Into the USAF with a BA?

Question

Hello, first of all I would like to say that I am greatful for all the answers I've received to my questions. The military folk here are so welcoming and helpful. I've become very fond of the military section here at Yahoo Answers.

Here's the thing. I've exhausted the student loans I am allowed to take out from the FED Gov at my university. I support myself so finishing on the outside has become very difficult.

Anyone who has read my previous questions knows I am pursuing my 2nd Bachelor's in Engineering (Mechanical Emphasis). I wanted to head out with all my course work done but that may change. Doesn't bother me that I may have to leave sooner. I just have many many many questions.

I am 26, female. I have a pre-existing BA (in Film); A general education that was more classical hollywood style film education. Meaning I know how to film and edit 16mm and magstock sound. In terms of new technology it wasn't taught much because instructors thought it would take away from learning classical rules. I do know some programs but the knowledge is a little limited. I'm sure I could pick them up quickly though.

Ive been advised by many of my friends, previous Marines, and Army, to go into the AF using my BA, and just worry about finishing up the BS in Mech Engr while in the AF. I do have a better GPA of 3.33 with my BA. What type of opportunities in Film exist in the AF for me?

Either way I want to be an Engr, but if I go in as an officer with my BA what happens from there? Im sure they will use my skill, but will they retrain me on their own methods of filmming if they assign me in that type of work? I also have work related experience in Community Relations, Financial Services, and Non-profit/Corporate Foundation work.

Can I still become an officier? I know a perk is the Loan Repayment stuff. I had planned to finish and use my Engr degree for the AF or Navy anyways. Is it best to choose the Loan Repayment program or can you forfiet for the GI Bill when done? I'm a little disappointed that I will not be an Engineer upon entering.

I will have the following course materials completed when I leave to the AF. And I know they are pretty universal and in most engineering curriculums:

Materials of Engineering

Calculus I

Calculus II

Calculus III

Physics with Calculus I

Physics with Calculus II

Physics with Calculus III

Statics

And possibly Differential Equations by then

There are sprinkles of other Engineering curriculum. For instance my school makes their engineering students take C++ programming with calculus functions, but its labelled something completely different.

I guess the point I am trying to make is that I went back to school to be an Engineer and much rather put to use my current education in math and science so far since I enjoy it much more.

Can any officer recruiters can tell me where my skillset would be best used? Also if I went in with my BA does that mean I have to use it? I know it sounds dumb but I really enjoy Math and Science much more.

Everyone tells me I am so difficult....LoL...so hopefully I havent given you all a headache.

Answer 1

It would be hard to get into the AF with a commission with a BA in Film, with a 3.3 GPA.

The AF OTS average GPA is 3.5.

Why not just contact an AFROTC program at a Univ with a Engineering School.

2,3 and 4 years AFROTC scholarships are available.

It would be almost impossible to complete an engineering degree, while on active duty.

You would have to be stationed near a engineering school, and trying to take a engineering course load, while working every day, would be very hard to do.

Even getting the first two years , is hard, since most univ's without an engineering school, do not offer calculus based physics and Chemistry.

The AF gets most of its officers from the academy and AFROTC,

So AF OTS is looking for people with specific degrees and knowledge.

But the only way to find out, is talk to an officer recruiter.

Answer 2

Your degree often has nothing to do with what you actually do in the service. I am AD Navy, majored in English (with a good number of Engineering core classes), and am currently serving as a division officer for the Main Propulsion plant of a destroyer.  

Talk to an officer recruiter who will be able to better help you, but you should be able to pursue any of the career paths in the AF or Navy.  The only possible exception may be nuke (Navy), as you need a pretty solid engineering knowledge base (and even then Charleston is very tough).  What do you want to do?  In the Air Force, you could look into an engineering or research position; in the Navy, ask about the Engineering Duty Officer option.

There are really a lot of choices for you.  Having a BA rather than a BS won't limit you much at all. Best of luck!