Air Force commissioning program helps Airmen SOAR

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tabitha M. Lee
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF Mildenhall, England --  The Scholarships for Outstanding Airmen to Reserve Officer Training Corps is a commander's program to select top-flight enlisted members for their commission. It offers active-duty enlisted personnel the opportunity to earn a commission while completing their bachelor's degree as an Air Force ROTC cadet.

"This scholarship will be awarded for two to four years, depending on how many years you have remaining in your bachelor's degree program," said Tarrell Matthews, 100th Force Support Squadron Education Center services specialist. "Airmen with some, or no college credit may apply for the program and it is open to students in any major."

The small unit boards, all the way up to the major commands, use the "whole person" concept, which refers to using everything from a member's enlisted performance reports, academics and physical fitness assessments to evaluate applicants from their units.

"Selection boards typically focus on the commander's recommendation, the Airman's duty performance history, and the applicant's academic performance to determine the applicant's eligibility," said Mr. Matthews.

Every year 54 SOAR slots are allocated Air Force-wide and are divided among the MAJCOMs based on their enlisted strength, but recently there is only an average of 21 applicants each year.

"The program has had a 100 percent selection rate for four out of six years," said Mr. Matthews.

There are many benefits to the program, including a scholarship of up to $18,000 a year, a textbook allowance of $900, and a monthly non-taxable stipend of $250 to $500.

"You are also allowed to use your Montgomery Government Issue Bill while in the program to add to your available income," said Mr. Matthews. "It's less than active-duty pay, but it seems to be a small sacrifice to make for your future."

Upon graduation and completion of the program, cadets will be commissioned as a second lieutenant and will return to active duty.

For more information on all commissioning programs, contact the education center at DSN 238-2350.