Expert: Howard Lorenz - 6/1/2010

Question
Howard,

Thanks for your time, and help. Since I was a kid I've always wanted to join the Air Force like my father before. Currently I'm a college student, and will be graduating with a degree in TV, and Film production. I have about two more years left (less with summer courses), and a 3.5 GPA. I'm interested in joining the the USAF after college and would like to go to the OTS. Not only do I have experience in radio (as a DJ, and on air personality for local public radio station), and TV production ( I currently work for at my school's TV studio) but I've also worked for my campus newspaper, am a photographer, graphic artist, and musician. I'm a native Spanish speaker, and am currently looking to also study either French, German, or Arabic.

Here's my question. Currently in terms of media work, and as a musician I have solid paying jobs, and am always networking and expanding in these fields. My goal in terms of a civilian career is to work in the Media, and Entertainment industries. In regards to the USAF I was looking at the possibility of working as a Public Affairs Officer.  My questions however are:

Would my current experience, and career interests, and aspiration be enough to qualify me for a similar position in the USAF relating to Media, Public Affairs, and the Entertainment Business?

Would I also still be able to continue my musical aspirations within the military even if only during days off of a normal work schedule?

My career in these fields seems to be going very well currently in civilian life. But I would still like to pursue my dream of serving my country, and joining the USAF.

Any other advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks Howard!

Answer
The Air Force may look at your media talents. There are not alot of openings, but since you have the degrees in those areas, you may get lucky in that aspect. When you decide to go in, take the Defense Language Aptitude Battery. or the DLAB test. If you score high enough, you could go work as a linguist.

Be ready to take anything they give you.... in todays economy, its tough as nails to get in the military. Remember you can do more on the INSIDE of the fence than you can where you are now....