Why Diversity Matters to the U.S. Air Force

By Air Force Recruiting Service Detachment 1

There is no other country in the world so widely diverse, yet so deeply committed to being unified, as the United States of America. The challenges we face today are far too serious, and the implications of failure far too great, for our Air Force to do less than fully and inclusively leverage our nation’s greatest strength— our remarkably diverse people. Across the Force, diversity of background, experience, demographics, perspectives, thought, and organization are essential to our ultimate success in an increasingly competitive and dynamic global environment. As airpower advocates, we must be culturally competent and operationally relevant to effectively accomplish our various missions.

Air Force Recruiting Service

Detachment 1 was established in 2018 to conceive and implement innovative programs supporting Air Force Total Force recruiting efforts and is the tactical execution arm of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force’s Rated Diversity Improvement Initiative. The Det 1 team focuses on recruiting in underserved communities across the country while developing partnerships with underrepresented groups.

Det 1 focuses on pre-accession audiences (youth, young adults, and influencers) and works with partners to provide pathways to Air Force officer accession sources such as the U.S. Air Force Academy, Reserve Officer Training Corps, and Officer Training School. They are a unique organization focused on bringing the future faster by securing the most talented Americans to serve in the 21st century Air Force. Det 1 integrates partnerships with agencies both inside and outside of the Air Force to synchronize activities so they can provide pathways towards accessions across the entire Total Force recruiting enterprise.

One of the best programs Det 1 offers to students is the AIM HIGH Flight Academy (AHFA), an aviation scholarship for a three-week introductory flight program at various universities across the world. The mission of the flight academy is to inform, influence, and inspire the next generation of aviators and leaders. After completion of the program, students will understand the pathways to becoming an Air Force aviator, and will earn up to 15 flight hours. AHFA pairs high school students, USAFA, and AFROTC cadets with current Air Force members who provide mentorship about the various aviation professions and career fields.

The AHFA scholarship is completely FREE to selected students! Early exposure to aviation raises awareness of potential opportunities amongst diverse youth. The Air Force is actively identifying and removing barriers to rated careers without lowering standards.

Applications for the Summer 2024 Flight Academies will open 1 September 2023 and can be found here: https://www.recruiting. af.mil/About-Us/Aim-High-Flight-Academy/

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Be at least 16 years old by 1 June 2024

• Be enrolled in high school or be a graduating senior*

• Have a GPA of 3.0 or higher

• Have no more than 5 powered flight hours

Notes:

• No flight or aviation experience necessary (we’ll teach you to fly!)

• No commitment or obligation to the Air Force

• *USAFA & AFROTC Cadets may apply through their institutions

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS RECEIVE

• Up to 15 flight hours

• Housing and meals during training

• Transportation to/from training location

• Classroom training (ground school)

• Flight simulator training

• All training is provided by FAA Certified Flight Instructors

• Access to university recreation facilities

• Mentorship from Air Force aviators

*All items funded by USAF

If you work with an educational institution and think their aviation program would be a great fit to host students for the 2024 flight academies, please reach out to Afrs.ahfa.studentapplications@us.af.mil.

Meet Alexa Bowers, 2023 AIM HIGH Flight Academy graduate!

Alexa is a junior in high school and attended the flight academy session at the University of North Dakota in Mesa, AZ this June. After just three weeks of flight training, she was able to solo an aircraft! She plans to apply to the U.S. Air Force Academy for college and hopes to fly fighters in the future. Read more about Alexa’s story below!

“From the time I was little, I was fascinated with planes. I remember going to airshows with my family and watching the Thunderbirds in awe. I always wanted to experience the freedom and thrill of flying, so getting to solo at the end of the flight academy was one of my proudest moments. Being up in the sky by myself gave me a new sense of confidence to pursue my dream of flying, and afterward, climbing out of the airplane with my friends cheering me on made me feel inspired to pursue it!”