Requirements to Join the Air Force

There are several different career opportunities which are associated with a good pay, a secure job, and most importantly a respected career. One such job is working in the Air Force. Just like any other branch in the Armed Forces, you need to go through and complete rigorous training for a career in the United States Air Force (USAF).

This department consists of many different positions, like Combat Rescue Officer, Combat Controllers (CCT), Security Forces, Special Operations Weather Technicians (SOWT), Tactical Air Control Party (TACP), and Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), just to name a few of the major ones.

The list of requirements to join the USAF is extensive and you need to consider every individual prerequisite prior to approaching the recruiting office.

The age limit is a very important factor. New candidates who do not have any work experience in the US Armed Forces should be at least 17 years of age. Inexperienced applicants to the USAF are also required to successfully finish their basic training before 27.

If you want to work as an officer in the USAF, you can apply to the Officer Training School (OTS) as long as you have not turned 34. The requirements for medical jobs, such as physicians and nurses in the Air Force vary, for which you will need to contact the local recruiting office personally.

There is no professional education requirement to be met for joining the Air Force. You are simply required to possess a high school diploma, or in some cases, have a good GED score.

However, you need to pass some basic tests and training to prove that you are eligible to do the job. Candidates are required to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), for which they receive an Armed Services Qualification Test (AFQT) score.

This test is about aptitude, general knowledge, verbal reasoning, basic math and science concepts and knowledge of the aviation field. An applicant should achieve a minimum of 36 out of 99. Those with a GED score should get a minimum of 65 from 99. Passing this exam may enable you to choose particular training programs for pilot or combat systems officer.

As this is a field in the Armed Forces of the country, applicants must have good physical fitness. Candidates have to go through the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) which checks the physical condition and capabilities of the applicant. This test includes push-ups, running for 1.5 miles, and crunches; which are all factors of scoring that is to be at least 75.

There are even height to weight requirements, which states maximum weight limits for specific height levels. For example, the maximum weight of a person with a height of 6 feet is 202 pounds; and for those with a height of 5 feet, the maximum weight should not go beyond 170 pounds.

There are some other requirements which are related to residency status, tattoos, background check, character, etc. You can only apply for enlistment in the service if you are a US citizen or a permanent resident holder. You should be clear from any convictions of robbery, drug use, etc.; and also never been treated for substance abuse.

Tattoos anywhere on the body which have a visual of obscene or discriminatory concept are strictly banned in the Air Force. Tattoos which cover more than 25% of the body are not allowed.

These are the basic US Air Force requirements. If you are thinking of Combat Systems Officer and Air Force Pilot requirements, you need to have excellent color vision and no medical record of any health complications such as asthma and allergies, after 12 years of age. The salary range for jobs in the Air Force depends on the position.

For example, an Air Force pilot's salary is higher than that of an avionics technician. For additional details about how to join the air force, you can browse through the official website of the USAF or visit the local recruiting office personally.