JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
It's nice to say our very own 437th Maintenance Squadron Non-Destructive Inspection technician, Airmen 1st Class Allen Frankenberger, was selected for the Leadership in Encouraging Airmen Development program.
He is one of 85 Airmen selected to attend the United States Air Force Academy, receive a free education and eventually commission as an officer. Airmen can apply to these programs to achieve personal goals, further their education and enrich their lives and that of their families as well.
Just the other day an Airman approached me and asked if I knew of any scholarships for Airmen to join the Reserve Officer Training Corps and I had to be honest, I didn't know. Following the conversation, I took the time to educate myself about the ROTC program. I looked through the four-page requirement checklist and found this program does not involve a time consuming application. What it does involve is Air Force academic testing, physicals, obtaining records of the Airman, acquiring letters of recommendation, writing, organizing and building an application package.
It is possible to get selected through the numerous Air Force programs available. All the information is available for Airmen on the Air Force Virtual Education website through the portal. From my own experience, and from what I have seen Airmen do, I came up with a five-step plan to apply for these specific programs.
Step 1 - Know your job and do it well. Get yourself in positions to be recognized like volunteering for special projects. Make sure to take the time to volunteer to programs both on and off base. You don't have to be like Greg Mortenson, who built hundreds of elementary schools throughout Pakistan and Afghanistan, but get involved. Be competitive for group-level and wing-level awards too. It's not an overnight process and will take months and months of preparation. Make the time to be proactive.
Step 2 - Visit the Air Force Portal to find the program you wish to apply for. Visit the Education and Training office on base to talk with an advisor; everyone there is willing and able to answer your questions and help you. It is so important to study, research the specific requirements for the program, the date the application is due, if you are eligible, what appointments need to be made and how many times you can apply. Airmen will need to know this because, like myself, the Airmen will need to educate their supervisor on the programs they want to apply for.
Step 3 - Airmen must be sure to notify their supervisor. It will be the supervisor's responsibility to mentor their Airmen and prepare them to be competitive for the application process. Supervisors must find avenues for their Airmen to build their application package. Also, the supervisor should be the spokesperson to notify the next level of leadership to help Airmen get push notes or letters of recommendations and recognition.
Step 4 - Going through your application with a fine tooth comb is a test in itself. You need to know when certain test dates are held at the Education Office because some tests are available only at certain times, which can affect your packages submission date. To accomplish all requirements on a checklist could take you months, depending on your time management, work schedule, family and available times for tests.
Step 5 - Put your package together to the "T," because any mistakes found in the board reviewing process will cause the package to be disregarded. Luckily, Linda Wilson in the Education Office will review the package, approve it and hand it back to be mailed. One important thing Mrs. Wilson stated was get the package to her earlier than the due date because time and time again, information is missing and the individual is responsible to get it. The bottom line is, be sure to turn in the package in early.
The last thing is waiting and for some, this could be the most painful part. I just want to reiterate, the Air Force has so many opportunities for Airmen to expand their career goals by continuing their education and enriching themselves and their family. The best thing to do is be proactive, do your job well, time manage, aim high and rewards that you could not imagine will come.