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Frequently Asked Questions

Can a non-U.S. citizen join the U.S. Air Force?

Enlistment into the U.S. Air Force, or any branch of the U.S. military, by citizens of countries other than the United States is limited to those foreign nationals who are legally residing in the United States and possess an Immigrations and Naturalization Service Alien Registration Card (INS Form I-151/551 -- Commonly known as a "Green Card"). Applicants must be between 17 and 35; meet the mental, moral, and physical standards for enlistment; and must speak, read and write English fluently.

Note: The U.S. military branches cannot assist foreign nationals in obtaining admittance into the United States. Questions concerning immigration to the United States should be asked of the U.S. Embassy. Only after immigration procedures are completed and an applicant is legally residing in the United States may an application for enlistment be accepted.

Furthermore, in order to be commissioned an officer in the U.S. Air Force, one must be a native-born or naturalized United States citizen.

How can I find out more about Air Force Careers?

To get more information about careers, opportunities and benefits the Air Force has to offer, visit the U.S Air Force Recruiting Service Web site here.

Interested in becoming an Air Force Officer? There are several options available.

1. Obtain an appointment to the Air Force Academy
2. Join the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) in the college you attend.
3. Enlist in the Air Force after graduating from college and attend the Officer Training School (OTS) to win your Air Force commission.

To learn more about becoming an Air Force Pilot, visit the Air Force Academy Admissions Web site here or the Pilot Candidate Selection Method Web site here.

How do I find out about per diem rates, retirement pay, travel expenses, promotions, etc?

These questions can all best be answered by visiting the Military Personnel Flight at your base of assignment. Also, the Air Force Personnel Center Web site AFPC and the Defense Finance and Accounting Service Web site DFAS have much of this information available.

How do I find out what will be expected of me at basic training?

For information on basic military training held at Lackland AFB base, visit their Web site here.

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