How To Join

Applicants without prior military service must:

• Be 17 to 39 years old
• Be a U.S. Citizen or legal permanent resident
• Have a high school diploma (or GED with 15 college credits)
• Be in good health

Once these requirements are met, the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), a comprehensive written test, and the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), physical and moral standard screenings, will help further determine your eligibility. 

After all testing and physicals are complete, you will go to Basic Military Training (BMT), an 8-week course completed at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. 

After BMT, you may need to go to technical training, where you will learn about your career field and can even earn college credit toward a degree.

If you have previously served in either the active duty Air Force or another branch of the military, your adjusted age must be less than 40. (Subtract your years of service from your age. If the result is less than 40, you may be eligible to join the Air Force Reserve.)

Candidates with prior military experience will not have to repeat Basic Military Training (BMT). You can continue your service, and, in many cases, keep your rank.

You can also join regardless of the U.S. military branch in which you previously served, including other Reserve and National Guard components.

Prior Service (Air Force) Video

Prior Service (Other Branch) Video

All officers in the Air Force Reserve must hold a college degree and be selected to hold a commission. Enlisted personnel may become officers if they earn a bachelor's degree.

All officer candidates attend a nine week course at the Officer Training School at Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. Those who are in healthcare, legal or religious professional areas attend Commissioned Officer Training, which is a condensed course of study.

• If you are in a certain line of work (i.e., a doctor or nurse), you will enter the Air  Force Reserve as a commissioned officer, but must attend a special officer training.
• If you are an enlisted member of the Air Force Reserve (or any other branch of service) and have a college degree, you may be offered a commission and then must complete Officer Training School.
• If you are a member of Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), you may become a commissioned officer upon graduation.