Graduating from high school is a big deal, and it’s something worth celebrating. However, it’s also important to set aside some time to figure out what you want to do now that you’ve finished your years of schooling and are stepping out into the world as an adult.

Maybe you want to jump into the workforce right away, or you want to go back to school to pursue a higher education. You can also join the Air Force, which allows you to work, receive training, and serve a greater purpose than yourself. If you decide to join, it’s important to be properly informed about what you’ll gain, the requirements, and what steps you need to take to be eligible to enlist in the Air Force. Keep reading our guide to learn more about the benefits of being an Airman and how you can start the enlistment process. 

Why You Should Consider Joining the Air Force After High School

If you’re not sure why you should consider the Air Force as a potential career after you leave high school, you should consider the many benefits you’ll receive after joining. Many civilian careers don’t offer the same benefits, especially for those just starting out. The Air Force has a wide range of benefits for Airmen and their families, including:

• Healthcare: One of the biggest benefits of joining the Air Force is access to medical and dental coverage, which is hard to find in entry-level positions in the civilian world. Your dependents will also have access to the same healthcare benefits, and you’ll save significantly on the cost of healthcare compared to civilian health insurance rates. 
• Training and education: When you’re in the Air Force, you’ll receive training as part of the job, which will help you complete the responsibilities of your work. You can use this training to find work in the civilian world when your contract ends. Being in the Air Force also gives you access to funding for your education and additional training opportunities you can opt into to build your skill set for your future. 
• Job security: Even when the economy takes a hit, you’re guaranteed a role in the Air Force while you’re active duty. You don’t need to worry about layoffs, and you’re guaranteed a paycheck. 
• Financial help: As an Airman, you’ll have financial assistance for your education and retirement so you can start planning for your future. You can invest in your future, both by improving your skill set and ensuring you have money saved up for your retirement.
• Sense of purpose: Many high schoolers have a hard time adjusting to the adult world and may lack a sense of purpose now that they’ve finished their schooling. The Air Force can help provide a sense of purpose by allowing you to take part in the protection of our country. You’ll work closely with other Airmen as you work towards the same goal, allowing you to develop strong connections. 

Air Force Eligibility Requirements for High School Graduates

If you’re considering joining the Air Force after high school, you’ll need to ensure you meet the basic requirements, which include:

• Age: In other branches of the military, you need to be between 17 and 35 to join. The Air Force is different and has an age requirement of 17 to 42, which allows people who are older to start a career as an Airman. If you’ve already graduated from high school and haven’t reached 17 yet, you will need to wait, but you can spend that time preparing for enlistment. 
• ASVAB: The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test is required to join the Air Force and assesses your capabilities so you can be matched with potential career options. You will need a score of 31 if you have a high school diploma, so you may want to take practice tests to see where you’re at and study. The higher your score, the more paths that will open up to you for a future career. 
• Background: If you have a felony conviction, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to become a member of the United States Air Force. However, there are some cases where you may receive a waiver if you have a previous conviction, but this is something you will need to talk about with your recruiter. 
• Education: You will need a high school diploma to enlist in the Air Force, which you’ll accomplish after your graduation. You can also join the Air Force with a GED, but you will need to score at least a 50 on the ASVAB. 
• Citizenship: In order to join the Air Force, you will need to be a United States citizen or be a lawful permanent resident and valid Green Card holder. 
• Physical fitness: During the enlistment process, you will need to prove you meet the physical requirements needed to join the Air Force. There will be a test to pass, and you will need to meet specific height and weight requirements.

Air Force Enlistment Options

You have a few options when choosing to enlist in the Air Force. One of the first decisions you’ll want to make is whether you want to be a full-time Airman or if you want to enlist in the National Guard or Reserves. As a full-time Airman, you will be working 40 or more hours a week in a role within the Air Force. If you choose the National Guard or Reserves, you will be working with the Air Force part-time, allowing you to pursue another career or higher education outside of this work. 

If you decide to join the Air Force full-time, you can choose to enlist or join as an officer. Enlisted Airmen don’t have as many requirements for joining, but they receive less pay due to their lower rank. If you want to join as an officer, you will need to complete a four-year degree from an accredited college or university, and you’ll start your career in the Air Force later than many enlisted members.

Delayed Enlistment Program

Another less commonly known option is the Delayed Enlistment Program. This program is for high schoolers who have already met the age requirements but haven’t yet reached their graduation date. This program allows you to start the enlistment process so you can join sooner after you graduate from high school. This program gives you time to prepare, physically, mentally, financially, and socially. If you change your mind at any point during this program, you’re able to back out.  

Steps You Can Take to Join the Air Force After High School

Once you’ve decided to join the Air Force, you’ll want to take the steps necessary to enlist, which include the following:

1. Take the ASVAB

One of the first things you’ll need to do is take the ASVAB so your recruiter can pair you with jobs that meet your strengths or interests. You will need a score of at least 31, but scoring higher will give you a chance to pursue more career opportunities. Make sure you take the test seriously and study beforehand so you can reach your goal score. If you fail, you’ll have a chance to retake the test after some time, which will give you a chance to study more and achieve a better score. 

2. Find an Air Force Recruiter

An Air Force recruiter is your guide through the enlistment process, so you’ll want to find one to guide you through the next steps. You can work closely with your recruiter to gather the information and documents you need to get through the process, and you can ask your recruiter questions as they come up. 

You can even ask your recruiter to get you in touch with other Airmen, whether they’re active duty or retired. This gives you the opportunity to learn what it’s like to actually be in the Air Force, so you can set realistic expectations. 

3. Pass a Medical Exam and Physical Fitness Test

You will need to report to a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) center to undergo a medical and physical fitness test. This test is essential to ensure you’re fit for service and meet the height and weight requirements for active duty Airmen. Once you pass these tests, you will be able to move on to the next step to start your career in the Air Force. 

4. Take Your Oath

Whether you’re going in as an enlisted or an officer, you will need to take an oath pledging your service to the United States Air Force. You will generally repeat this oath at a ceremony, which will indicate the start of your career and official dedication to the Air Force. 

5. Get Ready for Boot Camp

The very first thing you’ll do as a brand-new Airman is attend boot camp or basic training. This training prepares you for what you’ll experience once you get into the Air Force, learning everything you need to know to accelerate in your career. You’ll be training for several weeks, and it’s generally rigorous to put you to the test. Once you finish training, you’ll either be shipped off to your duty station to start working or you’ll be sent for specialized training based on your career path in the Air Force. 

Get Your Air Force Uniforms Here at American Uniform Sales

Part of being an Airman includes wearing a uniform to represent your country and be in compliance with strict Air Force standards. The good news is that American Uniform Sales has everything you need to keep your uniforms AFI compliant, including OCPs, footwear, rank, insignia, and more. Take the hassle out of finding quality uniforms that meet strict standards by browsing our selection, or contact us today if you have any questions.