How to Become an ALO
What is the Air Force Admissions Liaison Officer Program?
The Air Force Admissions Liaison Officer (ALO) Program, through a corps of Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, active duty and retired officers and civilians, provides information about Air Force educational opportunities to high school counselors and administrators in all 50 states and several overseas areas. These officers explain Air Force Academy and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps programs and admissions procedures to young men and women potentially qualified and interested in an Air Force career. Liaison Officer Directors (LOD) administer the program in designated geographical areas, and report to the Director of Enrollment Programs at the Academy.
How are Admissions Liaison Officers Assigned?
LODs recommend ALOs for appointment in their respective areas, subject to approval of the Director of Enrollment Programs. Reservists performing duties as ALOs can be primarily assigned to the 9001st Air Reserve Squadron, or serve in an additional duty capacity.
Where are Liaison Officers Assigned?
As a primary duty ALO you will be assigned directly to the 9001 ARS, but will be responsible to the LOD in your geographic area. Additional duty ALOs remain assigned to their primary organizations, but perform the same admissions-related duties as primary ALOs while on mandays or for point credit. Most work is performed at home or at assigned schools. The number of schools and geographic area each ALO covers depends on the number of officers in each region.
What are the Responsibilities of an Admissions Liaison Officer?
ALOs must create an initial interest in the Air Force, sell the Air Force well, and keep that spark of commitment to country and service burning in the top 20% of the country's projected high school graduates (estimated at 300,000). ALOs, as the primary Air Force official representative in their communities, must thoroughly know the Air Force Academy and Air Force ROTC programs, and know how to effectively sell them. Local marketing plans will blend together and serve as the recruiting road map for the ALOs to identify, recruit, and evaluate those individuals whom the Air Force will train, retain, and commission. The ALO recruiting effort is an integral piece of the recruiting puzzle which, through a total blue-suit recruiting effort, will provide the Air Force leaders our country so desperately needs in this ever- changing and complex world.
The ALO is responsible for contacting and informing local high school counselors and administrators about Air Force opportunities available to their students who desire to continue their education and pursue a military career. The ALO meets with students and parents individually and in groups to inform them about opportunities and admission requirements and procedures. The ALO then counsels and assists prospective candidates throughout the admission process. When candidates enter the Academy or the AFROTC program, the ALO is encouraged to maintain contact, offering encouragement and following their progress until graduation.
ALOs also represent the Air Force at college nights, science fairs, service clubs, and other similar activities. Occasionally they appear on radio, TV, and before civic groups to explain the Academy and AFROTC to the public. They sponsor cadets in public speaking appearances and counseling sessions when the cadets are home on Grass Roots assignments from the Academy and AFROTC. They can be called upon to help with arrangements for visiting Academy representatives.
In order to accomplish these duties, the ALO spends approximately 3 days per month working in a points-only status. Since the program is comprised of volunteers with limited manday support, and no travel or per diem, an ALO can expect to expend some personal funds.
When do Admissions Liaison Officers Perform Duty?
Most work is performed at the convenience of the ALO. Obviously, school contacts must be made at times the schools are in session, but individual contacts may be made at times mutually agreeable to the ALO and student. The ALO will receive training from their area, local AFROTC detachments, and Admissions Counselors (ADCOs) and may be scheduled to attend AFROTC field training encampments. ALOs may also attend an optional, advanced training program at USAFA if nominated by their LOD.
ALOs also attend a mandatory annual Admissions Liaison Officers meeting at the request of the area LOD.
What are the Benefits of Being an Admissions Liaison Officer?
Primary duty ALOs are members of the Air Force Reserve and are eligible for career progression, promotion, and retirement benefits as well. There are a variety of local- and national-level additional duties available as well as the opportunity to advance to a position of either LOD or Deputy LOD. In past years the promotion rate to major has been very close to the line average, while the rate to Lt Col is higher than average if the ALO is either the LOD or Deputy LOD. In addition, each eligible ALO may be reimbursed for an average of six active duty days per year (subject to availability). Probably the greatest benefit of all, however, is identifying, evaluating, counseling, and sharing in the accomplishments of tomorrow's Air Force leaders. Many ALOs are asked to commission the students they have worked with for so many years.
How to Become an Admissions Liaison Officer
If you are interested in becoming an ALO in Western Washington, you should discuss the possibility of an assignment with the Liaison Officer Director:
