Expert: Howard Lorenz - 3/22/2010

Question
My daughter is currently in tech school but failed her tests in the final week (weather).  Because of the cuts she is not allowed to reclass.  Would she be considered prior service once she is out and would she be allowed join once the hiring freeze is over?  Also, could she go ROTC?  She loves the AF and wants to find a way to remain an Airman.

Thanks for your time and your service..

Answer
Im sorry to hear that they are not allowing her to re-class. Unfortunately with todays administration and the economy, there is long lines waiting to get in so the military can afford to be picky. Since she passed basic training, she will be prior service. I would have her look into other services like the Navy if she is wanting Active Duty, if not have her check in with the reserves. The biggest lie that the Air Force tells its departing airman is that they will allow them to return at a later date. If they tell her this she needs to get that in Black & white!!! or its no valid. Most dont and they get angry when they are unable to return but they dont know to get it in writing. The Air Force active duty component has not accepted prior service since 2000. There are certain career fields or MOS(Army) career fields that they will accept, but they are all combat related positions that are hard to fill items.

Now if she goes back to college and gets into an ROTC position, she may be able to get in as an officer. The hint here is to get into a degree program that the Air Force needs!! Technical degrees are the key here. Mechanical degrees, Logistics, the AF ROTC people should be able to get her where she needs to be. There may be a way to combine her ROTC and reserve service... I would have her talk to the reserve recruiters as soon as she gets back to avoid any real break in service.