COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Nominations for enlisted Airmen to apply to the Leaders Encouraging Airmen Development (LEAD) United States Air Force Academy Commissioning Program are currently open to eligible applicants.
“The LEAD program is designed for getting enlisted Airmen to the Academy: Leaders Encouraging Airmen Development,” said Chief Master Sgt. Todd R. Rosenzweig, 14th Flying Training Wing command chief. “Our United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) offers extraordinary opportunities for qualified enlisted personnel in the United States Air and Space Forces who meet the criteria to enter the commissioned ranks. This is an excellent opportunity for Team 14 Airmen to progress through the continuum of education, making our United States Air and Space Forces ‘Better Every Day.’”
The program was established in 1995 by United States Air Force Gen. Ronald R. Fogleman who served as the 15th Chief of Staff of the Air Force from 1994 to 1997 and as the Commanding General of the United States Transportation Command from 1992 to 1994.
"We are here to serve, and when we put on this uniform, we take on something bigger than ourselves. Our Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) live by this daily at the front lines, leading our junior enlisted members,” said Master Sgt. Luis De Vazquez, 14th Flying Training Wing, Wing Staff Agency senior enlisted leader. “Our NCOs know that our junior enlisted members are the future of our Air Force, and we owe them every opportunity to succeed professionally and personally. This is why our NCOs must empower and encourage their outstanding and deserving Airmen with officer potential to consider the LEAD program.”
The LEAD program is an ongoing effort to capitalize on the strengths and leadership potential of junior enlisted Airmen. According to the Department of the Air Force, Headquarters United States Air Force, Academy Directorate of Admissions, USAF Academy, Colorado, appointments are available for direct entry to USAFA for junior enlisted personnel from the Regular or Reserve Components of both the Air and Space Forces, as applicable, who meet USAF entry criteria.
Individuals considered for this program should be of high moral character and have the academic aptitude to complete a rigorous course of study. To be eligible for application, individuals must meet the following requirements to attend USAFA (Title 10, United States Code and DODI 1322.22, Service Academies): Be a U.S. citizen or be able to obtain citizenship before entry into the USAFA. Be unmarried and have no dependents. Must not have their 23rd birthday on 1 July of the entering year for direct entry into the USAFA. Must not have passed their 22nd birthday on 1 July of the entering year to the USAFA Preparatory School.
For more information visit the official United States Air Force Academy.