Junior enlisted Airmen get opportunity to visit the Air Force Academy

  • Published
  • By Maja Z. Stevanovich
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La., --  Qualified Barksdale junior enlisted airmen will have the opportunity to visit the Air Force Academy this fall through the Leaders Encouraging Airmen Development program.

The visit to the Air Force Academy will take place from Sept. 22-25. The deadline for applications is  Aug. 17.

"Visiting the Air Force Academy allows interested airmen the opportunity to talk with current cadets who were prior-enlisted and personally witness opportunities and challenges the Air Force Academy has to offer," said Master Sgt. Kimberly Owens, Barksdale career assistance advisor.

Seeing the campus and getting an idea of what it's like to live and study there is a good first step before applying to the academy, she added.

"This is a great program for those junior enlisted airmen that are looking to become an officer, but have minimum or no college experience," said Owens.

"The airmen get to enroll in a prestigious university without having student loans, attend classes as a full-time student and earn a monthly salary while receiving free room, board, meals, medical and dental care. They gain invaluable leadership experience and are guaranteed a profession as an Air Force officer," said Owens.

For interested airmen, academics are key, said Owens. Those looking to apply must have stellar records to be competitive, including outstanding SAT and ACT test scores, she added.

"Airmen bring a different perspective to the cadet wing and aid in the overall development of future Air Force officers," said Capt. Christopher Goshorn, Air Force Academy, diversity recruiter. "They also bring their operational experience and knowledge, strengthening the character and leadership development of each cadet," he added.

Airmen looking to apply for the Air Force Academy visit must be at least 17 years old, but not older than 23 on July 1 of the year they would enter the academy or 22 if entering the prep school. They also must be an unmarried U.S. citizen with no dependants, be of good moral character, have a well-rounded background, pass the candidate fitness assessment and pass the medical exam required by the academy.

Fifteen airmen will be chosen for the visit in September and 85 active duty airmen and 85 Air National Guard and Air Force Reserves will be accepted into the program each year, said Owens.

Airmen interested in the academy commissioning process should visit the base education office or call the academy admissions office directly to gain more information.

Airmen can also visit www.academyadmissions.com for more details on the application process and life at the academy.