AFH 1 · Chapter 7 · Section 7.28

Commissioning Programs

Part of Air Force Leadership · 3 sections · ~816 words · WAPS PFE study material

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Commissioning Programs — OTS, LEAD, and SOAR

Overview

Commission While on RegAF

Enlisted members can obtain a commission while on RegAF status through one of the various commissioning programs.

Officer Training School (OTS)

OTS Eligibility

Eligibility for a commission through Officer Training School requires military members to possess a baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited college or university.

References

DAFMAN 36-2032, *Military Recruiting and Accessions* (specific guidance)
The base education services office has information and can provide assistance

Leaders Encouraging Airmen Development (LEAD)

LEAD Authority

The Leaders Encouraging Airmen Development Program delegates authority to unit and wing commanders to nominate highly qualified Airmen to become USAF officers through USAF Academy attendance.

Possible Nomination Outcomes

LEAD Outcomes

Depending on level of qualifications, nominations may lead to:

Direct entry to USAF Academy
Entry to the USAF Academy Preparatory School
Referral to other programs

Scholarships for Outstanding Airmen to ROTC (SOAR)

SOAR Purpose

The Scholarships for Outstanding Airmen to Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Program allocates scholarship quotas for outstanding Airmen.

Selection and Path

SOAR Path

If qualified and selected by the USAF ROTC board, Airmen:

Separate from the RegAF
Join a USAF ROTC detachment to become full-time college students

SOAR Scholarship Benefits

SOAR Benefits

The USAF provides:

A tuition and fees scholarship of up to $18,000 per year
An annual textbook allowance
A monthly nontaxable stipend

Award Length

SOAR Length

Award of this scholarship is for 2 to 4 years, depending on how many years remain in the student's degree program.

Commissioning and Service

SOAR Commission

Upon graduation and completion of the program:

Students are commissioned as Second Lieutenants
Returned to RegAF status (typically within 60 days of commissioning)
For at least 4 years

Airman Scholarship and Nurse Enlisted Commissioning

USAF ROTC Airman Scholarship and Commissioning Program

Airman Scholarship Purpose

The USAF ROTC Airman Scholarship and Commissioning Program allows military members to receive a USAF ROTC scholarship to attend a college or university of their choice, provided the college or university offers a USAF ROTC Program.

How It Works

Selection Path

Those selected:

Separate from the RegAF
Join a USAF ROTC detachment
Become a full-time college student

Scholarship Benefits

Airman Scholarship Benefits

The USAF provides:

A tuition/fees scholarship of up to $18,000 per year
An annual textbook allowance
A monthly nontaxable stipend

Award Length

Scholarship Length

This scholarship will be awarded for 2 to 4 years, depending on how many years remain in the student's bachelor's degree program.

Commission and Service Obligation

Service Obligation

Upon graduation and completion of the program, students are commissioned as Second Lieutenants and returned to RegAF status with a military obligation of:

4 years in the active component
4 years in the ready reserve

Wait Time After Commissioning

365-Day Wait

After graduation and commissioning as a new Second Lieutenant, there may be a wait of up to 365 days to enter RegAF.

Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program (NECP)

NECP Purpose

The Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program sponsors enlisted members to complete the upper division curriculum toward a baccalaureate degree in nursing.

Maximum Duration

NECP Max 24 Months

Maximum program participation may not exceed 24 months.

Administrative Assignment

NECP Administrative Path

Participants are administratively assigned to a USAF ROTC detachment while completing their degree.

After Graduation

NECP Licensure Required

After graduation, the member must successfully pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses before attending Officer Training School.

Enlisted to Medical Degree (EMDP2) and Interservice Physician Assistant (IPAP)

Enlisted to Medical Degree Preparatory Program (EMDP2)

EMDP2 Purpose

The Enlisted to Medical Degree Preparatory Program offers enlisted personnel the opportunity to complete the preparatory coursework for admission to medical school while maintaining RegAF status.

Program Duration

EMDP2 Duration

This is a 24-month program.

Where It's Offered

EMDP2 Location

Offered through Uniformed Services University of the Health Services in Bethesda, Maryland.

Candidate Profile

EMDP2 Candidates

Offered to candidates who demonstrate integrity and are dedicated to becoming:

Future physicians
Leaders
Scholars of the nation's medical force

Interservice Physician Assistant Program (IPAP)

IPAP Duration

The 29-month Interservice Physician Assistant Program offers enlisted personnel the opportunity to:

Complete requirements to earn a master's degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center
Receive a commission as a Physician Assistant in the Biomedical Sciences Corps

…while maintaining RegAF status.

Required Exam Before Practice

PA National Cert Required

Graduates must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam before they may provide world-class healthcare to our Airmen and their families.

Program Management

IPAP Management

Prerequisites, procedures, and student selections are conducted by the Air Force Personnel Center Biomedical Sciences Corps Education Branch.

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