Expert: James Bell - 5/4/2004

Question
Recently, I have been considering joining the Air Force after High School.  I know I want to work for the government, and I was wondering whether the Air Force was right for me. First of all, does the Air Force Academy give classes similar to a college? Would it be better to get flying lessons previous to joining the Air Force, or would it not make a difference? Can you get degrees in other fields than engineering? If so, what? How much does it cost? Can people with asthma join? And finally, how good of physical shape must I be in? (Not to say I'm in bad physical shape.)  I have a few years until I must make this decision, but hopefully you will help me to make a good choice. Thank you for your time.

Answer
Greetings Kylah -

First of all, I apologize for not responding before now.  Your question was originally dropped by my e-mail system, and it wasn't until AllExperts wrote me that you had asked a question did I know to answer.

I know more about the enlisted side of the Air Force than the Academy, but I will share with you what I know.  You may want to contact an officer to find out more.

I do know that an appointment to any of the military academies requires a letter of endorsement from a state senator.  That is one hurdle.

Asthma can keep you out of the cockpit as an Air Force pilot.  You would have to check with a recruiter to find out all the particulars required of a Class I flight physical.

The Air Force Academy is an accredited university.  Graduates receive a bachelors degree in their field of study.  They have many engineering degrees you can choose from.  Remember that the primary purpose of the Academy is to provide an officer corp for the Air Force.  The Academy has a very nice aero club, where you can learn to fly.  If you are heading for a commission as a pilot, these lessons become part of your schooling (and is therefore much cheaper than getting lessons yourself).

I can't speculate on the cost of the Academy, as I have no first hand knowledge.  I know any university is not cheap, but there are many scholarship programs out there.

If you want to learn more about the Academy and their requirements, you can visit their website at either http://www.usafa.af.mil/ or http://www.academyadmissions.com/

I know I didn't answer all your questions, but I hope I have given you some more information to continue your quest.

Sincerely,
James Bell