Whether you’ve always known you wanted to join the Air Force or narrowed down your options after considering the other branches, becoming an Airman is a fulfilling career choice. You will have plenty of growth opportunities and can transfer many of the skills you develop to the civilian workforce once your contract ends.

Rather than jumping into your new career blind, consider preparing in advance before you finish the enlistment process and head off to boot camp. Below, we go over some of the benefits of an Air Force career and what steps you can take to give yourself the best headstart possible.

Why You Should Consider a Career in the Air Force

As an Airman, you would be entitled to a wide range of benefits and opportunities you couldn’t access in the civilian world. Some reasons to consider becoming an Airmen include:

●Benefits: As part of the United States military, Airmen will receive various benefits, including healthcare coverage, retirement savings, good pay, housing, meals, and different on-base services. Your recruiter will go into more detail about the specifics of these benefits, and can even talk to you about any sign-on bonuses that may be available at the time you’re enlisting.

●Education: After you enlist, you’ll have the opportunity to earn a two-year degree through the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF). You may also be able to use your GI Bill if you serve for a certain amount of time and leave the military honorably. The experience you gain as an Airman will also benefit you once you reenter the civilian world, making you highly sought after in your chosen industry.

●Skill development: You’ll have the opportunity to learn new skills through different training opportunities you’ll have access to when you’re in the Air Force. These skills will be incredibly valuable once you transition to the civilian world and start looking for a career outside the military.

●Career choices: The Air Force offers jobs in nearly every career field, and once you choose your position, you’ll receive the hands-on training, mentorship, and leadership you need to be successful in your career. You can even transfer these skills to a civilian career if you fall in love with what you do and want to continue the same work once you leave the military.

Tips for Preparing for Your Future in the Air Force

If you’re set on joining the Air Force, we’ve curated a list of tips to help you with your future career:

1. Contact a Recruiter

If you’re interested in a career in the Air Force, one of the first things you should do is contact your local recruiter. An Air Force recruiter will know the most about what it’s like to be in the Air Force and the different careers available to you at the time you’re enlisting.

A recruiter can also answer a lot of the questions you might have, whether they’re regarding your role in the Air Force, lifestyle expectations, eligible benefits, or something else. When you show up to the recruiting office or meet with a recruiter, make sure you have all the necessary paperwork handy so you can get started sooner, such as your birth certificate, transcripts, and other important information.

2. Research Jobs

The Air Force has over 200 career fields to choose from, meaning you’re more than likely to find something that interests you and aligns with your goals for the future. Before you enlist, you should take some time to look the different job opportunities so you can start preparing for the career you want, which includes research and studying for testing.

Some of the most common career fields you’ll find in the Air Force include:

●Law enforcement

●Weaponry and material

●Aircraft and flight

●Special operations

●Maintenance and repair

●Logistics and transportation

●Intelligence

●Engineering and applied science

●Emergency management and response

Keep in mind that these are just a few of the many choices you’ll have when you enlist. The jobs available to you will depend on your test scores, skills, and the current needs of the Air Force.

3. Consider JROTC

If you’re currently in high school, you can join the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC), which is a program sponsored by the United States Armed Forces that teaches you about the military and can prepare you for a future career as an Airmen. You’ll learn different drills and skills you can use in your future career, so it’s worth considering if you want to join the Air Force after you graduate.

4. Prepare for the ASVAB

If you’re set on a specific career in the Air Force, you will need to make sure you’re meeting the minimum requirements to be considered for the position. First, you will need to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), which is a required test you have to take before you can join any branch of the military.

To join the Air Force, you will need a minimum score of 31, but some careers in the Air Force may require a higher score. It’s important to consider what career you want in the Air Force when you start preparing for the ASVAB so you can score within the right range for the job you want.

To start preparing for the ASVAB, you should start taking practice tests, studying the questions, and reading up on the different subjects that will be covered, particularly the ones you need to score well in to have a successful career in your chosen field.

5. Meet the Other Requirements

Apart from the ASVAB, you will have other requirements you need to meet to be eligible for the Air Force. You will need to be between 17 and 42, be a U.S. citizen, and have a high school diploma or GED. You will also need to pass a physical and medical exam as well as meet the Air Force’s physical fitness standards. Make sure you meet these requirements before you go down to the recruiting office.

6. Talk to Current and Former Airmen

If you’re interested in a career in the Air Force, you can learn a lot about what it’s like to be an Airmen if you talk to current and former Air Force members. These individuals know exactly what it’s like to serve and can answer your questions and talk to you about their careers and life in the Air Force. You can find current and former Airmen by talking with your recruiter or reading through online forums dedicated to the Air Force.

Find Your Air Force Uniforms and Gear at American Uniform Sales

If you’re looking for uniforms and uniform accessories for the Air Force, American Uniform Sales has the supplies you need. We offer AFI-compliant rank and insignia, clothing, footwear, and gear to meet your needs, whether you’re buying a brand-new uniform or trying to replace worn-down pieces. We even offer items for the Civil Air Patrol and Space Force. Browse our complete selection to get started, or contact us with any questions!