From Cadet to Officer

Almost every job or career that exists in the civilian world is also found within the Air Force and Space Force. After graduation you will have a job waiting. With a large variety of officer career choices in the Air Force and Space Force, it won’t be just any job. Our goal is to place you in a job based on your unique talents, aptitude, interests, and academic major.

From day one you will get real experience in leadership and doing the job you studied and trained for. Officers are the leaders in the Air Force and Space Force.

Success for Life

If you choose to separate from the military and reenter the civilian work force after your active duty service commitment, you will have gained the knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills to put you on the fast track. Many companies offer a preferential hiring program for prior military officers.

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Explore possible careers in both the Air Force and Space Force available to qualified cadets who commission after graduation:

Pilot - Air Force Pilots push each aircraft’s limits with complete control. These skilled professionals deploy around the world, acting as fighters, trainers, bombers, advisors and more. 

Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Pilot - These highly skilled officers provide close-air support, gather intelligence and conduct strategic air strikes using the latest technologies.

Financial Management Officer - Utilizing financial and organization skills, these officers help ensure funds are available for the equipment, supplies and services our Airmen need. 

Munitions and Missile Maintenance Officer - Working in conventional munitions, nuclear weapons and Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM), these experts cover a range of weaponry and can be called upon to deliver or repair large weapons on sites worldwide. 

Airfield Operations Officer - Duties include ensuring the safe takeoff and landing of aircraft, maintaining navigational aids, performing inspections and communicating with air traffic control, as well as managing teams who support each of these tasks.

Aircraft Maintenance Officer - These individuals focus on the safety of Airmen and mission success. More than just directing essential maintenance operations, they implement crucial aircraft inspections, deliver combat support and perform airdrops all around the world.

Band Officer - uphold world-class standards for all military and civilian performances. Whether it’s for a notable accomplishment, building a cultural bridge or to enhance morale, Band Officers are responsible for honing the skills of Air Force band personnel as well as bringing ceremony, feeling and ambience to all of their performances. 

Public Affair Officer - These communications specialist use their diplomatic expertise to educate the public while safeguarding the details of endeavors from foreign threats, and focus on properly sharing the story within national security frameworks.

Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Officer - These individuals direct joint firepower and are the primary Air Force advisors to U.S. Army, joint, multinational and special operations ground force commanders for the integration of air, space and cyber power.

Logistics Readiness Officer - Officers in this field prepare Airmen for anything and everything, including distribution and material management.

Cyberspace Operations Officer - These individuals are responsible for a wide range of weaponry, training and intelligence efficiencies, playing a critical role in planning missions and ensuring the effectiveness of our cyberspace capabilities. 

Space Operations Officer - This role is responsible for directing the entire system utilizing satellites that enhance communication and tracking, assessing the effectiveness of all space operations and incorporating new technology as it becomes available.

Combat Systems Officer - Officers in this role serve as the mission commanders for electronic warfare, weapons systems and navigation, utilizing extraordinary level of focus, efficiency and leadership.

Intelligence Officer - Essential to operational planning and success, these officers are responsible for protecting information as well as collecting data from external threats.

Combat Rescue Officer - This role not only trains, equips and develops necessary survival skills in rescue personnel, but often deploys into direct combat as members of the rescue team. 

Space Operations Officer - These individuals oversee space surveillance, spacelift, space warning and satellite command and control.

Cyberspace Effects Operations Officer - These officers are responsible for a wide range of weaponry, training and intelligence efficiencies, and serve as experts on the world of cyberspace.

 

This information, as well as further detail about these and other career paths within the Air Force and Space Force, can be found on the official U.S. Air Force ROTC website as well as the U.S. Space Force website. Find relevant interests and skills that may help guide you when declaring your academic major.