Expert: Howard Lorenz - 5/9/2008

Question
Hello Mr. Lorenz,

I am 21 years old and a naturalized citizen. I am also a college senior at Florida Institute of Technology majoring in Aviation Management and Business Administration, with a GPA that is above 3.0.

I am interested in serving in the Air Force after I graduate; however, I am not quite sure of what career I want to pursue in the Air Force. I have researched different fields that I am interested in the Air Force, such as becoming a pilot, an Air Traffic Controller, an Airfield Management Apprentice, or a Security Forces personnel, but I still have several unanswered questions…

1.   If I am graduating from college, is it better to become an enlisted or an officer? I heard recently that the Air Force is currently downsizing and that openings for officers are limited.

2.   If I do decide to enlist, how often do you get a rank advancement? I heard that if I enlist, “moving up the ladder” is pretty hard and competitive compared to being an officer. Also, is it possible for me to become an officer after I enlist?

3.   If I do decide to become an officer, will the Air Force let me become a pilot, if there are slots open, even though that I am a naturalized citizen?

4.   If I do decide to become an officer, will the Air Force allow me to get jobs that are for enlisted only?

5.   I have heard of programs, such as the Fly Away Security Teams (FAST) program, Phoenix Raven program, and the new DAGRE program, under the Security Forces field that I am interested in. If I do decide to enlist, will the Air Force allow me to join these programs right away after Tech school? I do know that I have to complete a Level-5 Career Development Course to join the Phoenix Raven and DAGRE programs, but will the Air Force make an exception if I have a college degree?

6.   What do you suggest is the best path for me?

I apologize for the long list of questions, and I am grateful for whatever answer and advise that you can provide. Thank you very much in advance for your help.


Answer
With that kind of degree you could do alot of things, Airfield Management would be the head of the nail. as for going enlisted or officer, its easier to go enlisted first, officers it takes longer, just depends on what you want to do . I went in the service to be an officer, decided against that after I watched an officer get literally fired.... I like the comfort of a guaranteed contract for a specific amount of time. I enjoy being enlisted, they actually run the force, the officers are there to take the heat for what we do...lol  Its a wash really I guess, they do get paid more, but then they have WAY more responsibility. Some that I dont care to have.

If you want Secruity Forces... That can happen overnight. Easy to get in that. It is the largest careerfield inthe Air Force.

You can go to www.dosomethingamazing.com and www.airforce.com to see more...