Top 10 Jobs Available in the Air Force

Looking for job opportunities in the Air Force? Check out our top 10 jobs list to discover Want to join the Air Force and make a difference? From rescue operations to intelligence analysis, there are a variety of exciting jobs available in the Air Force. Our top 10 list will help you find your perfect position so you can start building a rewarding career with the Air Force family.

Air Force Pilot

The Air Force Pilot is one of the most prestigious and sought-after jobs in the Air Force. As an Air Force Pilot, you will be responsible for guiding planes through tasks that are critical to military operations by flying fighter jets, cargo planes, helicopters, and other aircrafts. You can also take on exciting missions such as reconnaissance, search & rescue, air ambulance and humanitarian relief.
Becoming an Air Force Pilot requires strong academic performance, close attention to detail, and excellent physical and mental health. During your service, you will receive detailed training on aircraft maintenance, navigation procedures, and mission tactics. While formal qualifications vary between posts, the most consistent requirements are a college degree in science or engineering and fluency in English language. Once qualified for a position with the Air Force as a pilot you will then partake in rigorous airport testing before ultimately being assigned an operational rank, mission orders, squadron number, and plane type.
The Air Force offers an incredible variety of career opportunities for pilots, including positions within the force’s most elite air wings. Pilots in these units are expected to participate in regular missions and must be able to manage high-stress situations with ease. As a pilot, you will travel around the world on high-powered intelligence gathering, tactical reconnaissance, and long-range bombing operations. High performance is necessary for success as a pilot in the Air Force and many pilots find satisfaction in carrying out such challenging missions.

How to become an Air Force pilot

Becoming an Air Force pilot requires you to meet strict physical, visual, medical and academic requirements. Here are the steps you can take to become an aviator:

1. Join the Air Force

2. Earn a bachelor’s degree

3. Meet officer qualifications

4. Attend officer training school

5. Pass initial flight training

6. Pass undergraduate pilot training

Military Intelligence Officer

Military Intelligence Officers in the Air Force Environmental, Geospatial and Exploitation (EGX) career field collect raw intelligence data and analyze it to create products that enable better decision making on the battlefield. They will help plan and execute reconnaissance missions, coordinate security forces activities, and use their expertise in physics and mathematics for developing targeting strategies. In addition, they will be trusted with researching potential targets, collecting weather data, interpreting satellite images, creating maps, and more.
For those interested in a job as an Air Force Military Intelligence Officer, a bachelor’s degree in physics, public policy, systems engineering, mathematics, international relations, or another related field is highly recommended. A strong background in computer sciences and operations research are also beneficial. Additionally, the military offers several educational opportunities to upskill and stay informed of the latest intelligence technologies and tactics. Upon successful completion of training and mission requirements set forth by the Air Force, Officers may gain additional responsibilities such as leading a team or labored project pursuant to their career field of expertise.

Military Intelligence Officer Job Duties

Military intelligence officers have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Planning and executing missions including reconnaissance and surveillance operations
• Assessing risk factors and developing security plans for high-profile individuals or facilities
• Conducting investigations to uncover sources of leaks of classified information or other illegal activities
• Developing plans for the use of military force, particularly in response to threats of terrorism or other major national security concerns
• Interpreting intelligence data such as intercepted radio communications or satellite images of military activity
• Supervising interrogation and processing of prisoners of war or other detainees
• Collecting, analyzing, and disseminating intelligence information from a variety of sources, including human sources such as spies or informants
• Preparing reports on foreign military capabilities, strategic planning activities, and other intelligence issues
• Conducting counterintelligence activities to prevent espionage or sabotage against government facilities or information systems by foreign agents or domestic terrorists

Cyber Security Analyst

Cyber security analysts protect the Air Force’s digital networks from potential threats and attacks. Working closely with other members of the cyber security team, they are responsible for identifying risks, analyzing system vulnerabilities, implementing countermeasures and monitoring network activity to prevent unauthorized access. They will use their expertise in computer networking, data analysis and security protocols to perform their job duties, which may include installing updated hardware and software to ensure maximum protection of information systems.
Cyber security analysts must be able to develop and maintain a comprehensive security­ plan that encompasses not only the Air Force’s digital networks but its physical infrastructure as well. To ensure compliance with military and government regulations, they will monitor security alerts and events, documenting incidents or breaches in order to apply corrective action. Some also may be called upon to respond to external cyber threats, conducting investigations and making recommendations on how to address suspicious activity. As such, cyber security analysts for the Air Force must possess strong technical skills as well as an aptitude for problem solving.

Air Traffic Controller

Air Traffic Controllers direct the movement of aircraft in the sky and on the ground. They are responsible for issuing instructions to pilots for takeoff, landing, and other maneuvers. They also make sure that flights maintain a safe distance from each other and stay clear of restricted airspace. This position requires great communication skills, quick problem-solving skills and strong ability to multitask as several airplanes must be directed at once.
Air Traffic Controllers must also have a keen knowledge of navigational equipment, airplane protocol and weather conditions. They must be able to diagnose mechanical problems in an aircraft and communicate the solution to the pilot. The job also calls for extensive training, as most controllers learn about the occupation through air force schools such as the Air Traffic Control Academy. Furthermore, all controllers must keep up with FAA regulations and policies to ensure complete compliance at all times.
Air Traffic Controllers work in air traffic control towers, on the ground within aviation centers and even on-board planes. While performing their duties, controllers often have to utilize technical equipment such as radar systems, computers, and headsets to receive information about flight schedules, altitudes, weather conditions and other aircraft in the vicinity. They must then interpret the data in real time and direct pilots via radio communication with regard to takeoffs and landings in order to ensure safety and maintain an efficient flow of air traffic.

Quality and skills for Air traffic controllers.

It’s also important for air traffic controllers to have good physical and mental health; you’ll be expected to pass a class three medical and to adhere to strict regulations regarding drugs (zero tolerance) and alcohol. Applicants with certain conditions such as epilepsy may not be permitted to undertake training programmes.

• strong eyesight and colour vision
• the ability to concentrate for extended periods of time
• problem-solving skills
• spatial awareness and good coordination
• excellent communication and teamworking skills
• the ability to work quickly, accurately, calmly and decisively under pressure
• motivation and self-discipline
• an aptitude for working with technology
• flexibility with regards to the locations you’d be willing to work.

Special Warfare Operator/Pararescue

Special Warfare Operators/Pararescuers are highly specialized aircrew members who conduct rescue operations for downed airmen and others in need. They are highly trained in survival skills, underwater operations, close quarters battle (CQB), conventional warfare and other areas. Pararescuers are able to parachute from high altitudes which enables them to perform rescues that otherwise wouldn’t be possible. This job requires excellent physical fitness and strength.
Pararescuers serve their country by ensuring that our aircrews receive the help they need when they are in danger. They are trained to treat acute injury, assess vital signs and provide medical care at the scene of an accident. Despite the fact that it is a dangerous job, pararescuers have always been willing to risk their lives for those in peril and display exemplary courage and selflessness on a daily basis. These heroes deserve our utmost respect and admiration as they perform an invaluable service for our nation.

ROLES AND TYPES OF SPECIAL WARFARE OPERATOR