prior service
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"We all come here for the same reason…It’s quality of life during and after."
Sample Name, Sample Rank, Sample Title -
“Going back to civilian life was a challenge for me. The hardest part was the thought of leaving my team behind. I missed the camaraderie.”
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“They try to reflect what’s being done out in the public side so that the Airman does have a transferability of education, skills and knowledge to take with them once they leave the force.”
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01 Insurance
- Excellent, low-cost insurance rates
- Comprehensive medical and dental care
- Full pay and allowance for sick days
- Low-cost life insurance
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02 Food and housing
- Living expenses coverage for those living on base
- Monthly tax-free housing allowance for Airmen living off-base
- Tax-free department and grocery stores with prices below the average of off-base retail options
- Monthly food allowances
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03 Retirement
- Eligibility to retire after 20 years of service
- Thrift Savings Plan, which allows Airmen to place a portion of their monthly pay into an account similar to a 401(k) account
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04 Education
- Up to 100% tuition assistance through the Air Force Tuition Assistance Program, post 9/11 GI Bill or the Montgomery GI Bill Ability to earn college credit during basic training Available student loan repayment
- Ability to earn college credit during basic training
- Available student loan repayment
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05 Vacation and travel
- 30 days of paid vacation, with the freedom to explore local and foreign destinations
- Reduced lodging costs for hotels on bases across the U.S
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06 Recreation
- On-base facilities for various sports, arts and crafts, and equipment rentals, which are available for free or at lower rates than similar off-base options
- Family-friendly social activities and recreational programs
A BALANCED LIFE
A return to service comes with the flexibility you need for education, family, career development and more. Prior-service members can serve full time in Air Force active duty or pursue full-time and part-time opportunities in the Air National Guard or the Air Force Reserve.
SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY
No one understands military life quite like other service members and their families. Prior-service members returning to serve in the Air Force continue to enjoy one of the most-beloved benefits of service: the camaraderie of a supportive, engaged community of military peers.
NEW BONUSES AVAILABLE
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FULL-TIME OPPORTUNITIES
Return to full-time work in the U.S. Air Force in countless career paths including medicine, engineering, information technology and more.
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PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES
Balance your family, education, lifestyle and career with a return to service in a part-time opportunity with the Air Force Reserve or Air National Guard.
FIND OUT WHAT’S NEXT
Is the U.S. Air Force the best next step for your military career? Recruiters are ready to answer any questions you might have about opportunities for prior-service members from all branches of the U.S. military.
FAQs
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Yes. With few exceptions, prior-service members from all branches of the United States military will retain their ranks (or an Air Force equivalent) in a prior-service career with the Air Force.
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The needs of the Air Force mission determine base assignment. To be assigned to a base, there must be a need for your specialty at that base. Prior Service applicants will have the opportunity to list five bases where they’d like to be stationed. Once you are qualified and there is an opening, you will be offered an assignment.
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The Prior Service LO (PS LO) program allows a select number of officers separated from the Air Force to return to active duty through Direct Duty Accession (DDA) and select retraining opportunities. The number of prior service slots is subject to change based on Air Force needs. Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements for initial processing procedures.
Note that this program only applies to prior service Air Force Officers. Applicants currently serving in the Guard or Reserve are ineligible for this program due to a separate recall program managed by AFPC. PS LO program requirements are determined by AFPC/DPSIP.
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Plan the timing of your application to be sure you are age-eligible for service. Age requirements vary depending on your joining and career path.
Prior service applicants should also contact a local recruiter to discuss age requirements for your specific situation.
