LEAD Program is Airman's path to U.S. Air Force Academy

Published July 28, 2008
By USAFE Public Affairs Office

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Two U.S. Air Forces in Europe Airmen were recently selected to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy Prep School through the Leaders Encouraging Airmen Development Program.

Airman 1st Class Willie Gilbert, 435th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, and Airman Joshua Hartle, 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Spangdahlem Air Base, are currently attending the Academy Prep School in anticipation of an Academy appointment.

The LEAD Program is an ongoing Air Force effort to provide its brightest Airmen the opportunity to excel by offering them appointments to the Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.

"Each year, commanders nominate highly qualified Airmen to attend the Air Force Academy Prep School with the intention of an academy appointment to follow," said Jeffrey Jager, USAFE Education Program Manager.

"Airmen compete for a total of 135 positions; 50 Prep School slots and a potential of 85 direct appointments to the Academy," he added.

To take part in the program, Airmen 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 23rd birthday if receiving a direct appointment to the Academy. Airmen must also be of high moral character and have at least one year retainability when they enter the Prep School.

To compete for either the Prep School or a direct appointment to the Academy, Airmen must complete AF 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 their MPF assignment section and reach the Air Force Academy's Admissions Office NLT 31 Jan of the entry year. Airmen will receive a notification from the admissions office which identifies all the additional requirements needed to complete the application package.

Airmen should start early by contacting their local education office for more information.