Becoming an officer

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joshua Magbanua
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Kaiserslautern Military Community Airmen attended a town hall meeting to learn about ways they can commission as officers in the Air Force Sept. 21, 2017, on Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

The Ramstein Education Office teamed up with Air Force company grade officers from around the area to conduct the meeting for those interested in broadening their leadership abilities. The event began with a presentation from the education office followed by a panel conducted by commissioned officers. The panel gave attendees an opportunity to ask any question regarding what commissioning as an officer is like.

Nadia Ward, Ramstein education center counselor, said she was happy with the number of people who showed up for the event.
“We want to get information out to all the active duty members about all the commissioning opportunities that are available to them,” she said. “Sometimes this is very packed, and sometimes it’s just half the room. But people are always showing up.”

Ward said individuals can commission through Air Force Officer Training School, Reserve Officers Training Corps, Inter-service Physician Assistant Program, and the Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program.

Ward said most commissioning programs require applicants to take the Air Force Officer Qualification Test, which an individual may only take twice. She added that anyone interested in commissioning must be mindful of several factors that may make or break their chances of joining the officer corps.

“The things which people need to keep in mind are deadlines, age, and educational requirements,” she said.

1st Lt. Matthew Barnett, 693rd Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group executive officer, facilitated the panel portion of the event. He listed the qualities everyone who wishes to be an officer needs.

“You need to have integrity to make sure that you’re taking care of the mission and the Airmen,” he said. “You need to want to be a leader for the Air Force. Whether that means flying your aircraft the best way you can, or putting together the best enlisted and officer performance record for your troops. Passion for leadership and taking care of your people is probably the most important quality of an officer.”

Barnett said there are many things Airmen can do to prepare themselves for leadership while still finishing their bachelor’s degree.

“Make sure you make a bunch of short term goals in the interim,” he said. “Look for leadership opportunities at your level; look for programs to improve, look for gaps to fill, and look for people to mentor.”

Barnett began his career on the enlisted side of the Air Force before commissioning as an officer. He said the advantages of enlisted Airmen becoming officers is that they understand the enlisted world.

Barnett described the officer life as challenging but also enriching. All officers, whether prior-enlisted or not, are continuing a rich legacy of Air Force leadership, he said.

“It’s a very rewarding experience,” he said. “You get a chance to have a greater impact to take care of Airmen and guide the mission of the Air Force.”

For more information concerning commissioning programs, to inquire about the next town hall, or request a schedule for the AFOQT, contact the Ramstein Education Office at DSN 480-4032, or email 86fss.ramsteineducationcenter@us.af.mil.