LEAD program is Airman's path to Air Force Academy Published June 12, 2009 SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Active-duty Airmen interested in getting a commission through the U.S. Air Force Academy can apply for one of 135 slots available through the Leaders Encouraging Airman Development Program. Commanders nominate Airmen to attend the Air Force Academy Prep School in Colorado Springs, Colo., with an appointment to the academy to follow prep school. Airmen compete for 50 prep school slots as well as 85 potential direct appointments to the academy. Airmen who apply must be U.S. citizens or be able to obtain citizenship before entry into the academy the following year. Candidates must be unmarried and have no dependents. In addition, Airmen must not have passed their 22nd birthday by July 1 of the entry year into the prep school or their 23rd birthday if receiving a direct appointment. Airmen must also be of high moral character and have at least one year retainability when entering the prep school. To compete for either the prep school or a direct appointment to the academy, Airmen must complete an Air Force Form 1786 and have their unit commander complete a statement on their character, ability and motivation to become an officer. The form and statement must be coordinated through local military personnel flight assignment sections and reach the Air Force Academy's Admissions Office no later than Jan. 31 of the entry year. Airmen will receive a notification from the admissions office of their acceptance. This notification will also indentify all the additional requirements needed to complete the application package. For more information about the LEAD program, call the education office at 452-6063.