Young Airmen ‘LEAD’ way for commissioning

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Mike Tryon
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  Enlisted Airmen at Air Force Global Strike Command's F. E. Warren Air Force Base wishing to commission from the Air Force Academy, Colo., have the opportunity through the Leaders Encouraging Airman Development program.

According to Col. (ret) Carol Holland, Wyoming liaison officer director, members wanting to go through this program need to be between the ages of 17 and 22 if attending the preparatory school, or between 17 and 23 if going straight to the academy.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens, have no dependents, and have no Uniform Code of Military Justice convictions or major civil offenses, Colonel Holland added.

Every year, 85 are slots available to active-duty, Guard and Reserve members.

"If you're interested in applying, you have to stay open minded and not be cynical," said Cadet Lisa Halbach. "The Academy is going to be a challenge, but you will find a way to get through it as long as you don't ever give up."

The first step in the application process starts with commander's approval, Colonel Holland added. Once a commander recommends approval for appointment to either the Academy or preparatory school, individuals must complete an Air Force Form 1786, which can be found at http://www.academyadmissions.com/online. This form must be completed and turned into the Academy Admissions Office -- USAFA/RRS, 2304 Cadet Drive, USAF Academy, Colo., 80840 -- prior to Jan. 31.

Along with the completed form and commander's approval, applicants need to provide a letter stating why they want to attend the academy or preparatory school, their high school transcripts and their American College Testing or Scholastic Aptitude Test scores.

Individuals will need to request a hold on any reassignment actions, which can be done through their servicing Military Personnel Services office.

For more information about the LEAD program, contact the education center at 773-2117.

Tales from recent Warren members who commissioned through the LEAD program

Cadet Chad Jessup, formerly from the 790th Missile Security Forces Squadron, and Cadet Lisa Halbach, formerly from the 321st Missile Squadron.

"I decided to go through this program because I wanted to further my education and did not have the time while working in the missile field," Cadet Jessup said.

Cadet Jessup added he is currently on leave but, once he returns, he will begin his training to become a remote piloted aircraft operator.

"The best part of this has been the experiences," he added. "I've really enjoyed traveling and gaining a better understanding of the differences between the enlisted and officer ways of life."

"While I was working in the [90th] Operations Group, I was given many opportunities and always pushed to do my best at everything I did," Cadet Halbach said. "The senior noncommissioned officers and officers in the group are the ones who pushed me to pursue this."

Cadet Halbach added her major is biology, and she plans on working forensics science for the Office of Special Investigations. But, if that falls through, her backup plan is to become a civil engineer.

"I've really enjoyed the wide array of opportunities [the Academy] offers," she said. "This place is a great experience and one I am proud to be a part of."