Air Force Officer O-1, how demanding it is for someone that never had been in the military?
I'm a 28 years old guy with a BS in Computer Engineering and I was thinking in joining the Air Force. I tried to enter as an enlisted but my age doesn't allow me to do it.
Many people has told me that joining as a AF O-1 is very risky because they have a lot of responsibilities and mistakes are not forgiven. They can be kicked out easily.
As I said I don't have any experience in the military and I know it will be very hard to be so high for a new comer.
Can any active officer give me some advices and suggestions?
It is really that hard becoming an AF Officer?
Should I risk my professional career to become a Officer?
Thanks.
2009-08-06T13:04:31Z
I'm not thinking in being or act as a dumb but we all are human and we can make mistakes sometimes, no matter how much caution you take.
I was just wondering how strict are their no error policy.
Jeremy2009-08-06T12:31:14Z
Favorite Answer
How passionate are you about the job aka MOS that you want sign for?
If doing that job in the USAF or the military in general is your current dream in life, and you won't take "NO!" for an answer, then don't worry about all that other stuff, right now. Just know that what ever you put into getting there will seem effortless and your focus will pay dividance in cutting down on potential mistakes when you arrive.
After that keep your ears open, mouth shut, and you'll good to go. You better hurry and make a decision fast though, 28 is up there, and "exception to policy" letters aka age waivers are at a minimum right now. I know I am in the same boat. Your degree being of a technical nature will help you, or atleast be more appealing to an OSO (Officer recruiter) that might/may be willing to fight for you.
Remember OCS is HIGHLY competitive and your only option left. So get the ball rolling, and if you are not in shape, get in shape, if you are in shape, get in better shape- you need all the help that you can get.
P.S. If you are denied, and you find or know that this what you really want to do, then keep your eyes and ears peeled for the next few years. You are commisionable up to age 35, and with the economy picking back up, among other things, the military will be crying shortage again in the future. And, sooner than later. There is always a shortage after they are at full capacity and cut back- like a couple years down the road.
I am a retired officer. However. I will say this do NOT join if you are afraid of responsibility. You will be given plenty from the get go. Mistakes are forgiven. Just learn from them and don't do it again. The only way for you to get in is to go through OTS at Lackland AFB, Tx in San Antonio. It is a combination of both physical training and learning about the service. I did not go, I was in ROTC. The guys that did go seemed to enjoy it. You don't need any military experience. And believe me that a 2LT is not that high. If you act like it is, you will be screwed. Be humble learn the job. Be respectful to the NCOs and you shouldn't have any problems. Good luck.
One of the four stars that I used to work for once answered in an interview what rank in his career would he go back to being if he could. He answered an O-3 or Captain since he knew his job pretty well and advancements had not changed things so much that his training was not outdated and he could be comfortable in doing his job and if he did make a mistake it could be forgiven if it was not to big of one.
Second Lieutenants or O-1s are pretty inexperienced to the military and the military way of life and doing things. I would certainly enlist as an officer though. What helps a lot of O-1s survive at the beginning of their career are the good NCOs under them or around them as well as some good senior officers who will at times take them under their wing. That is one of the basic concepts of the mentoring program that the Air Force is very big on as well as one of the basic concepts of the Air Force "Wing-man" program. A smart O-1 will foster a good working relationship with sharp NCOs as well as those senior officers around them and over them and go to those senior officers and maybe a sharp senior NCO even for advice when it is needed.