the AF Officer Classification Directory and a slide show of the process are located at:
K:\DF\DFOR\AFSC
The directory contains educational requirements for all AFSCs. This directory guides the Dean of Faculty's (DF) evaluations of academic qualifications for AFSCs.
The presentation was given to the class of 2008 on 25 Jan and to USAFA staff on 31 Jan:
K:\DF\DFOR\AFSC
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Some FAQs
AFSC Selection Process Frequently Asked Question for AFSC Blog
The questions below are a compilation of the questions cadets typically ask about the AFSC Selection process….
Q: How am I assigned an AFSC?
A: USAFA is required to assign a specified number of graduates to each AFSC. Specifically, USAFA is given a lower limit and an upper limit on the number of graduates that must be assigned to each AFSC. These limits reflect the needs of the Air Force. As we assign cadets to AFSCs we attempt to meet the needs of the Air Force in such a way that incorporates your preferences for certain AFSCs. In other words, we attempt to assign cadets to AFSCs in such a way that maximizes overall “happiness”. That being said, preferences of cadets ranked higher in the class (according to Board Order of Merit – see question #2) will carry more weight than those ranked lower.
Q: How am I ranked? Do they use OPA?
A: Possibly. The assignment of cadets to AFSCs will uses the BOM Board score.. Each cadet’s BOM score is determined by an officer board – similar to a promotion board – that considers GPA, MPA, PEA, Form 94s, and extracurricular activities. This year, OPA may be included as well.
Q: How many non-rated AFSCs should I list?
A: You should rank six AFSC. In fact, you will need to provide ordinal rankings (i.e., 1 through 6, where “1” is your top pick) and relative weights for each AFSC you list. The relative preference captures how “happy” you would be with that particular AFSC, where a value of “100” indicates the best. You can rank fewer than six, but doing may result in assigning you to “needs of the Air Force.” If, for example, you only rank five AFSCs your sixth choice will automatically become “needs of the Air Force” and it is likely you’ll receive a “needs of the Air Force” AFSC
Q: I want to be a pilot. Am I required rank other rated AFSCs (i.e., navigator, air battle manager)? What if I only want to fly? In other words, if I don’t get pilot I want to pick a non-rated AFSC?
A: No. If you rank one of the rated AFSCs you do not have to rank the other two. If you rank pilot as your top choice and are not assigned pilot, you will be assigned to the next rated AFSC you list, provided it is available. If your rated AFSC(s) are not available, you will then be considered for a non-rated AFSC.
Q: I want to fly. Do I need to rank non-rated AFSCs?
A: Yes. Although your non-rated rankings will only be used in extenuating circumstances (e.g., loss of medical qualification) you are still required to rank six non-rated AFSCs. If you decide against a rated AFSC between now and graduation, your future will likely depend on your non-rated AFSC preferences listed.
Q: Can I put an AFSC weight of 100 for my top pick and a weight f of zero for all other AFSCs?
A: No. By design, there is a minimum weight required for each AFSC. The lower limits for each pick (where “1” is your 1st preference) are:
1. 100
2. 50
3. 33
4. 25
5. 20
6. 17
The upper limit is the value you assigned to the next highest pick. So your first choice will be 100. Your second choice will be between 50 and 100. Your third choice will be between 33 and the value of your second choice, your fourth choice between 25 and your third choice, and so forth.
Q: I notice that there is a counter that tracks how many cadets have ranked each AFSC? Does this mean anything?
A: This counter does not have much meaning. Please do not let this number deter you from selecting an AFSC if you really want that AFSC. In fact, if you don’t list an AFSC that you really want it can hurt the process. After each cadet has entered her/his preferences we use that data to try and adjust the number of allocations USAFA has for each AFSC. For instance, if USAFA is originally allocated only 8 acquisitions positions (AFSC code 63) and 60 cadets list acquisitions, DPY will work with the AF Personnel Center (AFPC) in an attempt to increase the number of acquisition positions. The bottom-line: please indicate what you want and don’t attempt “game” the system.
Q: I want to apply for OSI. Do I still rank non-rated AFSCs? How about rated AFSCs?
A: The application for OSI is referred to as a boarded process. This process is separate than the AFSC selection process. You should pursue the boarded process in parallel to the AFSC selection process. So you should still enter your top six non-rated AFSCs in CAMIS and you will be awarded a non-rated AFSC. The boarded AFSCs will be determined at a later date and will take priority over this process. You will not be given the choice of boarded AFSC vs. the optimization AFSC – if you are selected for a boarded AFSC, you will either take that AFSC or not receive an AFSC until determined by the AF Personnel Center.
Q: I want to apply for MSC. Do I still rank non-rated AFSCs? How about rated AFSCs?
A: See answer to question above
Q: I want to apply for the STO program. Do I still rank non-rated AFSCs? How about rated AFSCs?
A: See answer to question above
Q: I heard that there are certain non-rated AFSCs that are in such low demand that I am guaranteed to get that AFSC if it is anywhere on my list. Is that true? If so, what are these AFSCs?
A: There are no such guarantees, but there is a good chance you’ll get one of those AFSCs. There are certain AFSCs that have not typically been in high demand. Additionaly there are AFSCs that have higher need than demand. If one of these AFSCs is on your list of six, you’re likely to be assigned that AFSC (even if you rank it sixth). It is difficult to say definitively which AFSC are in this category as the desires of cadets change from year-to-year.
Q: I am currently applying for a waiver to fly. Should I rank rated or non-rated AFSCs?
A: Yes. You should rank both rated and non-rated AFSCs
The questions below are a compilation of the questions cadets typically ask about the AFSC Selection process….
Q: How am I assigned an AFSC?
A: USAFA is required to assign a specified number of graduates to each AFSC. Specifically, USAFA is given a lower limit and an upper limit on the number of graduates that must be assigned to each AFSC. These limits reflect the needs of the Air Force. As we assign cadets to AFSCs we attempt to meet the needs of the Air Force in such a way that incorporates your preferences for certain AFSCs. In other words, we attempt to assign cadets to AFSCs in such a way that maximizes overall “happiness”. That being said, preferences of cadets ranked higher in the class (according to Board Order of Merit – see question #2) will carry more weight than those ranked lower.
Q: How am I ranked? Do they use OPA?
A: Possibly. The assignment of cadets to AFSCs will uses the BOM Board score.. Each cadet’s BOM score is determined by an officer board – similar to a promotion board – that considers GPA, MPA, PEA, Form 94s, and extracurricular activities. This year, OPA may be included as well.
Q: How many non-rated AFSCs should I list?
A: You should rank six AFSC. In fact, you will need to provide ordinal rankings (i.e., 1 through 6, where “1” is your top pick) and relative weights for each AFSC you list. The relative preference captures how “happy” you would be with that particular AFSC, where a value of “100” indicates the best. You can rank fewer than six, but doing may result in assigning you to “needs of the Air Force.” If, for example, you only rank five AFSCs your sixth choice will automatically become “needs of the Air Force” and it is likely you’ll receive a “needs of the Air Force” AFSC
Q: I want to be a pilot. Am I required rank other rated AFSCs (i.e., navigator, air battle manager)? What if I only want to fly? In other words, if I don’t get pilot I want to pick a non-rated AFSC?
A: No. If you rank one of the rated AFSCs you do not have to rank the other two. If you rank pilot as your top choice and are not assigned pilot, you will be assigned to the next rated AFSC you list, provided it is available. If your rated AFSC(s) are not available, you will then be considered for a non-rated AFSC.
Q: I want to fly. Do I need to rank non-rated AFSCs?
A: Yes. Although your non-rated rankings will only be used in extenuating circumstances (e.g., loss of medical qualification) you are still required to rank six non-rated AFSCs. If you decide against a rated AFSC between now and graduation, your future will likely depend on your non-rated AFSC preferences listed.
Q: Can I put an AFSC weight of 100 for my top pick and a weight f of zero for all other AFSCs?
A: No. By design, there is a minimum weight required for each AFSC. The lower limits for each pick (where “1” is your 1st preference) are:
1. 100
2. 50
3. 33
4. 25
5. 20
6. 17
The upper limit is the value you assigned to the next highest pick. So your first choice will be 100. Your second choice will be between 50 and 100. Your third choice will be between 33 and the value of your second choice, your fourth choice between 25 and your third choice, and so forth.
Q: I notice that there is a counter that tracks how many cadets have ranked each AFSC? Does this mean anything?
A: This counter does not have much meaning. Please do not let this number deter you from selecting an AFSC if you really want that AFSC. In fact, if you don’t list an AFSC that you really want it can hurt the process. After each cadet has entered her/his preferences we use that data to try and adjust the number of allocations USAFA has for each AFSC. For instance, if USAFA is originally allocated only 8 acquisitions positions (AFSC code 63) and 60 cadets list acquisitions, DPY will work with the AF Personnel Center (AFPC) in an attempt to increase the number of acquisition positions. The bottom-line: please indicate what you want and don’t attempt “game” the system.
Q: I want to apply for OSI. Do I still rank non-rated AFSCs? How about rated AFSCs?
A: The application for OSI is referred to as a boarded process. This process is separate than the AFSC selection process. You should pursue the boarded process in parallel to the AFSC selection process. So you should still enter your top six non-rated AFSCs in CAMIS and you will be awarded a non-rated AFSC. The boarded AFSCs will be determined at a later date and will take priority over this process. You will not be given the choice of boarded AFSC vs. the optimization AFSC – if you are selected for a boarded AFSC, you will either take that AFSC or not receive an AFSC until determined by the AF Personnel Center.
Q: I want to apply for MSC. Do I still rank non-rated AFSCs? How about rated AFSCs?
A: See answer to question above
Q: I want to apply for the STO program. Do I still rank non-rated AFSCs? How about rated AFSCs?
A: See answer to question above
Q: I heard that there are certain non-rated AFSCs that are in such low demand that I am guaranteed to get that AFSC if it is anywhere on my list. Is that true? If so, what are these AFSCs?
A: There are no such guarantees, but there is a good chance you’ll get one of those AFSCs. There are certain AFSCs that have not typically been in high demand. Additionaly there are AFSCs that have higher need than demand. If one of these AFSCs is on your list of six, you’re likely to be assigned that AFSC (even if you rank it sixth). It is difficult to say definitively which AFSC are in this category as the desires of cadets change from year-to-year.
Q: I am currently applying for a waiver to fly. Should I rank rated or non-rated AFSCs?
A: Yes. You should rank both rated and non-rated AFSCs
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION QUESTIONS
Can someone be selected for acquisitions who is not a Management major?
YES
The cadets say that the program says you must have 25+ hours of management classes to get that AFSC…
NOT TRUE. The 63A, Acquisitions AFSC has no educational requirement.
The cadets may have confused Acquisitions with Contracting (24+ hrs) or Financial Management (12 hrs)
If the cadet only wants to input one rated AFSC before putting in non-rated AFSCs, will the program skip over the remaining 2 “needs of the AF” and go directly to their non-rated list?
THE RATED PROCESS is completely separate and rated AFSCs are classified first. So, if a cadet is within the top ### of those interested in the rated AFSC, they get it. If they are not within the top ###, they enter the non-rated optimization with their 6 non-rated preferences.
DPY will release the target numbers for Pilot, Nav, ABM.
Thanks for doing all this AFSC stuff for the 2*--they really appreciate the additional sources of information.
YES
The cadets say that the program says you must have 25+ hours of management classes to get that AFSC…
NOT TRUE. The 63A, Acquisitions AFSC has no educational requirement.
The cadets may have confused Acquisitions with Contracting (24+ hrs) or Financial Management (12 hrs)
If the cadet only wants to input one rated AFSC before putting in non-rated AFSCs, will the program skip over the remaining 2 “needs of the AF” and go directly to their non-rated list?
THE RATED PROCESS is completely separate and rated AFSCs are classified first. So, if a cadet is within the top ### of those interested in the rated AFSC, they get it. If they are not within the top ###, they enter the non-rated optimization with their 6 non-rated preferences.
DPY will release the target numbers for Pilot, Nav, ABM.
Thanks for doing all this AFSC stuff for the 2*--they really appreciate the additional sources of information.
Please Post your QUESTIONS HERE
Cadets and interested Staff,
Post questions regarding the AFSC Selection process.
Post questions regarding the AFSC Selection process.
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