Leaders encourage Airmen to apply for Academy

The 1,346 basic cadet trainees of the Class of 2012 are sworn in June 27 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado. Out of the 1,300 slots in the next class of cadets, the Academy has set aside 85 slots for qualified active-duty personnel, and another 85 slots for qualified Guard and Reserve members. Deadline for application is Jan. 31, 2009 and details are available at www.academyadmissions.com or from the base education office. (U.S. Air Force photo/Mike Kaplan)

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Leaders encourage Airmen to apply for Academy

Published Dec. 13, 2008

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Young, hard-charging Airmen are sought for entry into the U.S. Air Force Academy and the Air Force Academy Preparatory School with the end goal of earning a commission, but must apply by Jan. 31, 2009.

The Academy sets aside up to 85 slots for active-duty Airmen and up to 85 more slots for Guard and Reserve members in each cadet class for young, hard-charging Airmen to join its cadet ranks.

Likewise, the Academy's Preparatory School offers 60 slots for Airmen to join the one-year prep school. Completing the prep school earns graduates entry into the Academy's next class of cadets.

"Our United States Air Force Academy and its Preparatory School offer opportunities for our best and brightest enlisted Airmen who meet the criteria to enter the commissioned ranks," said Gen. Norton Schwartz, the Air Force chief of staff.

The general co-authored a letter with Chief Master Sgt of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley, which was sent out to all bases, advising Airmen of these opportunities via the Leaders Encouraging Airmen Development program.

"As commanders and supervisors we ask for your support to encourage your sharpest Airmen to apply for the LEAD program," the general and the chief said.

These commissioning opportunities are available to Airmen with high moral character, who demonstrate leadership ability, and have competitive scholastic scores.

"If you have young, hard chargers in your command who demonstrate outstanding character and values coupled with leadership potential, please urge them to consider a commissioning path through our Academy," Chief McKinley said.

The basic application criteria for Airmen is they must be less than 23 years of age by July 1 for entry to the Academy or less than 22 years of age by July 1 for entry to the Preparatory School; be unmarried; be a U.S. citizen or be able to obtain citizenship prior to entry; and have no dependents.

An Airman wishing to apply for an Academy Preparatory School appointment must complete and return an Air Force Form 1786 by Jan. 31, 2009. Upon completion, the form and commander's endorsement should be mailed to: HQ USAFA/RRS, 2304 Cadet Drive, Suite 2400, USAF Academy CO 80840.

When advising Airmen on Academy applications, commanders and supervisors should encourage all applicants to take the ACT or SAT exam as early and often as necessary to meet Academy application guidelines; take the Candidate Fitness Assessment and Department of Defense Medical Exam as soon as possible.

For more information on the LEAD program, contact Donna Najar at DSN 333-3089 or via e-mail at donna.najar@usafa.edu. Additional information is available on the Academy Admissions Web site at www.academyadmissions.com or at each base education office.