Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 3/2/2009

Question
I have been trying for a couple of years to work on achieving a commission in the USAF.  I left the Air Force after 13 years enlisted and should have applied then, but there were extenuating financial circumstances then.  I know that with few exceptions, you must be commissioned before your 35th birthday, but like all things Air Force, there is always a way around it.  My question is how do you apply for an exception in policy for the age of commissioning?  Or would be it be better to request an exception in policy for one of the fields that have an option for commissioning after 35?  I know that the Air Force still needs help in acquisitions, space operations, intelligence, cryptography, and information assurance.  I have experience in all of those areas.  To include having been a space operator for 13 years, alternate crypto responsible officer for 3 to 4 years, additional duty intelligence officer for 8 years, acquisitions experience during my time as an operator was over 7 years, and I still work acquisitions and information assurance and have been since 2004.

Answer
Tony,
How old are you now?  If you aren't way over 35 you stand a good chance of getting a waiver.  I assume you already have a Bachelor's degree?  Your length of prior service is on your side.  For every year of enlisted time you served the minimum age goes up one year. So, 27 + 13 =40.  If you aren't over 40 yet you're in, assuming you meet all the other qualifications.
Talk to a recruiter NOW, before you go over the age limit.
Thank you for your service and for wanting to continue in it.
Good Luck,
Colonel H