Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 6/2/2009

Question
Hello, I am 22 years old with aspiration of joining the Air Force after college, however;I have few questions;
1.Can I join AFROTC while obtaining my MA or do I have to go to OTS?
        A. If I join AFROTC while getting BS can I   postpone my military commitment until I finish MA in Political Science?
2. If I go into the Air Force with my MA and complete AFROTC what will my entering rank be? I would like to be either an Intelligence officer or Security Force,does my Major in school decipher what rank I will come in as?
3.What is the length of deployment for these career fields? I have a wife and children would they be able to travel with me?
4.What is the likelihood of ascending to General with a 24 year commitment and a Ph.D.?
5.Are these career fields high or low risk careers?


Answer
Dear Aspiring General --

1.  You may apply for ROTC and in some cases use that scholarship to pay for your graduate degree.  The services each dictate what fields you may use your ROTC scholarship to study for a masters.
  A.  If you are a top cadet, you can EARN the opportunity to apply to defer active service to complete a masters degree.  There will be no guarantee when you sign your enlistment contract for your ROTC scholarship.
2.  You will still enter the service as a second lieutenant, unless you receive your commission when you receive your bachelors degree and serve as a reserve officer while you attend graduate school.  Your major in college does not guarantee your specialty upon commissioning.  The needs of the Air Force will dictate your specialty.
3.  Overseas tours may last up to 4 years.  If you are married when you receive your orders to move to an overseas assignment, you will usually receive a command sponsorship.  This sponsorship will allow your family to accompany you.  If you deploy into a war zone, that is usually for 18 months or less.  Currently, Air Force deployments into a combat zone are usually six months.  This could change.  Family members may not join you in a war zone.
4.  The likelihood of making general under any circumstances is very slim.  Trying to make general "early" or rapidly will not assist you achieve this goal.  It is better to focus on doing well in challenging jobs, and staying in the Air Force if you enjoy the mission and are achieving your intermediate goals.
5.  Whether your specialties are high risk or low risk depends on the specific job and the specific locations where you serve.  All military jobs are more risky than the average civilian job.  But not all military jobs are equally risky.  You could be asked to serve in a combat zone in either specialty, which makes both jobs risky.

Good luck to you.  Please write back, if you have additional questions.