Benefiting the US Air Force with jobs and careers on usairforce.com

10 Safest Air Force Jobs

Debbie — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 13:03:20 +0000

The Air Force has hundreds of jobs for recruits that utilize the unique skills and qualities of each individual. There is a position for everyone in the United States Air Force. You don’t have to put yourself in harm’s way to make a difference in the Air Force, as not all careers are considered dangerous Air Force jobs. There are careers in the Air Force that are critical to Air Force success at home and overseas.

Whether you have managerial skills or can play an instrument, the Air Force has a career that is in need of your experience. There are many safe jobs in the Air Force that are just as important as the dangerous jobs.

Ready to get started with one of the many Air Force Jobs? Fill out this form and you can get more information about eligibility and requirements for joining the Air Force.

1. Acquisition Officer

Officers use their managerial skills to oversee defense acquisition programs. Officers organize defense acquisition programs and advise commanders and support staff on the progress of acquisition programs. Acquisition officers are essential for getting Airmen what they need from any location across the world.

2. Air Traffic Control

Air traffic control operators are responsible for guiding aircraft. Control specialists study weather patterns and flight patterns on the air and in the air. Air Traffic Control specialists use the most technologically advanced equipment to assure the safety of Air Force equipment and the lives of their fellow airmen.

3. Aviation Resource Management

Aviation Resource Management specialists make sure everything is ready to get a jet off the ground and into the air. Management specialists oversee the safety requirements for flight, check aircrew members in and out of daily flights, assist in creating and managing flight schedules, and maintain critical flight records of the aircrew.

4. Chaplain Officer

Airmen rely on the faith and guidance offered by Chaplain Officers. Chaplain Officers provide worship, religious counseling, and support to airmen and their family members of all faiths. When religious guidance and moral support is needed during trying times, airmen turn to chaplains for counsel.

5. Contracting

Contractors are in charge of purchasing necessary equipment for the base. They buy equipment, necessary supplies and organize construction services. Contracting specialists seek contractor’s bids and organize all the data for a related project. Contracting specialists verify prices and review companies prior to doing business with them.

6. Dental, Audiology, and Ophthalmology

Support staff is always needed to help doctors. Dental, audiology, and ophthalmology specialists are needed to help care for airmen and assist in maintaining medical records and prep patients for their visits.

7. Diet Therapy

Diet therapy specialists help airmen maintain a healthy and nutritious diet. If airmen aren’t eating the right foods they can’t work efficiently, prevent illnesses or recover from necessary medical procedures. Diet therapy specialists are available to help airmen make healthier food choices and teach them to prepare well balanced meals for themselves and their families.

8. Material Management

Material Management specialists are responsible for administering all the necessary supplies and equipment an airman needs. Material Management specialists keep accurate financial records and take inventory of their supplies and equipment. Material Management specialists are also responsible for managing allowances, controlling funds and computing requirements that are needed for an individual airman.

9. Services Specialist

Services specialists are trained to handle an array of necessary tasks in the Air Force. They may be performing physical fitness tests, helping a family relocate, or creating menus for the airmen. They are called in whenever their services are needed. Services specialists learn to run a hotel, a restaurant and a gym to maintain an airman’s readiness.

10. Regional Band

If your passion is music, you will find a position in the Air Force that fits your musical aspiration. Regional band members perform in military events and ceremonies, hold concerts, and provide musical support at Air Force recruiting events.

Getting in

Joining the Air Force is simple, if you meet certain eligibility standards.

17-27 years old
US citizen
Have a High School diploma or a GED with 15 college credits

Once you have been accepted, your options are limitless. You are sure to find a career that caters to your natural abilities and specialized skills. When you join the Air Force, you get the opportunity of a lifetime to do something you love while you are stationed in the US or in other countries around the world.

Fill out this form to learn about joining the Air Force.

10 Dangerous Air Force Jobs

Debbie — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 12:51:31 +0000

Members of the US Air Force all face challenging experiences in the field. Whether they are behind a desk, or on the ground, Airmen endure mental and physical challenges each day in service. Men and women around the United States answer the call for the greater good and offer their unique skills in the Air Force. Each position in the Air Force is vital to the success of national security, but some Air Force jobs are more dangerous than others. After Airmen have gained crucial experience in the Air Force, they can progress to more challenging and adrenaline pumping positions in dangerous military jobs.

Looking to get started with one of the many Air Force Jobs? Start by filling out this form to learn more.

1. Explosive Ordnance Disposal

An EOD specialist confronts danger each time they approach an explosive device. Explosive Ordnance Disposal specialists are responsible for assessing a potentially explosive situations and ridding the area of deadly devices. EOD specialists are responsible for dismantling improvised explosives, and managing an unexploded piece of ordnance by blowing it up in a controlled environment. Specialists handle devices that can blow off body parts, or kill them. EOD specialists are responsible for keeping others safe, by removing the explosive hazards that have the potential to kill. They deal with the constant change of homemade devices, terrorist creations, and nuclear and biological threats.

2. Pilot

Pilots can be deployed to any mission around the world. They possess a unique set of skills to be able to control the most sophisticated aircrafts in the world. Pilots can be in bombers, fighter jets, transport carriers, and test aircraft. Pilots can endure combat zones and unpredictable weather. It’s up to the pilot to perfect their skills to be ready for the many challenges of deployment.

3. Combat Control

This position is only open to men. Combat Controllers are completely immersed into a combat situation. They are a one-man team for air control on the ground, and they have to be ready to fight at any moment. They are the eyes that are fixated on the hostile forces.

4. Security Forces Specialists

Security Forces Specialists are responsible for protecting everything and everyone in the Air Force. Security Forces protect the bases and weapons from hostile forces, not only during combat, but in the states as well. Security Forces are also responsible for capturing and detaining dangerous suspects.

5. Tactical Air Control Party Specialist

Men are the only eligible applicants who can become a Tactical Air Control Party Specialist. TACP Specialists are on the front lines to make critical calls for an air strike and lead forces to the primary target. TACP Specialists serve next to the Army and other elite forces to initiate air strikes and call for artillery on the battlefield.

6. Special Operations Weather Team

Only men make up the elite Special Operations Weather Team. SOWT specialists are placed in the field with top of the line instruments to record, monitor and predict the weather. They relay vital information from the ground, to help the military make critical decisions during missions.

7. Combat Rescuer Officer

Combat rescuer officers face hostile territory head-on to save the life of a fellow airman. They are responsible to rescue and recovery of a wounded airman on the front lines. Combat Rescue Officers are strategic and swift to get in and out of danger quickly.

8. Fire Protection

Fire protection officers are called to maintain and control a variety of fire threats. Fire Protection officers are trained and equipped to battle brush fires, building and aircraft fires and hazardous materials fires. They must be ready to move when the flames erupt. Fire protection officers are responsible for fire safety on the base, but can also be called to assist civilian fire departments.

9. Pararescue

Also a male only career, Pararescue specialists parachute into hostile and unpredictable territory to rescue a fellow Airman. They are always on alert, and ready to sacrifice their life for another.

10. Aerial Gunner

An Aerial Gunner is responsible for protecting their crew members and their aircraft. They are strategically positioned on an HH-60 Pave Hawk or an AC-130 Gunship with their gun in hand, to spot, detect, and deflect an attack. Aerial Gunners are constantly on guard, and ready to do what is necessary to protect their crew.

Looking to get started with one of the many Air Force Jobs? Start by filling out this form to learn more.

Israeli Air Force Shoots Down Drone

Debbie — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 20:28:27 +0000

No hostile government has dared entered Israel’s airspace for at least six years. In early October, though, the Israeli Air Force reported that it shot down an unmanned drone. The drone was spotted crossing Israel’s southern border.

According to Israeli’s military, the drone was seen flying above the Mediterranean in the Gaza Strip area. Israel released an online video showing the drone’s elimination.

Air Force is Unsure of Drone’s Owner

At this time, no one knows who sent the drone into Israel. Some officials have blamed Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip. Many, however, believe that this is highly unlikely. One analysis stated that Hezbollah is the immediate suspect. One lawmaker in Israeli used his Twitter account to blame Iran and Hezbollah.

Hezbollah makes sense as a suspect. The militant group, which is based in Lebanon but has close ties with extremists in Iran, has sent drones into Israel before. Two of those previous drones were equipped with explosives intended to disrupt central areas of Israel.

Israeli Air Force Used Caution

The Israeli Air Force shot down the latest drone quickly, but it still hovered within the border for about 15 minutes. Israeli officials say they were aware of the drone immediately, but they let it fly for 15 minutes so they could shoot it down in an unpopulated area. No evidence shows that the drone contained any explosives. Analysts assume that the unmanned craft was sent on an information gathering mission.

Drones Have Become More Common

Want to join the US Air Force and become a Drone Pilot? Click here to get more information.

Drones have become increasingly important to governments across the world, including the US Air Force. These unmanned aircrafts have pilots who are often stationed hundreds or even thousands of miles away. They control the drones remotely. This makes drones easier to conceal and less expensive to build. While they vary in size, many are quite small.

Drones also protect pilots from attack. Losing a drone aircraft is expensive for any military, but highly trained pilots are much harder to replace. Since the pilots work away from battlefields, militaries can keep their soldiers safe.

These unmanned planes are often used to gather intelligence on foreign countries. Even though the drone was destroyed, it could have sent information to its operator. Drones are also useful for military engagement, assassinations, and neutralizing terrorist threats without endangering pilots.

Piloting Drones Requires Immense Skill

Drones have also become popular within the United States military. The U.S. Air Force employs thousands of drone pilots. Years ago, many people the military considered drone pilots second-tier to those who flew inside real planes. Today, though, many pilots want to participate in drone programs.

Flying drones requires an extremely high level of skill. While traditional pilots can get information about their environments by simply looking through their cockpit windows, drone pilots rely on maps and video cameras situated on the drones.

Piloting a drone isn’t like playing a video game. Pilots often sit in rooms with a dozen or more screens. Each of those screens provides pertinent information. Pilots essentially have to use this information to form three-dimensional images in their heads.

Want to join the US Air Force and become a Drone Pilot? Click here to get more information.

I Want To Be An Air Force Reserve Recruiter

Debbie — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 17:47:44 +0000

If there is a public face to the Air Force Reserve it is probably embodied in the countless recruiters serving around the country each year, seeking out potential candidates for enlistment. These men and women put more time than most of their fellow reservists each year. The majority of Air Force reservists will put in their obligatory drilling and that is it. It is different when you want to be an Air Force Reserve recruiter. Those who wish to become one must go through a course of study and be willing to dedicate the time to the job.

Am I Ready?

The answer to this question can be more complicated than it seems. First, you need to make sure you understand what all will be required of you as a recruiter. Most reservists have no idea how much time can be involved. Recruiting is a full-time job–a job that requires you to be on-duty at all times. You become a representative of the entire Air Force Reserve. As such, you will need above all else the requisite experience and knowledge to faithfully represent the Reserve.

Find out more about joining the Air Force – Click here and fill out the form for no obligation information.

There is an investment of your whole self involved. All practicalities aside, the emotional impact is more than most people want to tackle in the limited involvement in the Armed Services. The same people who are willing to take action when called into active-duty may flinch when presented with the prospect of traveling around, talking one-on-one with students at high schools and colleges, and giving speeches. You need to know whether your personality will allow you to make the most out of recruiting.

There are also mental requirements involved. You’ll have to take tests and training courses that will require you to memorize key facts about the Reserve. An initial evaluation test will take several days to complete and you’ll be in the running with other potential recruiters. Then there is a six-week training course that will require you to travel Lackland Air Force Base located in Texas. You will become acquainted with public speaking, advertisement, and public relations (PR) among other topics.

Practical Matters

The most basic requirement you must meet is membership in the Air Force Reserves. Specifically, you will need a minimum of three years as an enlisted soldier and have received the rank of Senior Airman. After that you will be meeting with a senior recruiter face to face. During that interview, you will receive information that must be completed and sent to the recruitment selection board. Once you’re in the running you will have to wait for your chance.

If you are selected there is additional testing to complete. You will need to pass both an academic test and a physical test, which will take place over the course of five days. If you successfully complete the five day testing, you will move on to Lackland for recruiter training.

Military Jobs: Air Force Emergency Medicine Physician

Debbie — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 15:22:18 +0000

The role of the physician in the United States Air Force involves a broad range of services based on the needs of personnel at home and on the front lines. Of the military jobs you can choose from those that focus on providing emergency medical services. Air Force jobs in the medical field require commitment to taking the training received in medical school to the next level. If you have already chosen the path of Air Force physician then it is only a short step to becoming certified as an Air Force emergency medicine physician.

Fill out this form if you want to learn more about military jobs and the Air Force.

Initial Training

It starts with your acceptance into medical school. You will have already met any previous educational requirements. For those candidates at this stage, the reasons for considering a position as a physician in the Air Force may include both a genuine interest in the specific duties they will have and the financial benefits available via scholarships such as the Health Professions Scholarship Program. The Air Force offers programs for three and four-years that cover your expenses like tuition, books, and other fees.

Additionally, the program gives candidates a monthly stipend to help cover living expenses such as rent. This option allows you to complete your training as a doctor while also serving at rank in the Air Force.

There are other starting points. You could already be involved in your residency program and choose to receive financial assistance. One of the points to remember is that the residency program must be approved by the Accreditation Council For Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) as well as further accreditation via the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).

Any financial assistance for residents would involve supplementing their residency pay with a monthly stipend amount covering the equivalent of eleven and a half months. The last two weeks you would be a commissioned Air Force officer and receive appropriate pay. The main point is that you must first be certified as a medical school graduate and have received residency training.

Other Requirements

Those doctors moving from civilian practice to the Air Force must meet other academic, physical, and even moral requirements in order to be military physicians. You will take a four-week course at Maxwell Air Force Base to acclimate you to the military lifestyle and receive physical conditioning so you are ready to serve. Those who wish to be Emergency Medicine Physicians take all of this a step further since they must have prior residency experience in the emergency room and other educational experience approved by the American Board of Emergency Medicine with a letter of eligibility.

Since you are entering a specialized field of medicine, you will also need education relevant to military conditions, specifically to the Air Force. Combat casualty treatments, treatments for chemical and biological toxins, as well as injuries caused by exposure to nuclear radiation.

Responsibilities

As an Air Force Emergency Medicine Physician you will be called to act in a variety of situations including the battlefield. Your services will be needed to treat all manner of conditions both minor and severe. You need the experience and training to manage those often high-pressure situations effectively, diagnosing and caring for the injured in dangerous situations. You also may be in the role of disaster management during natural disaster at home or abroad, providing essential humanitarian aid. You have to be prepared for triage situations where immediate medical attention is needed for survival.

Those doctors in this position may also be involved in the training of other physicians who’ve made the decision to become a member of the United States Air Force. You may also be in charge of hospitals or directing operations in other pre-hospital settings.

By becoming an Air Force Emergency Medicine Physician, you get the chance to make a difference in the lives of the men and women who put themselves in harm’s way to serve the United States. That knowledge offers rewards beyond the financial security and unique working environment. You will feel like you are contributing to not only the welfare of the soldiers you treat but to your country as well.

Air Force News: Recovering from Sex Scandal

Debbie — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 13:19:35 +0000

A United States Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas has become the site of an investigation into sexual misconduct against female recruits from training instructors. The last time the US military faced a scandal of this magnitude was at an Army base in 1996, where dozens of officers were charged with sexual assault. In today’s Air Force news, sexual misconducted is once again investigated.

An investigation into the conduct of dozens of military instructors was launched over a year ago at Lackland Air Force Base, home to all of the Air Force’s training units. Over the course of the investigation, 38 female recruits came forward with allegations ranging from improper fraternization to sexual misconduct to rape. While the majority of the base’s approximately 475 military instructors were cleared of any wrongdoing, several are facing trial or have already been sentenced.

Sentencing Begins

Seven instructors total have been charged with crimes following the investigation. One instructor, Staff Sgt. Peter Vega-Maldonado, plead guilty in June, admitting to inappropriate sexual relations with 10 women. As part of his plea bargain, he received a brief jail sentence and will be a witness for the prosecution. This past July, Staff Sgt. Luis Walker was convicted on all 28 counts, including sexually assaulting several female recruits and raping one. He faces 20 years in prison. Tech. Sgt. Christopher Smith was reduced in rank to Airman First Class and sentenced to 30 days in jail after he was convicted of developing an inappropriate relationship with a trainee and fraternizing with another. Trials are pending for the other instructors, Staff Sgt. Jason Manko, Staff Sgt. Craig LeBlanc and Master Sgt. Jamey Crawford.

Repercussions Continue Beyond Those Sentenced

The most recent impact was the dismissal of Col. Glenn Palmer, commander of basic training for the 737^th Training Group. The Los Angeles Times quotes Collen McGee, spokeswoman for the 37th Training Wing, as saying, “Col. Palmer was relieved because Col. Eric Axelbank [commander of the 37^th Training Wing] lost confidence in his ability to maintain a safe and secure training environment for our newest airmen.” Col. Axelbank also removed the commander of the 331^st training squadron, Col. Mike Paquette, earlier this summer.

While it hasn’t been disclosed if either removed commander had knowledge of the wrongdoing happening at the base, their dismissals send a message regarding how seriously the Air Force is taking this situation. In fact, when it became clear how far reaching the problem was, Lackland halted training for nearly 6,000 trainees to conduct an internal survey. Col. Palmer had also added a section to the welcome speech he delivered to new recruits arriving on base, urging them to report any sign of suspected misconduct immediately.

Moving Forward

As the court-martials and sentencing continue, the Air Force and Lakeland Air Force Base look to restore and uphold the values of the organization. Anonymous comment boxes have been installed in inconspicuous locations. In addition, an independent investigation into allegations at the base has been launched, spearheaded by Maj. Gen. Margaret H. Woodward. There are also calls for a congressional investigation to take place.

If a career in the Air Force is what you have been waiting for, don’t let rare news stories like this one prevent you from finding out more information. Fill out this form for more information about the Air Force and to find out if it is right for you.

How Do You Get In the Air Force?

Debbie — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 17:51:41 +0000

If you have always wanted to get in the Air Force, whether it is because you love to fly or want to serve your country while furthering your education – learning about the requirements to join the Air Force and the benefits of joining is necessary to making your decision. The US Air Force has one mission: to fly, fight and win – if you share that mission, an Air Force career may be the right career path for you.

Not everyone will qualify for a career in the Air Force, but if you meet eligibility requirements and pass the physical and mental testing, you will be rewarded with a satisfying and challenging career with outstanding benefits.

Eligibility Requirements to Join the Air Force

There are basic eligibility requirements you must first meet before you can join the air force in terms of your age, educational background and citizenship:

Age Requirements: you must be at least the minimum age of 17, and below the maximum age of 27 to enlist.

Education Requirements: you must be a high school graduate or have a GED with a minimum of 15 college credits.

Citizenship Requirements: you must be a United State Citizen or permanent legal resident.

If you meet these eligibility requirements, you will then need to pass an aptitude test and a physical test to get in the Air Force.

Meet with an Air Force Recruiter

Once you determine you meet the basic eligibility requirements you should work with an Air Force recruiter to get your questions answered about how to join the Air Force and to start planning your military career.

See if you qualify to join the Air Force for free. Click here to get started.

Take the Aptitude Test to Get In the Air Force

The first step to getting into the Air Force is the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (AFVAB). This test measures your ability in four critical areas: reading comprehension, arithmetic reasoning, mathematics knowledge, and word knowledge. The test is used by the Air Force to determine whether or not candidates have the mental aptitude required and to help select which military jobs are appropriate for each individual’s strengths and weaknesses.

Physical and Mental Screening

After you take the AFVAB, you will need to meet with your Air Force recruiter again to discuss the results and your options based on your physical and mental screening. A list of Air Force jobs you qualify for will be presented to you, and you can begin the job selection process and then you will find out exactly how do you get in the Air Force and enlist during this meeting.

Prepare for Basic Training During Your Delayed Entry Program

If you have passed all of the necessary testing requirements, you will be placed in the Delayed Entry Program prior to being sent to basic training. The length of time you wait depends on the job you select and the current need. It is recommended that everyone looking to join the Air Force spend some time working on your physical conditioning to help you once you reach basic training.

Air Force Basic Military Training

You will spend 8 weeks in Basic Military Training, where you will receive Air Force orientation, combat lifesaving skills, and basic war skills. During these weeks, you will learn what you need to learn to be successful as an Air Force cadet.

Start Your Air Force Career Training

Once you have successfully completed your BMT, you will move on to career training through the Technical Training program. This is where your military career begins, and you will eventually receive a college degree in addition to your Air Force training.

Air Force Pay and Benefits

Once you enlist in the Air Force, you receive the enlisted annual salary depending on your rank and job; plus a wide variety of valuable benefits, such as paid vacation time, tuition assistance, low-cost health insurance, life insurance, and a retirement plan. For Airmen deciding to live on-base, you receive living expenses including utilities and maintenance. Single Airmen can receive up to four meals a day through the on-base dining facilities for free, which feature both home-cooked meals and fast-food options. You may also shop for food through on-base grocery and department stores and make your purchases tax-free. If you live off-base, you will receive a monthly tax-free housing allowance based on your family status, geographic location, and military rank.

Airmen receive 30 days of paid vacation each year. If you decide to take a vacation and travel to a destination near a military facility, the Air Force will even offer you and your family hotel-quality lodging on base for around $6 per night. You can save money on flights by taking advantage of available space on Air Force aircraft when taking vacations, too. If you happen to be stationed abroad, you are free to explore the destination in your free time and on weekends.

See if you qualify to join the Air Force for free. Click here to get started.

Beneficial Job in Knowledge Operations Management

justin — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 11:00:17 +0000

Intelligence is one of the best ways in which any military has the ability to stay in control whether during peace or during war. This is why the different military branches all have forms of intelligence gathering. It is essential that this information is used and distributed in the best possible way. This is why in the United States Air Force, intelligence is handled and distributed through those working in knowledge operations management.

Secure Work

This is a great career choice for anyone looking to work in government espionage or looking to make a career out of politics or the military. This is because when you work in this position you will be required to be cleared with security clearances. As you are advanced in ranking, you will have the ability to acquire ever higher security clearance. This allows you to have access to government information. It also means that you have a better chance of being trusted in higher positions in the pentagon.

Get the information you need to start your adventure by clicking here!

Training for Your Career

When you work in this position, you will go through constant training. You will learn not only how to do your job now. You will also learn how to do your job in the future. This will allow you to advance in your career as far as you would like to go so that you can enjoy a bright and happy future. Click on the link above to find out even more about this career.

Important Job as in Logistics Plans

justin — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:00:43 +0000

There are many different pieces of equipment and vehicles which are necessary to a good mission to be successful. This is why in the United States Air Force, nothing is left to chance. Not only are plans created regarding the materials which are available. They are created around the ability to get the materials in the right place at the right time. Assisting in making this happen is the job of those working in logistics plans.

Training for Your Career

To make sure that you know what you are doing, you will go through extensive training at the Logistics School at the Lackland Air Force base. You will learn how to identify the long and the short term needs of the troops as well as how to make sure that they will be able to get what they need when they need it. You will also learn how to make sure that the proper requisitions are made so that the troops will have what they need.

Get the information you need to start your adventure by clicking here!

Important Job

The great thing about your job is that you will have the ability to help out others. You will help them to be able to complete their missions. In exchange you will have the ability to get the kind of career training which will allow you to take your life and your career to the next level even after you leave the US Air Force. Click on the link above to find out more about this career.

Staying Organized as a Personnel Apprentice

justin — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:00:17 +0000

The United States Air Force has one of the largest air based military divisions in the world. There are many different kinds of personnel which work in a variety of different positions. There are different pay grades and times of service which must be kept up with for every airman no matter what their status or how many times they have been transferred. When you work as a personnel apprentice in the US Air Force you will help to maintain the records for all personnel.

Training for Your Position

You will need to get great training so that you will be able to accurately maintain the records which are necessary for each personnel member. You will attend the tech school in Keesler Air Force Base where you will learn everything you will need to know to get started in your position. You will also learn what you need to know so that you can take your career even beyond the military.

Get the information you need to start your adventure by clicking here!

Civilian Equivalent

There are few jobs which can compare to the jobs which are available in the US Air Force. The job which relates to this one in the civilian world is that of working in human resources for a large corporation. You will learn to work with physical files as well as the files which are available on the computer. This way you will be able to move into any job which is available in the civilian society.