Academy offers visitation program for LEAD applicants

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Katherine Windish
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Airmen hoping to enter the U.S. Air Force Academy can apply through the Leaders Encouraging Airmen Development program, and qualified junior enlisted members will soon have the opportunity to visit the campus.

Academy officials will be flying out two groups of approximately 25 Airmen Sept. 11-14 and 27-30 as part of their Diversity Visitation Program

"This gives applicants the opportunity to talk with current prior-enlisted cadets and personally witness the many opportunities and challenges the Academy has to offer," said Mike Nishimuta, Air Force Academy admissions liaison officer for Aviano. "During the visit, time will be allotted for consultation with admission counselors who may assist prospective students with school applications. There are evening activities planned so that they may see the regular social activities of cadets."

The program was initiated in 1995 by then Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ronald R. Fogleman, and allowed unit commanders to nominate highly qualified Airmen to either the Academy's Preparatory School with an Academy appointment to follow or direct entry into the Academy, depending upon the candidates high school transcript and test scores.

"The LEAD program is an on-going effort to give our best and brightest Airmen the opportunity to excel by offering them appointments to the U.S. Air Force Academy," said Nishimuta. "Commanders have the opportunity to identify outstanding and deserving Airmen with officer potential for this commissioning program."

Senior Airman Nathaniel Penalosa, 31st Operation Support Squadron airfield management shift leader, will soon depart Aviano to attend the Academy Preparatory School in Colorado Springs, Colorado, after being selected from more than 400 applicants.

"I am truly excited about being accepted to the Academy through the LEAD program," said Penalosa. "It is a tremendous honor and I am grateful for the opportunity to advance my career. I look forward to sharing my active duty experience with fellow cadets and bringing in a unique perspective of the active duty Air Force."

Applicants cannot be past their 23rd birthday by July 1 of the year of direct entry into the Academy, or past their 22nd birthday by July 1 of the year of entry into the prep school. Airmen cannot have dependents, and must be a U.S. citizen.

Airmen must also complete the pre-candidate online questionnaire, have a letter of endorsement with an Air Force form 1786 signed by their squadron commander and military personnel flight, have official high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores, and all paperwork must be sent to the Academy's Office of Admissions to be eligible for DVP.

For more information or to fill out an application, visit www.academyadmissions.com or call Aviano's Academy liaison officer at DSN 632-5140.