Leaders encourage Airmen to apply for Academy

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

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

Likewise, the Air Force 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 Air Force 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 A. Schwartz, 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," said the General and the Chief.

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," said Chief McKinley.

The basic application criteria for Airmen is: less than 23 years of age by July 1 for entry to USAFA 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 a USAFA 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 USAFA applications, commanders and supervisors should encourage all applicants to take the ACT or SAT exam as early and often as necessary to meet USAFA 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, donna.najar@usafa.edu. Additional information is available on the Academy Admissions website at www.academyadmissions.com or at the Elmendorf Education Center.