The US Air Force provides a variety of benefits and professional opportunities for its members. US Air Force personnel receive benefits from the day they join the active Air Force. The pay and benefits include salary, food and housing allowances, health care benefits, education benefits, and more.
The air force salary increases with rank combined with the time in the service, as well as a cost-of-living increase each year. Aside from the military pay, housing and food are also provided for. Check with recruiters to determine pay scale depending on career, enlistment rank and period of active service.
Members of the Air Force are eligible to receive free housing or a tax free housing allowance called BAH, or Basic Allowance for Housing. Living expenses are given to all members of the Air Force who decide to live in the on-base housing or apartments. Depending on rank and location, personnel are also able to find off-base housing tax free through the Air Force. Food allowances are given daily to all enlisted personnel, allowing them to eat up to four meals a day for free in the on-base dining area. These dining areas allow personnel to enjoy quality made food from the kitchens, or they can also be given the option of eating fast foods.
Air Force personnel are eligible to receive health care benefits through the TRICARE, military health care provider. Active duty members receive free health care with no deductibles or co-payments. There are some limitations regarding the services provided to service members, but on the whole, the military health care system is unsurpassed compared to civilian health care systems. Eligible dependents are also covered under TRICARE, giving military families access to world-class health care. In most cases, coverage is free, or comes with very minor co-payments.
Education is also provided for through the Air Force, as well as individual savings plans that can be started as soon as one joins. Health and life insurance are also provided for not only the enlisted airman or woman, but their families as well.
Becoming Part of the Team
Trying to find a career that can contain both valuable life skills as well as benefits? The United States Air Force can train soldiers in some of the best jobs in the world, with its advanced technology and aviation training, as well as many other career choices including administration work and mechanics. Not sure which job you might be interested in? Here are some of the many enlisted careers and benefits:
Mechanical:
- Learn advanced technology
- Work on aircraft, munitions, vehicles, radio systems
- Join a team working on environmental structures
Administrative:
- Work in operations like food, housing, and equipment as part of Administration
- Learn skills with Aviation Resource Management or Logistics Plans
- Manage transportation or materials
General:
- Learn broad skills that can apply for anything in the future
- Start a career in Intelligence Logistics
- Become part of Air Traffic Control
Electronics:
- Can be found in almost every area of Air Force
- Train in radar and avionics systems
- Gain valuable skills through Missile & Space training
