On Feb. 7 Sheppard Air Force Base held a Q&A in the Bridwell Activities Center. This was an opportunity for students to learn about career pathways and options in the United States Air Force. 

Airfield Operations Officer Capt. Daniel Miller said one of the biggest things a member of the Air Force military can do is help recruit anytime. 

“As a military member, we’re always what we call on the clock. So if there’s any way we can help influence individuals to find a way for them to progress in their careers or their future, we would love to have a part in that path, so that is why we choose to do a Q&A,” Miller said. 

Student Pilot, 1st Lt. Cole Dooley said the enlisted side of the military does not require a person to have a college degree. 

“The recruiter is going to talk to you about your different career options. You’re going to take an Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test (ASVAB), which tests across a spectrum of different skills. It is like any other aptitude test, but more tailored toward military specialties based on the scores that you get from that test and they will try and align those jobs that you are qualified for,” Dooley said.

There is another side of the military that does require a college degree. Weather and Science Officer, Capt. Brent Fleming said the recruitment process is similar to the enlisted side of the military. 

“You go to the recruiter, you tell them that you have a degree in this, and then the Air Force, or whatever military branch you choose, will go off and will try to pair you up with something that is best suited for your degree,” Fleming said. 

Dooley said the Officer Training School (OTS) program has specific training for leadership roles in the military. 

“It is early mornings and it is late days, but they’re gonna lay those foundational skills for you as what the expectations are for a leader in the Air Force. So you do a lot of strategic problem solving,” Dooley said. “Some of it was very physically challenging, where they will present to you a series of obstacles, but not give you guidance on how to navigate those obstacles to achieve a specific goal and how to accomplish that objective teaches you creative problem solving and leadership.”

Director of Operations of the 80th Operations Support Squadron and T-38C Instructor Pilot Lt. Col. Matthew Roberson said there is a small percentage of the population that chooses to serve in the military.

“It is to be part of something bigger than yourself and to serve the nation that you live in. There is a camaraderie and a family that goes beyond any civilian job that you will ever have. It is four years of your life, which is a great amount of time to figure out what you want to do when those four years are over. If you are qualified to serve, that will be an experience that you will take with you for the rest of your life, or it will turn into a career,” Roberson said. 

If you have questions on joining the Air Force visit:

U.S. Air Force website www.airforce.com 

Sheppard Air Force base www.sheppard.af.mil or call 940-676-2511 

Or your local recruiter at: 940-691-2258