How to Join — Officer
Civilian — SWAP
Through the Special Warfare Airman Program (SWAP), civilian college graduates and college seniors are eligible to be placed on active duty to assess for the Air Force Special Warfare Officer career field. Below are the requirements, the step-by-step process, and what to expect at each stage.
SWAP Requirements
- —Between 18 and 39 years of age at the time of commissioning
- —Minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- —Minimum AFOQT scores: 15 verbal, 10 quantitative
- —Passing AFSPECWAR Initial Fitness Test (IFT)
- —Passing MEPS Physical
- —Official transcript verifying degree to be awarded and graduation timeline coinciding with the SWAP
Initial Fitness Test (IFT) Standards
| Event | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Pull-ups (1 min) | 12 | 16+ |
| Sit-ups (2 min) | 75 | 90+ |
| Push-ups (2 min) | 64 | 80+ |
| 3-Mile Run | 22:00 | Sub 20:00 |
| 1500m Swim (STO/CRO) | 32:00 | Sub 28:00 |
| 500m Swim (TACPO) | 12:30 | Sub 11:00 |
SWAP Process
Step 1 — Phase I Application
Once you have a passing IFT, AFOQT, and MEPS Physical, your recruiter will assist you with the Phase I application. Application packages for STO, CRO, and TACPO can be found on the Officer Career Fields page.
Application Components
- —Cover Page
- —One-Page Personal Narrative
- —One-Page Resume
- —Recommendation Letter
- —PT Test Verification Letter with IFT scores
- —Medical Records / SWA Physical
Between Phase I & Phase II
- —If accepted to Phase II, you will return to MEPS to enter active duty (EAD) as an E-3
- —You will be issued an identification card, entitled to full pay and benefits, and given a clothing allowance
- —Tuition assistance is not available during SWAP
- —Before Phase II, you will attend the 5-day Enlisted Airman Orientation Course at Lackland AFB, TX
Step 2 — Phase II Assessment
- —A one-week field assessment testing physical, mental, leadership, and teamwork abilities
- —You will remain an E-3 through Phase II
- —The hiring decision occurs at the conclusion of selection
Step 3 — Officer Training School (OTS)
- —If selected, you will be scheduled for OTS as soon as possible
- —You will receive orders to a new duty station with TDY enroute as an Officer Trainee (OT)
- —Promoted from E-3 to OT (paygrade E-5)
Step 4 — Special Warfare Initial Skills Training
After OTS, you will begin the 19Z course in San Antonio, TX.
Phase II Non-Select Options
If not selected at Phase II, you will designate one of the following:
- Volunteer to remain in the Air Force with a regular commission via OTS based on the needs of the Air Force
- Volunteer to be retained as an enlisted Special Warfare Operator and begin the SW training pipeline
- Not volunteer to remain in the Air Force and be discharged without prejudice
Questions?
Contact eric.sanderson.2@us.af.mil