About
By viewing this web site, you proved that you have initiative and a desire to make a well-informed decision about your future--congratulations! You have a world of opportunities ahead of you--the Air Force Academy or an AFROTC scholarship (to a university of your choice) is your launching pad to a professional career field in the world's most dominant air and space force.
You'll enjoy unique, rewarding experiences in the Air Force. Imagine skimming across America's amazing geography on a jet low-level flight or chasing another jet mirroring its loops and barrel rolls or flying in formation with only three feet between wing tips or refueling behind the Air Force's version of the DC10, so close that you can see the eyes of the fuel boom operator. Each professional career field has similar unique aspects that are not replicated in the business world. The Air Force (and it's component, the U.S. Space Command) leads our fight against terrorism through satellite communication (which gives our commanders uninterrupted capability), satellite imagery (shows our commanders real time activity), GPS navigation (accurate mapping to within a few feet), information technology (intercepting and disrupting enemy computer communications), and of course, the world's most sophisticated aircraft (such as the F-117 and B-2) destroying enemy ground defenses, communication, airfields, and troops so that our Army can enjoy a distinct advantage.
Whether your goals are long term such as an astronaut (Charles Precourt, Academy class of '77, Susan Helms '80), politician (U.S. Representative Heather Wilson '82), CEO (Chad Hennings '88 who also earned 3 Super Bowl rings), judge (Russell Carparelli '70); or shorter term such as an FA-22 fighter pilot, electrical engineer, Special Investigations agent, or information technology expert, the U.S. Air Force offers unsurpassed leadership development on the leading edge of technology.
Admissions Liaison Officers (ALOs) serve as your mentors, inspiring you toward leadership opportunities. ALOs identify, evaluate, and guide AFROTC scholarship and Air Force Academy candidates through the admissions process. They have extensive backgrounds as Air Force officers, but now serve in the Air Force reserves while working at their primary civilian jobs. Most of the ALOs in Washington are airline pilots; however, we also have health care professionals, educators, engineers, program managers, and business owners. Over half graduated from the Air Force Academy, while several others graduated from WSU, UW, UPS, and CWU.
You may know that the Air Force Academy consistently ranks as one of the top universities in the nation for Overall Academics (Princeton Review); or that this school of 4000 students competes at NCAA division 1 in each of its 27 varsity sports (football victory over the UW in 2005); or that it's located in Colorado Springs, neighboring the U.S. Space Command and Olympic Training Center; or that every one of its students is on a full scholarship ("appointment") valued at over $320,000. The ALOs will give you honest answers and provide perspective of both sides of the story (e.g. mandatory dorm living, no car ownership for a couple of years, etc.) The Air Force Academy is not for everyone, but is a tremendous experience for the right person. The AFROTC scholarship is a fantastic option also--how does a scholarship to Notre Dame, Duke, or Yale sound? Contact your ALO now and start exploring your future. Applications are available to high school juniors in the spring. Definitely persist with the application process while you learn more. You could be the kind of leader with character that we American citizens will count on for our future--ultimately the decision must be your own.
Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence in All We Do!
