What happens at Air Force Tech School

Air Force Tech School is an exciting place to be when you are finished with your Air Force Basic Military Training. Completing Basic Training now signifies that you have mastered the basics of what it takes to be in the armed forces especially the Air Force. Now, the Air Force will send you to Air Force Tech School where you will learn everything you need to know to execute your role for your job during your enlistment in the Air Force.

Tech School is a bit different as the environment is focused more on learning the ins and outs and nuisances of your given role. While there is a little more freedom at Tech School with weekends off and off base privileges, it is still an environment to help train and mold you to be the best Airman you can be.

The better you perform at Tech School will help you in your career so hit the books early and often while you are there.

How Long is Tech School?

When you are going to your Tech School, the length of how long you will be there depends on your job and the scope of work. Most of the Air Force Tech Schools are located in one of these four bases listed below.

1. Goodfellow Air Force Base, San Angelo, Texas
2. Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas
3. Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi
4. Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas

When and where you attend tech school does not decide what base you will be stationed at after your graduation. In basic training, you will give your top location preferences and the Air Force will take them and the needs of the Air Force into consideration when giving you your new duty station.

When you are at tech school, the range of time at the school can be from six to seventy-two weeks depending upon your line of work. Some schools like those in cybersecurity attend school for fifty days while those in health management attend tech school for 36 days. A great benefit of attending tech school is that you will receive college credits from the Community College of the Air Force.

The Community College of the Air Force is a federal program offered by the US Air Force that grants a two year Associate Degree in partnership with Air University.

Air Force Tech School Phases

Though each tech school will vary in length, depending on what your line of work will be, tech school is made up of three different phases.

Phase One of Air Force Tech School

Phase one of tech school will begin on day one of tech school through the 14th day. These first two weeks of tech school are structured similar to basic training, with a lot of enforcement of rules.

Phase Two of Air Force Tech School

Phase two begins on the 15th day of tech school and will last until the 35th day of training. During Phase two of tech school Airmen will learn what is to be expected of them during their time in training. They will earn more privileges as they are earned.

Phase Three of Air Force Tech School

The 35th day of tech school will mark the beginning of phase three. Phase three will grant Airmen a lot more freedom than the other phases. Read below to learn more about having visitors during tech school.

Can I have a Visitor at Tech School?

You are required to stay on base your first two weeks and may not have any visitors during that period (phase one). During weeks three and four(phase two), you may leave the base with visitors but must wear your uniform at all times.

During week four is when you can leave base completely without wearing your uniform. There will be times when you may have liberty periods or restrictions enforced based on your chain of command so please be aware of any orders or changes coming down from your Sergeant or any high rank.

What’s After Tech School?

After tech school Airman have the opportunity to take leave before they head to their first permanent duty station. Traditionally, Airman will get ten days leave before they report to their duty station.

Airman also have the opportunity to apply for the Recruiter Assistance Program (RAP). Airman who apply for and are approved for RAP will be able to stay home longer before having to report to their next duty station.

The Recruiter Assistance Program gives Airmen the opportunity to work with their local recruiting office in an effort help with recruiting.