The United States Air Force employs over 150,000 civilians in a full range of occupations, including financial management, information management, public affairs, engineering, computers/communications, sports/fitness recreation management, contracting, logistics, education, human resource management, child development, scientist, technical training, lodging management, community planning, architect, manpower management, safety, security, occupational health, family matters, history, and special investigation. Although the Air Force, along with other Department of Defense components, has experienced a period of downsizing to meet changes in the political, social, economic, technological, and demographic environment, the need to recruit and develop future leaders remains a top priority.

The Air Force is a leader in high technology research, development, and applications. Air Force installations operate like small cities in a businesslike and competitive environment. The Air Force provides an environment in which good ideas and energetic job performance are rewarded.
U.S. citizenship is required for security clearance purposes.

Air Force civilian leaders are expected to be geographically mobile. Management must be able to assign the best qualified civilian employees to meet critical manning needs of key managerial positions or to provide employees with exposure to a variety of work experiences to complete their development for assumption of future senior level positions. Therefore, during your career with the Air Force, you may be required, on occasion, to accept assignments to other positions at the same or higher grades including assignment to different geographic locations. Normally, these moves will be at government expense.

The two centralized Air Force recruiting programs for civilians are:

• PALACE Acquire Intern Program
• COPPER CAP Intern Program

For Information on military careers, please see:

• Air Force Active Duty 
• Air National Guard
• Air Force Reserve
• Today's Military

The following are resources for PALACE Acquire Interns and managers:

• PALACE ACQUIRE Guide (For current PALACE Acquire Interns)
• Civilian Interns Benefits Guides
• Senior Manager's Guide to College Relations
• Mentor Guide

Last edited 06 July, 2004 (eas)

Air Force Personnel Center | Randolph AFB, TX 78150