of the full BMT.
During BMT, individuals will undergo rigorous physical and mental training to prepare them for the demands of military life. They will learn basic military skills, such as drill and ceremonies, as well as core values and standards of the Air Force. Recruits will also be introduced to military customs and traditions, including the proper wear and maintenance of their uniforms. Physical training is a significant component of BMT, focusing on improving cardiovascular fitness, strength, and endurance. Recruits will also be trained in self-defence and basic combat skills.
Throughout BMT, recruits will be expected to adhere to strict military discipline and standards of conduct. They will learn how to work as a team and develop leadership skills through various training exercises and simulations. BMT also includes weapons qualification and field training exercises, where recruits apply the skills they have learned in a practical, tactical environment.
Upon completion of BMT, enlisted airmen will have the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary to serve in the U.S. Air Force. They will be physically and mentally conditioned to handle the challenges of military life and will have developed a strong sense of discipline, teamwork, and dedication to their country.
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Frequently asked questions
Active duty is defined as full-time duty in the active military service of the United States. This includes members of the reserve component, such as the National Guard or reserve, while serving under published orders for active duty or full-time training.
To join the Air Force as an enlisted Airman, you must be between the ages of 17 and 42, a current U.S. citizen, and have obtained either a high school diploma or GED. Applicants cannot have any serious law violations, drug use, or serious health problems. Additionally, you must pass the Armed Services Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) exam and a physical assessment.
You can apply to join the Active Duty Air Force through an Air Force recruiter via your local recruitment office, over the telephone, or online. Once you meet all the requirements, you will be moved into testing, which includes the ASVAB exam and a physical assessment.
Yes, the Voluntary Retired Return to Active Duty (VRRAD) program allows eligible, retired, enlisted members to return to active duty in the AFSC they last served. The program is open to applicants under the age of 58.
