Air Force Career Fields

Rated (Flying) Career Fields

Competition for rated slots is based on merit and is very competitive. The Air Force seeks the highest-qualified applicants for Pilot, Navigator (Combat Systems Operator), Air Battle Manager, and Remotely Piloted Aircraft Pilot career fields. A selection board at AFROTC Headquarters — not at local detachments — determines rated positions.

• Please go the Air Force ROTC site to learn about these exciting career fields.

Order of Merit Criteria

Selection for a rated position is based on a cadet's Order of Merit, which is determined by the following criteria:

• Cumulative GPA
• Fitness Assessment (FA) results
  Based on a 100-point scale and consisting of sit-ups, push-ups and a 1 1/2-mile run.
• Pilot Candidate Scoring Method (PCSM) results
  The PCSM results are comprised of:
  
• Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) Pilot score
  A standardized, multiple-choice test similar to the SAT in format. AFOQTs are administered several times during the school year. Cadets may take the AFOQT twice (six months apart) with the most recent score being used toward the PCSM score.
• Test of Basic Aviation Skills (TBAS) score
  Consists of five sub-tests that measure psychomotor skills, cognitive aptitude, and personality traits.
• Total flying hours
  While flying hours contribute to the overall PCSM score, they constitute only a small percentage of the total. While helpful, it is not necessary to have flight hours to get a rated position.
• Field Training (FT) results
  Cadets train and are selected for FT. This is a mandatory program designed to develop leadership and discipline and to determine potential for entry into the Professional Officer Course. FT typically occurs between the sophomore and the junior year.
• Commander's Ranking
  The Detachment Commander evaluates cadets based on the "whole person" concept and ranks them in relation to their peers. Overall officership potential is determined based on (but not limited to) a cadet's maturity, judgment, and overall performance within cadet corps.

NOTE: Academic major is not a factor for rated selection, contrary to popular belief. A cadet interested in a rated slot and majoring in Aeronautical Science or Aerospace Engineering, for example, is not given higher consideration over a cadet majoring in Psychology.

Non-Rated (Non-Flying) Career Fields

After earning your college degree and completing the Air Force ROTC program, you’ll be ready for an exciting career, applying your education and leadership skills on behalf of your country as an Air Force officer. This comes with a high level of responsibility, but it also comes with a high level of honor and respect every time you put on the uniform.  The selection of your Air Force career occurs during a cadet’s junior year and is based on the following criteria:

• Classes completed
  • For example – the Air Force will not make you an engineer if you have never taken engineering classes
• Cumulative GPA
• Fitness Assessment (FA) results
  • Based on a 100-point scale and consisting of sit-ups, push-ups and a 1 1/2-mile run.
• Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT)
  • A standardized, multiple-choice test similar to the SAT in format. AFOQTs are administered several times during the school year.
• Field Training (FT) results
  • Cadets train and are selected for FT. This is a mandatory program designed to develop leadership and discipline and to determine potential for entry into the Professional Officer Course. FT typically occurs between the sophomore and the junior year.
• Commander's Ranking
  • The Detachment Commander evaluates cadets based on the "whole person" concept and ranks them in relation to their peers. Overall officership potential is determined based on (but not limited to) a cadet's maturity, judgment, and overall performance within cadet corps.

Use the links below to gather more information on your future Air Force career field.

• Acquisitions Officer
• Aircraft Maintenance Officer
• Airfield Operations Officer
• Behavioral Sciences/Human Factors Scientist
• Civil Engineer
• Financial Management Officer
• Chemist
• Combat Rescue Officer
• Contracting Officer
• Cyberspace Operations Officer
• Developmental Engineer
• Force Support Officer
• Intelligence Officer
• Judge Advocate Officer – JAG/Attorney
• Logistics Readiness Officer
• Munitions and Missile Maintenance Officer
• Nuclear and Missile Operations Officer
• Operations Research Analyst
• Physicist/Nuclear Engineer
• Public Affairs Officer
• Security Forces Officer
• Special Investigations Officer
• Special Tactics Officer
• Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Officer
• Weather Officer