How to Join Air Force Space Command, Career Near Me

How to Join Air Force Space Command, Career Near Me

If you’re interested in outer space but still want to serve your country, Space Command could be worth exploring. Space Command was a part of the Air Force committed to space missions, including defending the U.S. from anything in space. As of 2020, it will become known as a branch of the military called Space Force. The acceptance process is still the same and is done through the Air Force. Contact a recruiter to see if you qualify. You can then enlist in the Air Force to receive basic training. If you would like to become an officer, you could also earn a 4-year degree and then attend officer training. No matter what path you take, you will end up with a strong training allowing you to further your career and begin working for Space Command.



Method 1 Meeting Enlistment Requirements.

1. Apply if you’re 17 to 39 years old. The Air Force has a very specific age requirement. To be eligible for service, you have to start basic training before you turn 40. You also won’t be able to train if you’re too young.

Once you’re past 39, you won’t be able to enlist. If you’re interested in space missions, you may be able to find a role with a private firm instead.

2. Become a legal resident if you aren’t already a U.S. citizen. Anyone born in the U.S. or in one of its territories is automatically a U.S. citizen. If your parents were legal U.S. citizens when you were born, you are considered to be a U.S. citizen even if you were born outside of the country. If that doesn’t apply to you, you can apply to become a U.S. citizen instead.

One of the ways to begin becoming a U.S. citizen involves applying for a green card. It gives you the ability to live and work in the U.S. on a permanent basis.

To become an official U.S. citizen, you must complete the naturalization process, which includes passing a naturalization test.

3. Graduate from high school or earn a GED. The military requires you to have a high school diploma before you are eligible for service. The GED is an alternative for anyone who doesn’t have a diploma. It’s a test that covers high school subjects like reading, writing, math, and science. It is considered to be the equivalent of a high school education.

You won’t be able to apply for the military until you come of age, so stick with high school if you’re able to. Then, you can start your training right away without having to take the GED.

4. Apply if you’re in good physical and mental health. To be eligible for service, you have to be able to participate in intense physical training. A lot of preexisting health conditions will disqualify you right away. If you’re not at a healthy height and weight for your age, you won’t be allowed in. Also, you have to have good eyesight and hearing.

For example, conditions like color blindness, deafness, and epilepsy will most likely disqualify you from service.

Contact a recruiter if you have a preexisting condition and still want to serve. If they think you’re eligible, they can send you in for physical screening. The doctor you see during enlistment determines if you’re allowed in.

5. Take math and science classes to help prepare for Space Command work. While you don’t have to take any prerequisites to enlist, the knowledge you gain comes in handy during the enlistment test. Take high school classes in physics, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, if you are able to. Computer science classes are also useful. You can also gain an advantage through good reading, writing, and communication skills.

The enlistment test will determine what you are best suited to in the military. With good math, science, and computer science scores, you will be more likely to be recommended for Space Command.

Communication skills are extra important if you’re planning on being an officer, since you will need to be able to lead others on the job.



Method 2 Enlisting in the Air Force.

1. Contact a military recruiter to start intake process. In particular, look online for any Air Force recruiters in your area. The Air Force has a database on its website you can use to search for the nearest recruiter. It includes the recruiter’s phone number and email address. Tell the recruiter that you’re interested in joining Space Command or Space Force.

Your recruiter is your guide. They are responsible for helping you complete your application, so talk to them about any questions or concerns you have before enlisting.

You could also request information from the Air Force’s website. The request form will ask for your phone number and email address so a recruiter can get in touch with you.

The Air Force traditionally handled Space Command. Although other branches of the military will be involved with Space Command, applying to the Air Force is still the most direct way to get in.

2. Submit your application to the recruiter. Your recruiter will guide you through the application process. They are responsible for ensuring you meet all eligibility requirements. If you do, they then send the application in for evaluation. You won’t be an official part of the military until you have begun basic training.

The recruiter is also responsible for helping you work toward the role you want. Let them know that you’re interested in space missions before completing your application.

While you’re waiting, focus on improving your physical strength and brushing up on any skills that will help you wish the role you want.

3. Take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) to qualify for the military. Your recruiter will refer you to the nearest testing center. The ASVAB is a written test covering science, math, and verbal skills. The military then totals up your scores to figure out what role you would be best in. Score at least 31 out of 99 to qualify for the Air Force.

When preparing for the ASVAB, spend extra time focusing on skills relevant to the role you want. For example, a lot of engineering work in Space Command involves math, so getting a good score will help you qualify for those roles.

If you have a GED, you will have to score a 50 on the test. If you earn 15 college credit hours before taking the ASVAB, the Air Force will count you as a graduate and lower the score requirement back to 31.

4. Pass physical screening at a military processing station. During physical screening, a doctor checks your health to ensure you’re healthy enough for military training. It includes a blood and urine analysis in addition to hearing, eyesight, and range of motion tests. When you’re assigned a day for the screening, your recruiter will tell you where to go and what to wear. Screening is often done right after you finish the ASVAB, so be prepared for it.

Bring your license, Social Security card, birth certificate, and driver’s license with you. You won’t need anything else besides a prescription if you wear glasses or contacts.

Any serious health problems could disqualify you from service. The military is pretty strict, so mental illness and any condition that prevents you from doing physical activities could potentially disqualify you.

5. Speak with a career counselor about your role in the military. This is when you get a chance to let the military know that you’re serious about joining Space Command. The counselor will look at your ASVAB scores and recommend what you’re most suited for. If you want to work in a specific role, make it known so they can set you on the proper track. Otherwise, you might end up doing something that doesn't transition to Space Command.

For example, tell the counselor, “I want to join Space Command. I’d like to become a space systems operator.”

The session also doubles as mental screening. The counselor will interview you about why you want to be in the military. They are checking to see that you’re committed and mentally able to handle service.



Method 3 Finishing Military and Technical Training.

1. Complete your military training once you’re accepted into service. Wait until you receive a formal offer of enlistment. After accepting it, you will eventually be put through basic training. Everyone in Space Command goes through the same 7 ½ week boot camp as other Air Force recruits. The training is tough but rewarding and prepares you for service in Space Command.

Air Force training takes place at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Your recruiter will tell you when you need to travel there. The military arranges travel for you.

The only things you need to bring with you are your important documents, such as your enlistment papers and ID. Bring a small toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, a shaving razor, 4 days’ worth of clothes, and glasses or contacts as well.

The training includes regular workouts, combat training, and other basic skills required for battle.

2. Finish technical training to prepare for Space Command work. After finishing boot camp, you finally get to progress to in-depth educational training. The training you get will depend on what kind of role you signed up for when joining the military. Some examples include missile and space station maintenance, space operations training, and computer science. You have a wide range of choices, so make sure the role you choose is both one you want and one that relates to Space Command.

Many different training programs can tie back into Space Command. For example, Space Command also deals with communications, weather data, and navigation. It isn’t all math and science.

If you’re unsure about what you want to do, speak to your recruiter and supervisors. Expect to be sent for training right after boot camp. Don’t wait too long to figure out what you want to do next!

As the new Space Force program grows, more training opportunities may open up. Be on the lookout for new opportunities.

3. Choose a field to work in through Space Command. Go to the Air Force’s website for a list of career fields you can read about and focus on as you complete your training. Also, talk to your recruiter when you first enlist, and any supervisors you have after that. They are there to help guide you to the work you wish to do, so check in with them to make sure you’re on the right track.

For example, you could work in space systems operations if you’re interested in launching new systems. You could also monitor the weather, program computers, repair systems, load planes, or take on a number of other roles.

There are job openings you may not think of right away, such as administrative roles, cryptographic language analysis, behavioral science, and medical practice.

4. Apply for jobs with Space Command through the military. In most cases, the military will transition you to your new role right after you complete your training. You won’t need to do anything else to become a part of Space Force. Speak with your recruiter and advisors about any new openings or promotions you wish to obtain.

Jobs for veterans are often posted through job listing websites and you can also contact veteran-friendly companies. These jobs are available when you’re ready to leave military service.



Method 4 Becoming an Officer.

1. Earn a 4-year bachelor’s degree if you don’t already have one. To be considered for officer training, you have to complete a 4-year university program. The simplest way to do this is by applying to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. If you wish to go to a different school, sign up for the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC). Many universities have partnered with the military to ensure you stay registered as an officer candidate while completing your studies.

Take advantage of the time by studying something that will help you land a role with Space Command. For example, engineering is a popular field. You could study space control systems to become a space operations officer.

Many people get their degree after finishing basic training. However, you can start studying before then. You will still qualify as an officer.

Some fields may require additional training. Talk to a recruiter for more information.

2. Apply for officer training with an Air Force recruiter. Talk to your recruiter about becoming an officer. If they think you are ready, they will help you prepare an application for the Air Force’s officer school. Getting a response can take a few weeks, so be patient. In the meantime, your recruiter will keep you busy with other requirements.

If you are already enlisted, you can work your way up to become an officer if you have a recommendation from your unit commander.

The requirements you have to complete include the ASVAB, physical, and mental screening. It’s pretty much the same as what you face when enlisting as a regular member of the military.

3. Finish the qualifying test for military service. These qualifications are similar to what new recruits face when first joining the Air Force. You must pass the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test. It’s a multiple choice test on paper that gauges your verbal and math skills. It also contains questions about potential fields of interests you might pursue in the military and how qualified you are for them.

The test can only be taken twice, so prepare well for it. Brush up on your math, science, and communication skills, such as by studying in your free time.

Be prepared to also be tested on your basic aviation skills if you are already enlisted in the Air Force.

4. Complete screening with military doctors to qualify for officer training. They screen your physical and mental well-being to ensure that you’re prepared to be a leader. First, they check up on your physical health. Then, a counselor comes in and talks to you about your goals, your interests, and your qualifications. These people are responsible for the recommendation you need to enter officer training.

If you are already enlisted, you will receive a qualification known as Form 422 once you are judged eligible to receive officer training.

5. Travel for officer training if your application is accepted. The Selection Board meets twice a year to choose applicants for training. If you’re accepted, you get to travel to the Officer Training School in Montgomery, Alabama. The training consists of 9 1/2 weeks of intense physical and communications lessons.

Your recruiter will inform you of when you’re going to travel. The military provides transport. It usually comes a few months after you receive your acceptance letter.

If you’re applying for officer training before enlisting in the military, you won’t go through basic boot camp. You get to go directly to officer training instead.

6. Apply for any available Space Command roles in the military. Talk to your recruiter and supervisors about what you want to do next. Let them know you want to work in Space Command. They will have a list of openings, but you can also search on your own through the Space Command website. Officers usually transition straight into Space Command work after completing officer training.

Look for roles that are reserved for officers. For example, a space systems officer is responsible for organizing a group of space systems operators during a space mission.

Officer roles require good leadership and communication skills, but don’t forget to hone your education too. Stay up to date on any skills you learned when getting your degree!



Tips.

Army and Navy members will eventually be permitted into Space Force, so there will be more ways to join in the future.

Note that the military does a background check, so any sort of criminal history could bar you from service. Talk to your recruiter and be honest about your past.

Although a lot of Space Command jobs relate to things like engineering or piloting, there are opportunities no matter what field you’re in. The military always needs communications experts, doctors, and other professionals, for instance.