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AETC accepting rated prep program applications through May 30

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Rated Preparatory Program

Rated Preparatory Program (U.S. Air Force graphic)
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JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas. -- Active-duty Air Force officers and enlisted Airmen interested in becoming rated officers can apply for the Fall 2025 Air Force Rated Preparatory Program through May 30.

The Rated Preparatory Program provides qualified Airmen an opportunity to gain and strengthen basic aviation skills in preparation for testing and applying to an Undergraduate Flying Training (UFT) board.

“The program benefits Airmen aspiring to become rated officers by delivering focused, hands-on aviation training and self-paced ground instruction, all designed to strengthen their skills and enhance their competitiveness,” said Kassandra Hall, Air Education and Training Command (AETC) Aviation Outreach program analyst.

Hall added that since its inception, more than 228 program graduates have been selected for a rated career field through the UFT board. Airmen graduating from RPP benefit through improved scores on the Test of Basic Aviation Skills (TBAS) and Air Force Officer Qualification Test (AFOQT), making them more marketable and competitive in selection for Air Force flying training programs.

Up to 60 candidates for the program will receive ground instruction including approximately 7.5 hours of flight time and 2.5 hours of time in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-certified flight simulators.

The program is designed to minimally interfere with duties through self-paced ground school materials and each student will attend a one-week, hands-on flying program to introduce participants to aviation fundamentals.

Executed by Civil Air Patrol and AETC officials, RPP is not a commissioning program, nor does it guarantee participants will be selected for a particular rated Air Force specialty code. Air Force rated career fields consist of pilots, combat systems officers, air battle managers and remotely piloted aircraft pilots.

For more information on requirements or to apply, visit MyVector, then select MyApplications and MyBoards. For additional assistance, email AETC.A1ZD.AviationOutreach@us.af.mil.