Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Age waiver to become an officer

Advertisement

Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 10/1/2010


Question
Hello

I have been in the military for almost 12 years, in the Air Force Reserves, and just now I am able to finish CCAF this November(2010) and  my BS in Information Technology next October 2011, when I turn 39, I have heard there is waivers out there in order to become an officer, but no one can really give me a good answer or where I should look for one. Can you tell me if there is such a thing? and if there is where should I start?  

Answer
Corina,
Congratulations on your upcoming graduation.  It's an accomplishment you can be proud of.

Age waivers are indeed available if you are within a few years of the 35 age limit, but 39 is a little too far over the limit.  Waivers change from year to year, especially for those with prior service, such as you.  A recruiter who handles OTS officers can tell you your chances currently.

Contact the education office or Military Personnel Flight (MPF) on your base. You can also get information about OTS and the application process via the Air Force Recruiting Home page at http://www.airforce.com/  There you can chat live with a recruiting expert who can explain your particular requirements.

Good luck, and thanks for serving.
Colonel H  

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

MARK A. HOWELL

Expertise

All military questions, any Service. 30 years experience & two Ph.D.'s. 4 times Base Commander. Worked with Army, Navy, USMC, USCG and several foreign military units. Veteran of Kosovo, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and 10 civil wars in Africa.

Experience

Air Force Colonel with 30 years experience. Air Force Base Commander 4 times. Highly decorated.

Organizations
Org of Am Historians, Wild West History Assoc., Disabled American Veterans - Life Member, Am Motorcyclist Assoc. - Life Member, North Am Hunt Club - Life Member, NWTF - Life Member

Publications
Numerous book reviews published in the Journal of American History. Two books submitted for publication.

Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in military history, Columbus University (Summa Cum Laude) Ph.D. in history, Northfield University, London, England (Summa Cum Laude) Master of Arts degree in history, Marshall University, WV Bachelors degree, double-major in history and mathematics, Salem College, WV Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL

Awards and Honors
Legion of Merit Defense MSM MSM x 5 Joint Commendation Mdl AF Commendation Medal Army Commendation Mdl Joint Achievement Mdl AF Achievement Medal Outstanding Volunteer Mdl

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.