Enlisted Commissioning Programs

By Airman Magazine / Published January 21, 2009

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Airman January/February -- Airman Scholarship and Commissioning Program
The Airman Scholarship and Commissioning Program is for selected Airmen who separate from active duty and enlist into the Air Force Reserve. The ASCP program offers enlisted personnel the opportunity to earn a commission while completing their bachelor's degree as an Air Force ROTC cadet, according to http://www.au.af.mil/au/holmcenter/AFROTC/EnlistedComm/EnlistedCommissioning.asp. Those selected may participate for up to four years, depending on their degree program and previous academics. They receive tuition and fees scholarship for up to $15,000 per year, textbook allowance of $900 per year and a cost of living stipend of up to $500 per month.

Airman Education and Commissioning Program
Airmen can remain on active duty with the Airman Education and Commissioning Program and continue to receive pay and allowances, while going to school full time to complete their bachelor's degree in pursuit of a commission. Airmen selected for AECP receive a tuition and fees scholarship for up to $15,000 per year, as well as a textbook allowance of $600 per year. Those selected may participate for up to three years, depending on their degree programs and previous academics. The AECP is only open to specific majors, including nursing, meteorology, physics, math, most engineering majors and certain foreign language and foreign-area studies specialties.

Academy Preparatory School
The Academy Preparatory School is designed to physically, academically and mentally prepare qualified young men and women to enter the U.S Air Force Academy. Located on the Academy grounds, this ten-month school provides intensive academic preparation to make selected applicants more competitive for entrance into the Academy. The school's program emphasizes the same four areas as the Academy: academic, military, athletic and character development. The curriculum includes math, English and general sciences. Students at the Prep School are addressed as "cadet candidates."

Scholarships for Outstanding Airmen to ROTC
Up to 54 active duty Airmen can be nominated for the Scholarships for Outstanding Airmen to ROTC. The scholarship provides up to $15,000 per year for tuition/fees, a $900 textbook allowance and a cost of living stipend of up to $500 per month. Military members separate from the Air Force while earning a degree. The SOARs are awarded for two to four years, depending on how many years Airmen have remaining in their bachelor's degree program. Airmen with some or no college credit may apply for the program. Scholarships are awarded in a variety of fields, including technical (engineering, meteorology, architecture, etc.), non-technical, nursing, pre-health and foreign language areas.

Leaders Encouraging Airman Development Program
The Leaders Encouraging Airman Development Program allows commanders to seek out outstanding and deserving qualified Airmen for appointments to the Air Force Academy and AFROTC Scholarship programs.

Professional Officer Course - Early Release Program
The Professional Officer Course - Early Release Program offers active-duty Airmen (who can complete all bachelor's degree and commissioning requirements within two years) an opportunity for an early release from the active-duty Air Force to enter the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. This program is open to students in all majors. If selected, Airmen would separate from the active-duty Air Force, join an Air Force ROTC detachment and become a full-time college student. It is not a scholarship program, although those selected are allowed to use their GI Bill benefits to off-set tuition costs. Airmen receive a $900 annual textbook allowance and a cost of living allowance stipend of up to $500 per month. Airmen must pursue a bachelor's degree and will be commissioned as a second lieutenant upon graduation and completion of the two-year program. They will then be returned to active duty (typically within 60 days of commissioning) for at least four years.
For Information on these programs, visit http://www.airforce.com/education/enlisted/

Reprinted from the January-February 2009 issue of the Airman

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