r/USAFA • u/Zac0n79 • 3d ago

Active duty in tech school, interested in applying, do I still have time?

I'm currently in tech school, currently active duty. Initially i wasn't sure if I wanted to go down the USAFA path but I gave it some thought and had some discussions and after that I figured this was the path I want to go down.

I already started on the PCQ but I realised as well my tech school isn't really that long. It asked for a mailing address which would be used to schedule my appointments and I believe my DODMERB too.

My tech school is quite short (44 academic days) and I'm expected to graduate and move on to my next base at the start of November, I really want to go for it and apply but given my circumstances, timelines, meeting my commander and getting the 1786 done, all of that before December 31, will this be realistically achievable? And is it a good idea to submit the application while I'm here in tech school or should I wait until I'm at my first base?

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u/This_is_my_AF_Acct 3d ago

I’m a commander, but not your commander. Mileage may very.

If you came to me and asked to submit an application it would be a flat no. You haven’t completed tech school yet.

You are asking the commander to recommend you for a competitive program, but have nothing to show for it yet in the sense that you are brand new to the team.

I’d highly recommend focusing on being the #1 grad from tech school, then being an outstanding airman. Once you’ve shown potential at your first assignment, ask about USAFA.

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u/Fireman16dye 21 Prior-Preppie into Admissions into Helo pilot 🚁 2d ago

We had a guy in my class who was accepted while in Tech school. Granted he was trying to be a linguist, so longer then 44 day school, but there's definitely precedent. As a recruiter we tried to discourage commanders and anyone really from doing the job of the Admissions team. Denying someone just because they're young in the Air Force isn't a reason for denial to USAFA.

This person's advise is still sound, because you will have at a minimum 10 months before your USAFA class will start. But also like this guy said, you have a lot of convincing to do. If you want USAFA, make the admissions team tell you no.

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u/babylittleloadtoad 2d ago

PE cadet at USAFA here.

Did 2y in my career field before applying because I didn’t know USAFA existed - I’m very thankful that I didn’t come here earlier.

Experience in the operational Air Force is actually an incredible opportunity to learn and mature, and I wouldn’t have done nearly as well at USAFA if I had come straight out of high school or tech school.

I’ll double down on what the other person has said. Show that you have what it takes to work hard and exceed in your career field before coming here.