Can I join the USAFA even if I had academic probation on my record?

2020-12-15T20:14:17-05:00

I'm interested in enlisting in the Air Force, however, I'm on academic probation. My plan was to become an RN through my community college. With the bad start, I had on my freshman year and with Covid-19 hitting my junior year, I did not meet my own expectations on my grades. I'm not using that as an excuse and I plan on working towards higher education. I'm planning on taking a break from school and to start preparing for the PT and ASVAB tests. I'm sharing my story here to get some advice about joining the US Military. Right now I feel like I need a change of pace in my life and this is the route I need to take to become stronger physically but most importantly mentally.

Thank you for your response in advance

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2020 10:04 PM

2020-12-15T22:04:29-05:00

Your profile has you as Pre-Commission at the USAFA but your question asks if you can join the USAFA. Are you a cadet on academic probation? What do you mean that you are taking a break from school? Why can't you continue your schooling while working out and studying for the ASVAB. A military officer needs to be highly motivated.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2020 10:05 PM

2020-12-15T22:05:27-05:00

You should google the academy requirements. There are entry points at one's life into the academies and they usually are age dependent, school progress dependent, prior service dependent, etc... It sounds like you don't have a straight forward situation.

With weak academics your chances are slim.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Dec 15 at 2020 10:13 PM

2020-12-15T22:13:35-05:00

Where do your timetable falls with regards to your age?

Then, how do you compare to the rest of the academy’s requirements?

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Dec 15 at 2020 10:27 PM

2020-12-15T22:27:06-05:00

I am an RN with 17years experience and would love to comment but will not further unless you post a name.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Dec 16 at 2020 5:43 AM

2020-12-16T05:43:08-05:00

Your situation brings back memories of my youth. You sound as though you've taken the initial steps of evaluating your direction after underachieving in your academic efforts; continue that evaluation to more firmly establish realistic goals. If you settle on a commissioned military career, find out what opportunities are available to gain a commission from enlisted status. Acceptance into any of the academies is very competitive and your academic performance to date would eliminate you without some proof of stellar performance and potential. Don't choose the military because it seems like an easy way to have an income while pursuing your goals. Success in the military is based upon performance, dedication, and excelling compared to your contemporaries. You must know what you want and pursue it with passion.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Dec 16 at 2020 9:19 AM

2020-12-16T09:19:13-05:00

It’s unclear from your profile if you have a bachelors degree. All the Services require a degree for commissioning. If you haven’t completed your degree and want to enlist:
-talk to recruiters from all 6 armed services
-each Service posts their enlistment requirements on their web page. Do the research. None requires more than a high school diploma to enlist
-your post HS education may entitle you to a pay grade greater than E1.
-each Service’s recruiter will make different offers depending on the needs of their Service, their recruiting goals, your qualifications, your desires (in that order). Take the offer that most closely matches your personal goals