Commissioning Programs & Officer Careers
Enlisted Airmen in the U.S. Air Force have several pathways to become commissioned officers. Explore commissioning programs and officer career fields to find your path to leadership.
Important: All commissioning programs are highly competitive. Requirements and availability change frequently. Always consult with your base education office or career counselor for the most current information and application deadlines.
Commissioning Programs
Multiple pathways are available for enlisted Airmen to become commissioned officers.
Airman Scholarship & Commissioning Program (ASCP)
Duration: 2-4 YearsCommitment: 4 Years Active Duty
Allows select enlisted Airmen to leave active duty, attend college full time, and join ROTC with a scholarship. Commissioned as officers after graduation.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be on active duty for at least 1 year
- Must have at least 2 years remaining on enlistment
- GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Age limit: Must commission before age 31
- Pass Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT)
- Meet physical fitness standards
Program Benefits
- Full tuition and fees paid
- Monthly stipend for living expenses
- Textbook allowance
- Guaranteed commission upon graduation
Scholarships for Outstanding Airmen to ROTC (SOAR)
Duration: 2-4 YearsCommitment: 4 Years Active Duty
Top enlisted performers may be nominated for a 2- to 4-year ROTC scholarship. Members are released from active duty for school and commission after earning a degree.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be nominated by commander
- Exceptional performance record
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Age limit: Must commission before age 31
- Pass AFOQT with competitive scores
- Leadership potential demonstrated
Program Benefits
- Full or partial tuition coverage
- Monthly stipend
- Book allowance
- Priority consideration for career field
Professional Officer Course-Early Release Program (POC-ERP)
Duration: 2 YearsCommitment: 4 Years Active Duty
Qualified Airmen can separate early to participate in ROTC and finish college, with the goal of commissioning upon graduation.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must have 2+ years of college completed
- GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Pass AFOQT
- Age limit: Must commission before age 31
- Commander recommendation required
- Meet medical standards
Program Benefits
- Early separation from enlisted service
- ROTC participation
- Commission upon degree completion
- Officer career field selection
Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program (NECP)
Duration: 24-36 MonthsCommitment: 4 Years Active Duty
Allows qualified Airmen to stay on active duty full time while earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), leading to commission as an Air Force nurse.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be in medical career field
- Prerequisite courses completed
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Pass nursing school entrance exams
- Age limit: Must commission before age 42
- U.S. citizenship required
Program Benefits
- Remain on active duty with full pay
- Tuition and fees paid
- Commission as Air Force nurse
- Guaranteed nursing assignment
Senior Leader Enlisted Commissioning Program (SLECP)
Duration: VariesCommitment: 4 Years Active Duty
Senior leaders nominate exceptional Airmen to commission, with two tracks: SLECP-A (complete degree first) or SLECP-O (direct to OTS).
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be E-6 or above
- Exceptional leadership record
- Commander nomination required
- Age limit varies by track
- Pass AFOQT (if required)
- Meet all commissioning standards
Program Benefits
- Recognition of leadership potential
- Accelerated commissioning path
- Career field consideration
- Senior leader endorsement
Officer Training School (OTS)
Duration: 9 WeeksCommitment: 4 Years Active Duty
Airmen with a completed bachelor's degree can apply for OTS. Successful candidates attend a nine-week program before commissioning.
Eligibility Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from accredited institution
- GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Age limit: Must commission before age 33
- Pass AFOQT with competitive scores
- Pass medical examination
- U.S. citizenship required
Program Benefits
- Shortest commissioning program
- Direct path to officer ranks
- Career field selection opportunity
- Leadership training included
Leaders Encouraging Airman Development (LEAD) - Air Force Academy
Duration: 4 YearsCommitment: 5 Years Active Duty
Commanders can nominate eligible Airmen (age 17–22) to attend the Air Force Academy for a bachelor's degree and commission.
Eligibility Requirements
- Age 17-22 at time of entry
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Exceptional performance record
- Commander nomination required
- Pass medical and fitness tests
- U.S. citizenship required
Program Benefits
- Full Air Force Academy education
- Bachelor's degree guaranteed
- Leadership development program
- Strong alumni network
AFOQT Information
The Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) is required for most commissioning programs.
- • Tests verbal and quantitative skills
- • Includes aviation knowledge sections
- • Can be retaken once after 180 days
- • Study materials available through base education
Application Timeline
Most commissioning programs have specific application windows and deadlines.
- • Applications typically due 12-18 months prior
- • Board selection processes vary by program
- • Start preparation early for competitive advantage
- • Multiple application cycles per year for some programs
Ready to Start Your Officer Journey?
Take the next step in your Air Force career. Speak with professionals who can guide you through the application process and help you choose the right commissioning program for your goals.