The United States Air Force

The United States Air Force got it's beginning as Signal Corps No.1 in 1909 at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, just six years after the Wright Brothers invented and flew the first airplane.

From that moment, the notion of air warfare took off and the role of the Air Force became essential to protecting American airspace and supporting the other branches of the U. S. military in defending the country and it's interests around the world.

The United States Air Force has taken on a greater role in combat over the years due to faster, more agile fighters and bombers, more precise missile guidance systems and smart bombs that are laser guided.

It has created technological advances in the field of space flight and exploration, computer components and programming, and helped develop other products that are used in everyday life.

There are over 350,000 officers and airmen in the Air Force stationed around the world and each year, over 30,000 men and women are recruited to fill vacant positions. There are many career fields to choose from.

Recruits must be at least 18 years of age (17 with a parents consent or have been emancipated by the courts), be in good physical condition, and make a minimum score on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Test.

Basic training for Air Force recruits is conducted at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas that last for six weeks. After basic training, recruits are trained in their perspective fields at Air Force facilities around the country.

Educational programs are offered to enlisted personnel while they are serving and at each base, there are trained counselors who help airmen make decisions to further his education.

The Community College of the Air Force offer associate degree's in Air Force related specialty fields of study and it works in conjunction with many civilian colleges and universities.

Enlisted personnel can become commissioned as an Air Force Officer under the Airman Education and Commissioning Program or by applying and being accepted in the Air Force Academy.

Like the other branches of the military, the Air Force expects a 40 work week from it's soldiers, but at times, may require more. It gives 30 days paid leave (vacation) per year along with commissary privileges and other free services.

For the latest information about a career in the United States Air Force, contact your local Air Force recruiting station.

The Army

The Navy

The Marines

The Coast Guard

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