The U.S. Air Force is much more than just jets and fighter jocks. If you're interested in becoming a lawyer, physician, dentist, licensed medical professional, communications or engineering specialist, the Force may have the training and financial aid package for you.

Program Snapshots

The U.S. Air Force Academy

This elite institution combines superb academic instruction with military and physical training. This special focus is designed to develop highly trained, innovative individuals for the Air Force officer corps. One of the top incentives for applying to the Academy is that the entire cost of tuition, books, room and board is paid for by the Air Force.

The faculty at the Air Force Academy has 19 departments offering 30 academic majors including Aeronautical Engineering, Meteorology and Foreign Area Studies. All cadets are required to participate in intercollegiate or intramural sports.

The Military Strategic Studies (MSS) curriculum is incorporated into core academic classes cadets take during their fourth-, second- and first-class years. It addresses military professionalism, airpower theory and military tactics. During each successive year, candidates accrue more leadership responsibilities until they are in charge of commanding entire cadet wings. Upon graduation, cadets begin service as second lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force.

Admission into the Air Force Academy is an extraordinarily competitive process. As a qualified candidate you must have an excellent GPA, above-average SAT or ACT scores and pass a stringent physical fitness exam.

Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC)

The AFROTC is a scholarship program where recipients attend college or a university with the USAF footing the bill for tuition, lab fees and books, as well as a $250 monthly allowance. That value totals more than $60,000 at many of the 900 affiliated schools, making the AFROTC a very popular, and thus very competitive program. To be in the running you'll need an excellent academic record, impressive SAT or ACT scores, plus a record of involvement in extracurricular activities. Upon graduation you'll serve in the Air Force as an officer. Most officers have a four-year commitment. For aspiring pilots, only officers may qualify for flight duty, so consider this program your first step to getting your ace wings.

Montgomery GI Bill/Enlistment Incentives

If you need money for tuition and would like to lessen the burden of student loans, the Air Force offers the Montgomery GI Bill. You can accrue $800 per month for full-time study during the school year. If you elected to participate in the MGIB while on active duty and met the eligibility, participation, and contribution requirements, there's up to $6,500 in aid per year. The USAF also offers enlistment bonuses up to $18,000 (depending on specialty) and up to $10,000 in college loan repayments for a six-year agreement.

The combination of sophisticated on-the-job training, practical leadership experience and a unique academic foundation is hard to top. Add substantial financial incentives to the mix and the Force could be your number one ticket to a successful future. For more details visit the Air Force website at www.airforce.com.