How to Join — Officer

Officer Career Fields

There are three AFSPECWAR officer career fields. Each has its own application process, timeline, and point of contact. All three follow a two-phase selection model: a written application (Phase I) reviewed by a board, followed by a week-long in-person assessment (Phase II).

AFSPECWAR photo 1
AFSPECWAR photo 2

Special Tactics Officer

19ZXA

STOs are experts in setting up remote airstrips in hostile territory, planning reconnaissance missions, and leading the teams who go behind enemy lines to enable airpower.

Application Deadlines

  • 21 Aug 2026
  • 11 Dec 2026
  • 22 Jan 2027

Phase II Screener

  • 17–24 Oct 2026
  • 25–29 Jan 2027
  • 6–13 Mar 2027
720stg.ras.distro@us.af.milDownload Application (PDF)
Eligibility, Standards & Process

TACP Officer

19ZXB

These officers lead teams to call in and direct airstrikes from aircraft, drones, and artillery to support ground troops. They are masters of communication and tactics under pressure.

Quarterly boards — 4 cycles per year

Application Deadlines

  • 20 Nov 2026
  • 19 Feb 2027
  • 14 May 2027
  • 9 Jul 2027

Phase II Screener

  • 25–30 Jan 2027
  • 5–10 Apr 2027
  • 12–17 Jul 2027
  • 13–18 Sep 2027
6ctsdet2.tacp.officer@us.af.mil

Downloads

Eligibility, Standards & Process

Combat Rescue Officer

19ZXC

When a service member is trapped, injured, or isolated behind enemy lines, CROs lead their rescue teams through high-stakes missions to bring them home safely.

Application Deadlines

  • 14 Aug 2026
  • 15 Jan 2027
  • 16 Apr 2027

Phase II Screener

  • Oct 2026
  • Mar 2027
  • Jun 2027
CRO.Selection@us.af.milDownload Application (PDF)
Eligibility, Standards & Process

Accession Sources

Select your commissioning source for background-specific information

Air Force AcademyAir Force ROTCInterservice TransferCivilianSWOC Fitness Calculator