Join the U.S. Space Force

Guardians Wanted

How to Join

Qualify

You must be 17–39 years of age, a U.S. citizen and have a high school diploma, GED with 15 college credits or GED.

Apply

You apply through an Air Force recruiter via telephone, your local recruitment office or our website. Once you’re confirmed to meet all qualifications, you’ll work with the recruiter to be processed into testing.

Test

The ASVAB assesses your capabilities in four critical areas: arithmetic reasoning, mathematics knowledge, word knowledge and paragraph comprehension. These determine your strengths and your ability to withstand the demands of service and aptitude for specific career areas.

Screen

You’re assessed on moral and physical standards as set by the Space Force, federal law and the Department of Defense. Then you’re paired with a counselor to provide placement options based on your strengths, needs and qualifications.

Train

You’ll be placed in the Delayed Entry Program (DEP), where you’ll await selection and departure for Basic Military Training (BMT).

Qualify

You must be a U.S. citizen and have an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. If you apply after enlistment, your unit commander’s recommendation is required.

Apply

Upon meeting basic requirements, you submit your application via your local recruiter or online.

Test

The Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) assesses you on verbal, math and other specific skill sets. This test can only be taken twice, so ensure you prepare properly.

Screen

If you’re actively enlisted in the Air Force or Space Force, you must attain an AF Form 422 (confirming your prior testing and that you’re medically fit) along with an eligibility statement. All other enlisted members can apply through recruiters.

Train

Your application is reviewed by the Officer Training School Selection Board to determine if and where you fit into the Space Force and then assigned to the next Basic Officer Training course. These are held biannually in February and August. For more information, contact your Local Line Officer.

Board Schedules

Benefits

Benefits to accelerate your future, in and out of uniform

Base Salary

Every active duty Guardian is paid equally based on rank and years of service. But your salary is just part of the package. From the moment you put on your uniform, you're eligible for additional compensation based on your job and station.

Insurance

The Space Force offers Guardians and their families top-of-the-line, low-rate insurance plans, each with comprehensive medical and dental care at military or civilian facilities. Additionally, we provide full pay and allowances for sick days and low-rate life insurance.

Food and Housing

Living expenses are covered for those who choose to live on base. You’ll receive a monthly tax-free allowance based on rank, location and family status.

Food allowance is also provided, and single Guardians receive a free meal account, covering up to four meals a day at on-base dining facilities. On-base, tax-free department and grocery stores are also available, with low-cost prices for standard amenities.

Retirement

The Space Force, under the Department of the Air Force, offers a generous retirement plan which operates within the Blended Retirement System, providing benefits similar to those of many civilian 401(k) plans with employer-matched contributions. This plan combines two main sources of retirement savings: a monthly retirement income for Guardians who serve a minimum of 20 years and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) which includes automatic and matching government contributions.

A TSP 401(k) account is government-run and allows participants to invest in government securities or stocks and have their employer contribute to their account. All members are enrolled in the program following their first 60 days of service with the Department of Defense, providing an automatic contribution of one percent of base pay with matching contributions of up to an additional four percent after two years of service. Automatic and matching contributions continue until service members separate, retire or complete 26 years of service.

Recreation

Most Space Force bases are equipped with golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools and full-service gyms, along with arts and crafts facilities. All are either free for use or at lower rates than similar facilities off base.

Bases also offer social and recreational programs for Space Force family members. These offer enlisted clubs and base-sponsored youth programs.

Vacation and Travel

All Guardians get 30 days of paid vacation per year. They can travel on Air Force aircraft to almost any U.S. state and many international destinations. Additionally, for destinations near military facilities, they qualify for reduced-rate hotel lodging.

Education

Enlisting in the Space Force offers a wide range of educational opportunities. We offer scholarships for Guardians who wish to pursue ongoing education, along with up to 100 percent tuition assistance through the Air Force Tuition Assistance Program, the Montgomery GI Bill or Post-9/11 Bill.

CAREERS

We need men and women who want to solve the hard problems of space

Enlisted

Officer

Become a Guardian

The United States Space Force recruits the brightest minds in technology, aerospace and engineering. Our Guardians reach for new heights beyond the atmosphere as they protect our freedoms, imagine the impossible and put it into orbit.