Aiming to LEAD

Second Lt. Joseph Okai, Air Force Academy admissions officer, gives an information briefing to enlisted Airmen about the Leaders Encouraging Airmen Development program at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Dec. 20, 2013. Upon completion of the program, LEAD Airmen enter the Air Force as second lieutenants with a bachelor degree and train in one of many career fields including intelligence, aviation and engineering. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Anania Tekurio/Released)

Aiming to LEAD

Second Lt. Joseph Okai, Air Force Academy admissions officer, meets with Airmen about the Leaders Encouraging Airmen Development program at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Dec. 20, 2013. To be eligible for the LEAD program, Airmen must be at least 17 years old, but no older than 23 on July 1 of the year they enter the Academy. Candidates must also be an unmarried citizen of the U.S., have no dependents, be of good moral character and have no prior drug use or conviction. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Anania Tekurio/Released)

Aiming to LEAD

Published Dec. 23, 2013
By Senior Airman Anania Tekurio
28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Airmen, their supervisors and base leadership gathered at the Deployment Center Dec. 20, to learn more about a program designed to help enlisted servicemembers earn a commission.

First Lt. Alejandro Sena, 28th Contracting Squadron contract specialist, who was one of the speakers during the event, said that the Leaders Encouraging Airmen Development program can help exceptional Airmen earn a commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.

"The Air Force Academy is good for anyone who wants to challenge themselves academically and physically, refine their leadership skills, and become an officer in the world's greatest Air Force," Sena said.

Upon completion of the program, LEAD Airmen enter the Air Force as second lieutenants with a bachelor degree and train in one of many career fields including intelligence, aviation and engineering.

"Every year, there are several slots reserved for Airmen at Air Force Academy," said 2nd Lt. Joseph Okai, Air Force Academy admissions officer. "This year we have 85 slots reserved for direct appointment and 50 slots for the Academy Preparatory School."

Sena said to be eligible, Airmen must be at least 17 years old, but no older than 23 on July 1 of the year they enter the Academy. Candidates must also be an unmarried citizen of the U.S., have no dependents, be of good moral character and have no prior drug use or conviction.

Okai added that prior enlisted cadets offer a wealth of experience to their peers and provide invaluable insight into the intricacies of daily Air Force life.

"I've been researching a lot about this program and I'm in the process of applying," said Airman Andrew Gelbard, 28th Civil Engineer Squadron heating, air conditioning and ventilation technician. "To have the opportunity to serve as an officer in the greatest Air Force in the world means so much to me."

For more information about the LEAD program, call Sena (605) 385-2126.