Airman have opportunity for education, commission with LEAD

  • Published
  • By Tammie Adams
  • U.S. Air Force Academy Admissions
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AFNS) --  Airmen have the opportunity to compete for admission to the U.S. Air Force Academy through the Leaders Encouraging Airman Development program where they can earn a degree and a commission. 

"As an enlisted member, you have gained valuable knowledge, experience and discipline," said Col. Chevalier Cleaves, the Academy director of admissions. 

"At the Air Force Academy, prior enlisted cadets are an important asset to the growth and development of their fellow classmates," the colonel said. "We're seeking motivated Airmen who excel at their duties, who desire a challenge and who desire to lead. If you would like to advance your career as an officer, earn a prestigious education, and experience amazing and unique opportunities, the Academy is definitely an option worth considering." 

In 1995, then-Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ronald R. Fogleman initiated LEAD, an ongoing effort for unit and wing commanders to nominate their best and brightest enlisted Airmen to compete for admission to the Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. Each year, the Academy accepts up to 85 Air Force active-duty Airmen and 85 Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard Airmen.

"Generally speaking, Airmen offer an experienced perspective to the cadet corps," said Lt. Col. Jeffrey Lum, the Academy Admissions Diversity Recruiting Division chief. "Their leadership, core values and work ethic are invaluable to the Air Force Academy, and that is why we seek them out for appointments."

 The Academy trains young men and women in academics, leadership, military training, character and athletics. 

Enlisted Air Force members also have the option of attending the Air Force Academy Preparatory School, located about five miles from the Academy campus. Each year, 50 slots are reserved for Airmen at the prep school. The duration of the prep school is 10 months, and it provides extensive instruction in English, science, math, as well as military training and athletic development. 

Academy Cadet 2nd Class Anthony Langdon was enlisted for three years as a bioenvironmental engineering technician at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., before entering the prep school. The political science major is now beginning his third year at the Academy. 

"It was mentally tough for me when I first got to the Academy because I was 23 years old and getting yelled at by younger people who had never been a part of the Air Force," he said. "But after a few days, I understood my role and was able to look at the situation in a different perspective. Everyone comes here from different backgrounds, and just because I was prior enlisted, this was still my first time as a cadet. I wasn't any different from anyone else. We were all just starting together."

Each cadet completes a core curriculum in a variety of subjects to include sciences, engineering, humanities, social sciences, military studies and physical education.

The Academy's cadet wing is structured similarly to an operational Air Force wing that provides a prime leadership setting. The cadet wing comprises four groups, each containing 10 squadrons. Each squadron consists of about 100 cadets, and squadron members are from all four class years.

Every semester, cadets hold a different leadership position similar to Air Force leadership positions like element leader, flight commander, squadron commander and first sergeant. Each Academy class has a different level of responsibility that is tailored to slowly build one's leadership skills.

Academy Cadet 2nd Class Christina Canales was enlisted for three years in security forces at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., before entering the prep school. She is now in her third year at the Academy and a behavioral science major.

"I recommend the Academy because it will better mentally and physically prepare you to be an officer, and you get a lot of hands-on experience," she said.  "The Academy helps you transition into a leader and takes you through gradual preparation toward becoming an officer."

Besides earning a bachelor of science degree and a commission as a second lieutenant in the Air Force, the Academy also provides unique opportunities including the parachuting program, soaring flight program, powered flight program, combat survival training, overseas study, summer research programs, more than 70 cadet clubs and numerous travel opportunities.

To compete for an appointment to the Academy, applicants must:
-- Be at least 17 but not older than 23 on July 1 of the year entering the Academy
-- Be at least 17 but not older than 22 on July 1 of the year entering the prep school
-- Be an unmarried citizen of the United States with no dependents
-- Be of good moral character
-- Have a well-rounded background

Applicants must also:
-- Take the SAT and/or ACT and achieve qualifying scores (tests can be taken more than once)
-- Pass the Candidate Fitness Assessment
-- Pass a medical exam administered by the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board

For a complete list of eligibility requirements, application evaluation factors and application procedures, visit www.academyadmissions.com.