Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 3/4/2011

Question
Hello,
I am graduating with a BS in Mechanical Engineering this June. I want to apply to the Air Force and become an officer starting in June of 2012. The biggest reason I have chosen the Air Force is because I am interested in designing and developing space technology, and they have an excellent space program. I have read about the AFIT (Air Force Institute of Technology) at the Wright-Patterson base, and it seems like the program I would be interested in pursuing (I have not yet found any information of other schools affiliated with the AF teaching this subject, are there any?). What I am wondering is how likely is it that I will get to receive training in my field of choice? My GPA and GRE numbers should be in order when the time comes to join the service, so I'm not too worried about whether or not I'll be eligible for the school, just if I will get to go there or somewhere similar, or not. I am also wondering if there would be a timing conflict with my program. I believe basic training runs for about 9 weeks and OTS for 12, and after that I get stationed where I would be working, or continuing my education. So then, if I was accepted into AFIT, I'd get to spend another 18 months learning everything there. It looks like the school year starts in September, so if I went to basic in June 2012, it would be December before I would be ready to attend AFIT. Would I be able to start attending classes in January, at the start of the next semester, or would I have to wait for the following September? Or is there something I have missed in my searches for information? Please also let me know if any of the assumptions I have made here are faulty, so I can construct a viable plan for my future.
Thank you for your time and effort in helping me get the answers to my questions. I am looking forward to a fulfilling career with the Air Force in 2012.
Sincerely, Lura Gulbransen

Answer
Lura,
Congratulations on your forthcoming graduation!

I'm afraid you have a bit of misconception about AFIT.  Because AFIT is very prestigious, they usually only allow the rank of Captain or above, meaning you probably have more than 4 years time in Service.  This is so they won't waste a Ph.D. on somebody who will immediately leave the Service.  To be guaranteed a return on their investment they will make you sign a several year commitment, meaning you will promise to stay in for at least X number of years in exchange for them giving you a Ph.D.  It use to be 6 years, but I don't know what it is now.

Being selected is not the only hurdle.  Then your current boss must agree to release you from your current job.  Quite often it happens that a selectee doesn't get to go because he/she's such a good worker that the boss won't let him/her go.

There are so many variables to consider that those that do get to attend are very few.

By far, most people don't even bother, instead they go to a nearby university at night and/or weekends (or on-line) and the AF will pay for it.  It's far easier and guaranteed, versus playing the AFIT lottery.

You should probably relax and enjoy your first 2 years as an officer.  That gives you time to understand how the AF works and get used to your job.  The AF always prefers experience over education, thus they won't send you off too soon anyway.

I appreciate your patriotism.  I'm sure you'll enjoy the AF.

Colonel H