Building tomorrow’s leaders: AFMC exceeds enlisted-to-officer selection rates in 2025

  • Published
  • By Brian Dietrick
  • Air Force Materiel Command

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio –Air Force Materiel Command and Airmen in support of the U.S. Space Force had 116 selections for various commissioning programs in 2025, reflecting a strong blend of expertise, dedication, and innovation poised to shape the future of the Department of the Air Force.

With a selection rate of 1.48% for AFMC Airmen and 1.93% for Airmen in support of USSF, AFMC leads all major commands in selections and exceeds the DAF average of 1.28%.

“While comprising less than 5% of the enlisted force within the DAF, AFMC produces nearly 6% of all officer selections, punching well above its weight to build future leadership,” said Chief Master Sgt. Alan Bruhn, superintendent, AFMC Force Development. “AFMC’s enlisted force consistently proves to be one of the most competitive for its per-capita officer selection rate.”

This year’s Enlisted Commissioning Program selectees competed in six sub-programs across numerous career fields.

The Scholarships for Outstanding Airmen and Guardians to ROTC (SOAR), Airman Scholarship & Commissioning Program (ASCP), and the Professional Officer Course-Early Release Program (POC-ERP) require that Airmen separate from active, guard, or reserve duty and contract into the Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corps within 24 hours from their date of separation. Once enrolled at the detachment, these individuals are traditional cadets and will commission through AFROTC upon graduation. The Senior Leader Enlisted Commissioning Program and the Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program require selectees to remain on active duty, and they become full-time students assigned to the local university ROTC detachment for administrative purposes.

Officer Training School (OTS) is a nine-week program designed for prior-service Airmen with a bachelor’s degree or within 365 days of degree completion. Personnel attend OTS in enlisted status and are commissioned upon successfully completing the program. There are two categories: "Rated" (including pilot, combat systems officer, air battle manager, and remotely piloted aircraft) and "Non-Rated" (technical and non-technical subprograms).

AFMC has seen a consistent rise in enlisted commissioning selections year after year, demonstrating the command’s strong culture of professional development and leadership excellence. In 2024, AFMC set a command record for the number of Airmen selected, and this upward trend shows no signs of slowing.

“Making the process simpler invites applicants to submit a package,” said Master Sgt. Aaron Earnest, superintendent of AFMC Officer Development. “I believe the Air Force’s promotion system rewards leaders from the early stages of our Airmen and Guardians’ careers, which keeps a good pool of competitive applicants. At AFMC, we strive to encourage our Airmen and Guardians to explore and apply to any of the commissioning programs.”

Capt. Hieu Vu, chief, AFMC Military Personnel Policy and Programs, offered guidance to aspiring applicants.

“I would advise Airmen to focus on four things: sustained superior performance, academics, leadership and followership, and attention to detail,” Vu said. “Ensure that all these are evident in your package. Prior to submission, ensure your documents are free of typos and admin errors.”

AFMC’s strong showing in the 2025 Enlisted Commissioning Programs highlights its commitment to developing the next generation of Air Force leaders. By fostering a competitive and supportive environment, AFMC continues to ensure that Airmen and Guardians are equipped to excel as commissioned officers across the Department of the Air Force.