AFIT seeks enlisted advanced degree applicants Published Dec. 13, 2011 By Debbie Gildea Air Force Personnel, Services and Manpower Public Affairs RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- The Air Force Institute of Technology is offering enlisted applicants an opportunity to pursue advanced academic degrees in management or engineering, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced today. Nominations are due to AFPC by Dec. 31, with the selection board slated to convene Jan. 20. Primary and alternate selectees will be notified by Feb. 15, said George McKey, AFPC officer developmental education deputy chief. In addition to the application package, candidates will need to apply for academic eligibility directly through AFIT by Dec. 31. They will need to provide official transcripts and test scores from their graduate entrance exam, or schedule and take the entrance exam, if they have not already done so, McKey explained. "Interested Airmen should act quickly to prepare their application packages, order transcripts and take entrance exams to ensure they have time to accomplish all the necessary tasks and coordinate their package through their major command or agency," he said. According to McKey, there are only five openings for academic year 2012. "It's a very competitive program, but we encourage all eligible members to submit a package," McKey said. "Priority will go to applicants from career fields and with degrees that support Air Force priorities, but all career fields and degree programs are eligible and will be considered." Those selected for the program will attend the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base campus, will incur a service commitment, must be able to get three years retainability upon graduation from the program, and will likely have a permanent change of station after graduation, McKey added. Technical sergeants through senior master sergeants who will have at least eight years active duty and 24 months time on station by June 1, 2012, may be eligible. If overseas, NCOs must have a date eligible to return from overseas between May and August 2012. Candidates must have completed their 7 skill-level upgrade, and must have a Community College of the Air Force degree and a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university by Dec. 31. Go to http://www.afit.edu/en/admissions/usaf_usmilitaryapply.cfm#enlisted for more information on the AFIT program.