1. Air Force Academy LEAD Program

2. Overview  What is the LEAD Program  LEAD is an application/nomination vehicle for airmen, through their CCs, to apply to the AF Academy  Airmen do not require a congressional nomination, just a 1786  Program is supposed to work Top-down but more often than not works Bottom-up (Airmen often makes first move )

3. Qualifications  Prep School  <22 by 1 Jul of entry  Unmarried/no dependents  High moral character  US citizen  SAT=480V/520M  ACT=20E&R/20M&S  Top 40% of class/~2.7 GPA  Direct entry to Academy  <23 by 1 Jul of entry  Unmarried/no dependents  High moral character  US citizen  SAT=580V/560M  ACT=24E&R/25M&S  Top 20% of class/~3.5 GPA

4. The Form  AF Form 1786  Application for a nomination for appointment  AD and Res/Grd enlisted are allocated “slots” for each entering class (85 slots for AD, 85 slots for G&R)  The 1786 must be completed by the member  Endorsed by the squadron commander or higher  Processed by the Military Personnel Flight (MPF)  Puts airman on PCS hold during process  The Sq CC (not Wing CC) must provide separate endorsement letter and included with the 1786

5. LEAD Timeline  AF Form 1786 submitted  1 Mar (year prior to entry) – 31 Jan (year of entry)  Submit Pre-Candidate Questionnaire  on-line at http://www.academyadmissions.com  NLT 31 Dec (Airman’s responsibility)  Completed Candidate Packages  NLT 1 Feb for USAFA direct entry  NLT 1 Mar for Preparatory School

6. Timeline continued  USAFA provides MAJCOMs list of qualified candidates (non selected Airmen availability code is pulled at this time)  Apr  Airmen can accept/decline  Until May  TIP: GET THEM GOING EARLY! BUSY WITH JOBS, TRAINING AND MANY DO NOT COMPLETE BECAUSE THEY START LATE

7. Questions? Any questions about the LEAD Program should be directed to USAFA Admissions at 719-333-2233