USAFA hosts AF LEAD program brief Published March 23, 2015 By Senior Airman Hailey Staker 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Lieutenants from the U.S. Air Force Academy office of admissions hosted a briefing on the Leaders Encouraging Airman Development program for Ellsworth Airmen at the Deployment Center March 11. The LEAD program presents an opportunity for Airmen, ages 17 to 23, to commission through the Air Force Academy. "My first exposure to the LEAD program was during my First Term Airman Center course, and I immediately gravitated toward the Academy," said 1st Lt. Alejandro Sena, 28th Contracting Squadron construction flight officer in charge and admissions liaison officer. "[It] appealed to me for the same reasons that the Air Force did as a whole - it's an institution built on the foundation of moral character, leadership and excellence. Since I met the age requirements and had no dependents, USAFA was a perfect fit for me." The LEAD program is available to Airmen who are at least 17 years of age but not older than 23 on July 1 of the academy entry year. They must also be unmarried with no dependents, cannot have a legal obligation to support a child or another individual, must be a U.S. citizen prior to preparatory school graduation and be of high moral character. "Airmen who meet these criteria and are interested in the academy are highly encouraged to go to www.academyadmissions.com to create their profile and begin the application process," Sena said. "Candidates are also assigned an air liaison officer who will help answer any questions or concerns. I strongly recommend this program to young Airmen who want a challenging academic, physical and leadership experience and who have a desire to serve as an officer in the Air Force." Sena also stressed that Airmen should look at all commissioning sources, such as Officer Training School, the Reserve Officer Training Corps and the LEAD program, to ensure they make an informed decision. "It is important that candidates understand the expectations and demands of each commissioning source and align them with their wants and desires, future plans, and life situation," he said. "Also, start early. Unfortunately, a lot of Airmen wait until the last minute to schedule testing and finalize their application." Second Lt. Laura Junge, 28th CONS services flight officer in charge and admissions liaison officer, added the competition to get into the academy is different for Airmen than it is for other applicants. "Enlisted Airmen are given a certain number of spots, and they only compete against other Airmen, rather than against high school students," Junge said. "Last year, Ellsworth had three Airmen submit applications and they will find out if they were accepted in the next two months. We never fill all the enlisted Airman slots with qualified candidates." Sena explained that Airmen should not to be afraid to apply and that they often pass up this opportunity because they believe they do not have the right credentials to be accepted. Junge added that by the time many realize this is something they would want to do, they are past the age requirement. "As a prior-enlisted crew chief and USAFA graduate, I am proof that anyone who is motivated, hardworking and has a passion for the Air Force can succeed," Sena said. "If you have any question regarding the LEAD program, please do not hesitate to contact Lieutenant Junge or me." Those who wish to apply for the LEAD program are required to fill out an Air Force form 1786, available at http://www.academyadmissions.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/AF1786.pdf. This form must be completed and submitted by Dec. 31, with a completed package due by Jan. 31, 2016. For more information, candidates can call Sena at (605) 385-1793, Junge at (605) 385-1736, or can visit the admissions website.