After missing selection twice can/should I keep applying to be an AF officer?

Nathan Bergert — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 10:52:09 -0400

I have applied 3 times and gotten 2 sets of interviews while trying to join the AF but I was a non-select the first time and the second time I didn't pass medical due to having just had my Labrum repaired. I am now 25 and a GS 12 in civilian service. I have had 4 surgeries, Wisdom Teeth removed, ACL replacement, Appendix removed, and Labrum repair. Would it be worth it to try to join again? After all my surgeries do I have a chance to make it in?

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Mar 25 at 2022 10:59 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 10:59:21 -0400

Whether it's worth it for you or whether you can do it physically is a question only you can answer.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2022 12:22 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 12:22:09 -0400

Give it a go for one more round. If you don't get selected to be an AF Officer a 3rd time...then that is the Fates telling you something. Or, you can just skip all that and try going Enlisted.

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Mar 25 at 2022 3:00 PM

MAJ Ronnie Reams — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 15:00:36 -0400

Try to find the track for civilian AF officers. I know at SJAFB all the squadrons have deputies that are High GS and Groups have Vices that are SES. Keeps continuity rather than have CCs coming and going with no institutional memory. Also, CCs are gone a lot on deployment, so plenty of command time.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Mar 25 at 2022 3:03 PM

SP5 Peter Keane — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 15:03:54 -0400

While I don't know which path you are trying to take, the AF selection boards are done for this year. Next years dates have not been announced.

Response by LTC Ray Buenteo made Mar 25 at 2022 4:33 PM

LTC Ray Buenteo — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 16:33:49 -0400

The ACL repair is what is holding you back. My brother was still in HS when he had his repaired (football injury) and they were extremely hesitant but since it was over six months since the surgery and he was only 18 they waived it.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 26 at 2022 11:24 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sat, 26 Mar 2022 11:24:00 -0400

You could consider the other Services. Your profile is too thin for me to provide any specific advice. Also the Reserve or National Guard might be a good option You could keep your GS 12 job and be a part time Soldier, Sailor, or Airman.

I admire your desire to serve in the military You are serving your Country already as a civil servant. Maybe that’s the best way to go for you. Excel at civilian service. It’s possible to move up in civil service over time while serving our Nation and building a good retirement I have a friend who has progressed from GS 04 to GS 13 in under 20 years. She did it through hard work and a willingness to move to take jobs with increased responsibility She’s currently Secretary of the General Staff at an Army MACOM.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2022 1:11 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 13:11:40 -0400

Are you limiting yourself to the Air Force? What is your reason for wanting to join? We all have to weigh the pros and cons of our oportunities. No one can tell you what the result is going to be, you have to try and see what happens. There is no harm in applying for a 3rd time.
Having a GS12 is a great possition to be in. Have you considered reserve - keep your GS and still serve? You have options, just wondering if you have considered them all....

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2022 7:48 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 07:48:23 -0400

Try until you get picked up