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Airmen receive opportunity to attend Air Force Academy

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Brian J. Valencia
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Two Airmen assigned to Scott Air Force Base were recently selected to attend the Air Force Academy preparatory school through the Leaders Encouraging Airman Development Program while another Airman was selected for direct entry into the Academy. The programs give Airmen the opportunity to gain a commission and a degree through the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Senior Airman John Stanley, 561st Network Operations Squadron Detachment 3, was one selected through the program.

"I chose the LEAD program because I felt that the USAF Academy was the best choice for me," said Airman Stanley. "I felt the Academy would best prepare me to be an officer and offer me a degree from a reputable school."

With only 85 slots available for direct entry to the Academy and the Preparatory School for active duty, the slots are highly competitive, but Airman Stanley feels he will be able to prove he is a right fit for the program.

"I know it will be tough, but nowhere else will I be able to have the same experiences," said Airman Stanley. "After a visit there several months ago, I was amazed at the level of camaraderie."

Airman Stanley credits his biggest desire to join the officer ranks to his leadership while on active duty.

"I have had an outstanding chain of command," said Airman Stanley. "They have really helped mentor and guide me and I owe a lot to them. I want to be able to have that same kind of positive influence on new Airmen that my officers had on me."

To start the process to attend the preparatory school, applicants must meet three initial requirements. They must be under 22 years of age as of July 1 of the year they would like to attend, must be single with no dependants and have a commander's nomination.

If those requirements are met, the Airmen can begin the lengthy application process which includes submission of educational documents and records, essays and interviews.

"The biggest challenge about the process was probably the wait. The application was an extremely lengthy process," said Airman Stanley. "Waiting to find out whether I was accepted or not was nerve-wracking at times."

Airman Stanley urges anyone interested in the LEAD program to not give up.

"The application process is long and can be intimidating at times, but if this is your dream, don't give up on it. In the long run, it will be worth it."

Also selected were Airman 1st Class Ryan Tagatac, 375th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, for preparatory school and Senior Airman Andrew Dane, 19th Air Support Operations Squadron Ft. Campbell, Ky., for direct entry.

Airmen selected for direct entry have shown they have the ability to keep up with the rigorous academic schedule associated with the academy through past college experience.

For more information about the direct entry or LEAD Program visit the Academy's website at www.academyadmissions.com and look for information under Admissions Center; How To Apply; Airmen. Any questions about the LEAD Program should be directed to USAFA Admissions at 719-333-2233 or email usafa.tours@usafa.edu.